Flew on EasyJet from Athens to Rome. Even scheduled a decent departure time at 10am. Figured out the location of the hotel using my phone and map feature ahead of time (gotta love the Internet). But wasn’t sure how I was going to get to my hotel. I hate paying a lot of money for taxis. My tour planner had recommended a private driver – not this girl. The flight attendants on the plane were selling tickets for a shuttle bus into the center of Rome. They assured me it was a short walk from the Piazza Cavoura stop and my hotel. I did get a taxi from the Piazza to hotel – it would have been too far to walk with luggage.
Stayed at L’Angelo di San Pietro, a charming B&B located near St. Peters Basilica. Room was large with a balcony overlooking the courtyard and slight views of the dome of St. Peters.
I had prepurchased a ticket to the Borghese Gallery, a museum located in the North part of Rome. I waited a little too long to leave the hotel, not knowing my exact mode of transportation. Walked to a metro stop recommended by the hotel. However the distance from the metro to the museum was far, 30 minute walking fast. I was worried because I had a reservation for 3pm and the guide books said you could lose your reservation. The museum is in a lovely park that used to be the grounds of a Cardinal’s mansion and its estate. Lots of Italian families enjoying the gardens but noone I asked knew where the museum was.
There was no problem getting in, even a little late. The museum was filled with world-class Baroque sculpture including Bernini’s David and Apollo chasing Daphne (and she turns into a tree), and famous paintings by Raphael, Carravagio, and Titian. The descriptions for each painting were okay – I eavesdropped on a couple of English tours (but they went so slow…). And my Rick Steve’s Rome guidebook had some good information. I found that after you go through all these world class museums it is hard to remember what you saw where without being able to take some pictures.
Nothing special about dinner on my first night in Rome. Just ate at a place that was available when I was ready to eat. Tried their self service appetizer bar – all cold dishes. Interesting. Best thing about dinners in Greece and Italy is the 4 euro carafe of red wine!
Italy is very crowded even in September at the popular tourist spots. Walked by the Spanish Steps and there was a band playing and it was shoulder to shoulder. My goal for this trip was to avoid these types of crowds to see the museums and famous sites.
My feet were aching by the time I did the museum and then walked home. Called it an early night to get ready for a full day of touring on Sunday.
