MY LAST DAY IN ROME

Spanish Embassy with armed guards.

  Spanish Steps.

Tevere River, I sailed earlier in the week with the sisters from South Africa.

I actually think I found an antique store like the ones I frequent in the US. I didn't go in when I shot this photo and then today it was closed. Moral of the story...just do it!

I found this on the wall of a restaurant where I frequented. "Bread, wine and ham are good for everyone." 

Arrivederchi Roma! 🇮🇹

MY WALK TO TREVI FOUNTAIN

Trevi Fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world. It has appeared in many notable films, including Federico Fellini's La Dolce Vita and Theee Coins in the Fountain, and a personal favorite, Under the Tuscan Sun. Though it was mid day, and quite sunny, I was able t capture the beautiful, clear water. There are several security guards about blowing whistles, as no one is allowed to touch the water. Included are photos of my lovely walk finding this treasure.

This little fruit and wine store is a the only building I discovered with these lovely vines growing. 

A sweet little church, one of about 900 churches in Rome.

I was itching to put my hands in that gorgeous water, and my hot and tired feet. But I am very happy they don't allow it...you can see how beautiful it is kept!

Espresso and pastry on the way back to my hotel. Three tiny and precious sips, but delicious!

ROMAN FORUM-PALACE

This tour immediately followed the Colosseum tour. Grateful we got to see more, yes, but I was really dragging. And I love to be stylishly dressed, this was not the trip to worry about looking my best. A rather comical side note, I applied my makeup every day, as I normally do. But it's rather silly because within less than an hour it's dripping off, along with any moisturizer. Did I still start my day with make up? What do you think?! Enjoy the photos and please forgive my lack of information. Also, the photos are best viewed on a large screen.

One bit of fascinating information I do remember, in one of these buildings below was where the government began, over 2,000 years ago! The first senators met here in one of these buildings. It was difficult to understand which building it was, though James, our guide, said behind a tree. There you have it! 

Temple di Romolo, House of Romulus, remember he first twins, Romulus and Remus? The beautiful green door is made of bronze, and is original. James said the lock even works to today. I doubt he has tested it. Thanks goodness for guides, they make a hot and dusty guided tour quite colorful and fun.

THE COLOSSEUM

There's not much for me to say here, I will let my photos tell the story. I did find it fascinating and somewhat sad...so much violence, unimaginable. I asked our guide where were the original walkways, because where we were standing it didn't seem ancient. She said unequivocally, it's all original! Only minor patch work in certain places. 

This photo was taken upon entering. Notice the small green flag in the foreground. This is how we followed our guides, particularly helpful in large crowds. (Guides all had a pole with a colorful scarf or flag.)  You don't want to get too distracted and get separated, like I almost did!

This was a dungeon or prison. Wasn't it all a prison?...was my thought. The long horizontal hole was for the guards to urinate.  

My favorite photo of the Colosseum. I happened to be in a taxi in the evening and grabbed my camera. 

TEVERE RIVER BOAT RIDE

The Tevere River runs through the center of Rome.  Meeting new people at breakfast is always a delight. As I was getting into the elevator, two women joined me and we struck up a conversation. They were sisters from South Africa and travel frequently. They asked if I had taken a boat ride on the Tevere yet, and highly recommended it. I asked if I could tag along. Being on the water sounded cooler than walking in the center of Rome filled with tourists and big buildings.

Italy has the tiniest, cutest trucks, no doubt to traverse the narrow streets. This one is no more than a 3 wheel motorcycle. More photos of Trastevere tonight, restaurants and market. 

A clever way to use an antique truck for a bar.

Yes I actually was here in Rome! You don't want to hand your phone to just anyone. 

New friends enjoying a moment in time, on the Tevere River boat. Sisters Belinda and Hanalii, from South Africa, Glen and Mia currently living in Sweden and yours truly. After the boat cruise we had  lunch together in a lovely cafe. Glen is from New Zealand (I loved his accent) and we (they haha!) had some lively discussions about the South African and New Zealand rugby teams. Glen was quite fun, and the sisters threatened throughout our half day together, to tell him which of their teams had won the day before. It was hilarious! He was going to be sorely disappointed when they arrived home the next day. But the girls never hinted, of course. We parted after our selfies and Glen and Mia were conveniently going to the under ground train, subway. I gratefully followed, going back to my hotel to peeeeeeel off my clothes and jump into the shower. Drinking lots of water, showers, resting a short time, and letting the body cool down, is what one needs to do in 100 degree weather! Because an hour later, you can go out to mangiare...to eat! An important word to know if you ever come to Italy.

Buon viaggio con amici!!