Rome - the eternal city

Or as we call it, the eternal walking city. Dennis once again walked our feet to bloody stumps, but what else could we do since it was Luther's only day in Rome? We were off the boat by 7:30 to take the ship's shuttle to the mouth of the port. Then we schlepped our heavy suitcase six humid blocks to the train station. Suitcases down the stairs and back up the stairs to the platform and suitcases into the crowded train. Off the train in Rome to the city bus to a taxi stand to the hotel. Whew. Then we were ready to tour!

We started with the Pantheon, where we met our friends Emilia and Rossella who came down from Florence to spend a couple of days with us. On our way to view Caravaggio's Calling of St. Matthew and the martyrdom of St. Matthew at San Luigi dei Franceschi, we stopped at the famous Caffè St. Eustachio for a coffee. Then it was off to Campo dei Fiori to pick up some pizza and panini for a picnic in front of a palace. After our yummy lunch we took a bus to see the Colosseum and Forum from the outside. Not too many people were going in the Forum. It was too hot in that sun!

Back on the bus to the Vatican. Dennis played Ciccerone (Cicero), guiding us through the museum. He was especially happy to show the Sistine Chapel to Emilia, who somehow had never been there before. You'd think there'd be a law in these parts! After the Vatican, naturally we visited St. Peter's, always an impressive place to see.

Then it was back to the hotel to see our rooms, which hadn't been ready earlier. We are living high on the hog! We are in a building around the corner from the main hotel in an apartment with two bedrooms, a living room and small kitchen and two bathrooms, both modern and one with a jacuzzi. We have a laptop to use and fancy TVs in every room, and even a balcony. Very posh and in a great location.

We washed off a layer of sweat and dust and ventured out to Trastevere for dinner at a restaurant Rosella knew about from the theater company she manages. We tried some of the local Roman specialties - pasta cacio e pepe, baccalà, fried zucchini blossoms, hand-cut prosciutto. All excellent.

Then we were done. We dragged our exhausted selves back to the hotel and collapsed. It must be noted that Rebecca remains the Fill or Bust champion. Just thought I'd mention that. Of course, Julie and Luther did not have a real chance to challenge her due to extreme exhaustion.

Day two of Rome has been much more restful. We sent Luther on his way to the airport at 8, and jumped on a bus to where Rossella and Emilia are staying at Rosella's sister's house. We strolled down the hill, then went back to the apartment for a brunch that Emilia expertly prepared for us. We had a local buffalo mozzarella, made fresh this morning, a slad of bresaola and arugula (are you jealous, Lisi?), melon and prosciutto and a salad of frezzelle with tomatoes. Delizioso.

Julie, Dennis and Rebecca headed back to the Vatican for a tour of the Scavi, the tombs below St. Peter's church where they believe Peter's bones lie. We saw the foundations of the previous churches that were on the site, dating from the 2nd and 4th centuries. The tour has to be booked in advance and are restricted in number because the space is small. We were a group of 10, and didnàt see any other groups down there. It was very, very cool (the experience, not the temperature), and Julie wasn't even claustrophobic!

Now we are awaiting Emilia and Rossella to visit the Spanish Steps and find some gelato. Then get some dinner and say goodbye to our frends. May be we will get some Rome pictures up later.