Lines Are Just Suggestions

June 10, 2016--Day 2

Today was too big to really take in. We started the day early in order to get into the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and St. Peter’s Square. We didn’t have a ton of time to wander around, but it was certainly enough time to be awestruck by the beauty of the paintings, the architecture, and the passion of the artists. From there, we spent time exploring the work of the Colosseum. I’m still processing the experiences in both places.

As we drove around Rome, it was cool to see the way it has been built layer upon layer. The Romans did not tear things down, but often built additions and used old buildings to build new ones--the original reclamation designers and builders. In addition to our guide for the whole grand tour, Dina, we also had a local guide, Donatello...before you start with the Ninja Turtle jokes, she was a lovely woman born in Naples and raised in Rome. She had a quiet passion for her city and a great sense of humor about her people. We enjoyed her commentary and learned a lot. Rome is not like any city in the U.S. that we have ever visited. It was funny that Donatello kept referring to it as a young city, when it fact, it’s older, by far, than anything in the States.

People watching was interesting in that the only people in a hurry were those in/on small moving vehicles on the road--Smart Cars, little Fiats, Mini-Coopers, small versions of Fords, Toyotas, Audis, motorcycles, scooters. All motorists in Rome take the lines that divide lanes as a suggestion, not the rule. Those on motorbikes take their lives into their own hands, darting in and out between slow moving tour buses and cars who don’t move fast enough. I’ve seen enough close calls in the last two days for a lifetime. Our driver, Danello, seemed to take in stride. The only time he got animated was when he discussed which route to take with our guide, Dina--he got going full on with his hands! He did get upset with a driver one time and used many different gestures out the window, although I could not figure out why he was so mad.

This afternoon into the evening, we took a stroll through some of the smaller streets, visited the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, and ate dinner in the Piazza Navona--Tim and I split a first course of spaghetti alla carbonara, while I had veal saltimbocca with mushrooms and Tim had a veal dish with ham and mozzarella--all of it was delicioso! We actually ate dessert first, so we are both still on track to eat gelato every day--today’s flavors were chocolate and panna cotta for Tim and hazelnut and pistachio for me--so so good. From there we got back on the tour bus and headed back to our hotel. I’m not nearly as physically tired as I thought I would be, but my brain is beginning to hurt from taking in all this history. Hopefully, I will get a chance to write more on the bus tomorrow.

One other note--being on a guided tour is kind of awesome. We have yet to stand in a line!

The wi-fi at the hotel is super slow--no surprise. We’re supposed to have wi-fi on the coach, but we’ll see. We’re off to Alberobello tomorrow. Ciao!