Bonsway!

Our last day in Rome was relatively leisurely.  We strolled to the Trevi Fountain which was lovely, but very crowded.  We then walked up Michaelangelo's steps behind the gigantic Wedding Cake Memorial.  We were once again near the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, which meant we had a long walk back to our hotel.  After a rest we walked the Corso for some retail therapy and then found a local place for a drink and dinner.  We have enjoyed our time in Italy but look forward to seeing everyone at home.

It was another relatively early start for us as we had to be at the Colosseum before 9am for our 3.5 hour tour.  The weather is hot so we were glad it was a morning tour.  Our guide was an archeologist and we were very grateful when she took us to an entry point away from the teeming crowds of people lining up to get a ticket.  It was an excellent tour and helped to dispel a few myths (Christians were not fed to lions at the Colosseum) and clarify what is known and what is still conjecture.  It is a massive structure, even today and enough of its original features exist for you to imagine how it would have looked and operated.  The platform to indicate the floor of the arena is really helpful and the example of wooden pulleys and ramps to bring gladiators and animals up from below was great. The Forum was also interesting we were able to see where Julius Caesar was cremated and the various basilicas that still remain.  On the Palatine Hill, we saw where ...

Today we set off for the Campo de Fiori a food market not far from the Tiber.  We had a great time wondering around in the relative cool of the morning.  We couldn't resist buying some fruit, including a blood orange.   Later we visited the Pantheon which we have always loved, but hadn't realised is a functioning church.  Even when crowded with tourists there is peace to be had there. Then we headed for the Spanish Steps.  In our travels around the city, there are many excavated historical sites, one that was only discovered 10 years ago!   We are gradually getting our bearings and adapting to city living after our time on the coast. Ciao