No photo... But lots of memories.

Today is our last day in Rome and we have no photos to share. The camera is broken and I am saddened that I missed several photo ops today.

We will grab a taxi at 4am tomorrow to go to the airport. But tonight we will celebrate for the last time with dinner under an umbrella at Piazza Navona. We love sitting in front of the fountain and listening to the singing and watching the street performers.

We strolled through Trastevere this afternoon and enjoyed a lemon ice while lounging near Ponte Fabricio (the oldest bridge across the Tiber). We love all the little shops and the friendly shopkeepers. I'll miss our ambling walks around town. I don't think I've ever walked so much in my life! But I've enjoyed every step!

See you soon! Hugs and Kisses!!!

Scalinatella di Spagna

We hiked our way across town to the Spanish Steps today. Past Piazza Venezia, the Pantheon, Sant Ignazio, and Trevi (where a kind stranger took our photo), arriving at the famous Spanish Steps and the top of Via Condotti.


We spent an hour or so just shopping... Prada, Fendi, Gucci, YSL, Louis Vuitton, Armani, Bulgari, Celine, you name it! Of course, our shopping was of the "window" variety. I fell in love with a beautiful Prada--but alas, although I married a prince, he is not a wealthy prince!

On our return to the apartment, we stopped by the open market at Campo. The fresh strawberries we bought there a couple of days ago were simply delicious! So sweet and flavorful, served with a beautiful Balsalmic Crema. Yum!

Vaticano e Trevi

Today was dedicated to the investigation of Citta Del Vaticano. We toured Basilica di San Pietro (St. Peter's Bascilica) on our own, and then we joined a tour group.

I learned a lot today--for instance, did you know that the term vatican has no actual religious meaning? It just so happens that the center of the Roman Catholic Church was built upon the Vatican Hills. Thus the name...

And did you know that the Vatican is guarded by the Swiss Guard? Well it is--but why do they wear those funny uniforms? No, I'm really asking, why do they where them??? I really want to know!

Did you know the Vatican is a city/state? And that they have their own postal service and banking system? Some of you may actually get postcards from a Vatican Post Office. IF the US postal service delivers it without a zipcode--oops! Did you also know that they have their own money--but the money is in the form of collector coins and can't actually be used?


We found it very interesting that people seemed to enjoy taking photos of the deceased Popes who were laying in repose in St. Peter's Bascilica. I enjoyed the sculpture and the frescos, but I can do without photos of the deceased.

I can't imagine how many people and how many hours went into the creation of these famous structures. Simply impressive. Although, to be honest--I enjoyed the works by Raphael more than I enjoyed the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Sorry, but true. Maybe it was because it was crowded in there, and uncomfortable looking at the ceiling for any length of time. Or maybe it was because our guide shared interesting commentary about Raphael, and I enjoyed picking out the details he described. No offense, Michelangelo!

After leaving the Vatican, we took a taxi through Trastevere and over the Tiber River. Our next stop was the Pantheon.

We had been to the Pantheon before, but for some reason, we always arrive just as it's closing. So today we made it in time to go in and see the oculus. The Pantheon is especially impressive when you realize that the dome was constructed without the use of scaffolding. The builders used rock-climbing ropes. Sounds dangerous to me!

And the oculus is so cool! Does anyone know if it's really true that rain never falls through the opening because of the updrafts? I wish it had rained today so I could witness that!

We finally made it to Trevi Fountain today. It was certainly a spectacle! I can't believe the hordes of people who just sit around and enjoy the sights. It was certainly a great place for people watching. And we topped off the day with a gelato from our favorite gelataria. And for those of you who were wondering... I counted 109 flavors of gelato. I hope I didn't miss any...

Sunday in the Jewish Ghetto

Our day started with the sounds of a lively neighborhood. The couple downstairs entertained us with their version of a Italian tune, sung at the top of their lungs. The woman across the balcony sneezed, very loudly, and repeatedly for over an hour. The guys who had the party last night with all the laughing and storytelling were sleeping late... It's a fun place to be, but don't expect any privacy!

We decided to be locals today and take public transportation. We walked all over town to get to the bus stop we needed to take the bus to Via Appia Antica. On the way home, we discovered a bus stop just down the street from our apartment. At one stop, we waited for 30 minutes before a bus arrived, just to tell us we were at the wrong stop!

At Via Appia Antica we toured the Catacombs. Specifically, we toured Catacombe di San Callisto. It was a little claustrophobia inducing... But kinda cool! The park-like setting above the catacombs is the perfect place for a Sunday afternoon picnic--but we opted for gelato, instead!

On the way home, we stopped at Musei Capitolini. We looked at statues and paintings until I thought I would faint from the heat and exhaustion.

This evening, we ate dinner here, in the Ghetto. We had the traditional meal of carciofi alla guidia and filetti di baccala--otherwise known as deep fried artichoke, and battered salt-cod fillets. It was delicious--especially when topped off with another gelato!

We got gelato at a new place we found, just a few blocks north of the Pantheon. There were too many choices! And it was interesting to note that while the place was packed, there were no children in sight! These clamoring clients were all adults!

To purchase one of these coveted gelato treats, you pay for the gelato first. After paying, you wait in line, hoping that the server will pick your ticket next. And look at the final result! Well worth the wait!