Roma

Roma July 3, 2010

Twenty six years ago we were in Rome at this same time - went to a papal audience on July 4th - and it was extremely hot. Why didn’t we remember that when making our plans for this trip? Oh well, we’re walking on the shady side of the street when that is possible and enjoying afternoon siestas to avoid the worst of the heat. Actually working well for us. (Tim was at the Laundromat while Lynda and Madi had siestas!)

Yesterday we settled into our hotel - it is a 5 minute walk from the Trevi Fountain. We went there several times but the crowds were so big that Madison wanted to go back when it wasn’t so busy. She and Tim got there about 7:30 this morning and the fountain was “closed” for cleaning! Not a happy Madi! When we returned after breakfast about 9:00 we were able to get pictures with the water back on and the crowds at a reasonable level. All three of us threw coins in to assure our return to Rome.

Last night we found our first geocache in Italy - we tried to find one in Sorrento and couldn’t locate it. The one we found in Rome was right by the Trevi Fountain and we took the cache into a nearby church to open it and log our findings so others wouldn’t see what we were doing. We have 4 more to find in Rome and then several in London when we get there.

Friday was also a good day because we went to the ristorante in Naples that invented pizza. They still serve only 2 varieties - a tomato, cheese and basil (margherita) and a tomato, oregano, garlic(marinara) pizza. The place is constantly busy and the pizza was great! Once in Rome we went to the Gelateria with the best gelato in Rome - per our hotel and Tim! Last night we found a lovely old trattoria with both outside dining and rooms in a cellar with air conditioning - we took the cellar! We’ll go back as the pastas are great.

This morning we took the Metro to the Vatican and waited in a long but fast moving line to see St. Peter’s Basilica - impressive as always. We then went into the crypt to see the tombs of the Popes. Pope John Paul II’s tomb was the most popular with many people still praying to/for him. Ciao for now!