Rome was a whirlwind of tours, activities and sightseeing. Perhaps our most memorable event was our dinner with our Airbnb host, Lorenzo, wife Emma and daughters, Carolina and Sophie. What a wonderful evening of antipasto, delicious homecooked pasta amatriciana, enlightening conversation, and of course, a few card tricks.
Our Airbnb was very unique,very Roman. We are by the Pyramide Metro Station, right next to the pyramid.
Emma made us an apricot tort as a welcome gift 🎁
Aperitif of Amaro from Calabria
Carolina and Sophie
We had a number of chill days, strolling the local neighborhood, eating at cafes, coffee shops and seeing nearby sights.
Lovely lunch at Piazza Navona after riding the Hop On Hop Off bus.
Fountain of 4 Rivers and the Pantheon
Our local coffee bar for a morning drink and croissant
Pyramid of Caius Cestius was built from 18-12 BC.
Bull Steak where you chose the meat, the amount and how you want it cooked.
I love good lasagna and this one was outstanding.
Vatican Tour
We took a guided Vatican tour about 2 days after the new pope was chosen. Unfortunately, the Sistine Chapel was not open to the public. The Vatican Museums are huge and filled with incredible art masterpieces that really have to be seen to be appreciated.
Pope Leo says “hi” everyone.
Guided Vatican tour courtesy of Francesca
The entry door to the closed Sistine Chapel
The famous School of Athens fresco by Raphael painted between 1509-1511.
A relaxing drink with my gorgeous wife before walking to the metro station.
Sunday Morning at the Spanish Steps, Villa Borghese (park) and the Galleria Borghese (museum/gallery).
First a morning coffee and tea outside at Anticaroma.
Views at the base of the Spanish Steps including the boat fountain or Fontana della Barcaccia (1626-1629).
View from the midpoint of the steps.
The majestic Borghese Gallery, a country villa of the nephew of Pope Paul V. The pope appointed his nephew to the position, and this is where the word nepotism was derived (Italian nipote for nephew).
The Bernini sculptures are my favorite.
Daphne being turned into a tree is a masterpiece.
Napoleon’s sister, Pauline depicted as Venus by Canova has incredible detail in the folds of the couch.
Colosseum, Palatine Hill and Forum Tour
We have found that many times a guided tour is the best way to see high profile attractions. We don’t always do it, but the benefits of skip-the-line, expert commentary and the ability to ask questions throughout the tour can make for a pleasant and memorable experience.
Arch of Constatine and Arch of Titus
The Baths of Caracalla
Fortunately, this immense attraction was a short walking distance from our Airbnb and did not have the huge tourist crowds. In fact, it was a quiet and peaceful visit.
The baths were 2nd largest in ancient Rome behind the Baths of Diocletian and were built 212-217 AD. There were hot baths (calidarium), warm baths (tepidarium) and cold baths (frigidarium). There was also a library and a gym.
Fine detail in the mosaic tile work.
Testaccio Market and Trastevere
One morning, we walked to the Testaccio market a large city square with an indoor market full of cured meats, fish, vegetables, clothing and leather goods, as well as coffee cafes and eateries.
Robin’s favorite purchases, wine and cheese.
Randy’s favorite Limonata and a filled pastry.
After the market, we caught an Uber (Not cheap here!), and walked across the oldest bridge in Rome to Isola Tiberina and then the Trastevere neighborhood.
Tiber River
Trastevere is all about the food and this is my favorite, spaghetti alle Vongole, or spaghetti with clams.
Yes, Rome was a whirlwind for us as we usually take travel at a slower pace, especially with the need for adapting to the time change. However, with a lot to see in our 8 days, we made a valiant effort to see many sights without being too overwhelmed.
Next stop… Bologna, Italy for a slower pace
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Randy and Robin's Roving Retirement 