July 5, 2010
Our last day in Rome. We decided to leave Italy … and walk to Vatican City. We crossed the Tiber river and approached the large compound. Our visit, however, was limited to the main Piazza. The lines to get in and visit the museum, etc, were very long, or the alternative tours, which are faster to get in, were very expensive. No matter, the master of the house was not home anyway, having taken to his summer place where it is cooler. I guess it’s good to be the Pope.
We spent the rest of the day with more touring (always something new to see). In the evening we took an stroll, ala “Rick Steves Guide Book”. The air at night is very pleasant after the heat of the day. The walk started in Piazza Novana, a large rectangular public square, where we had dinner. Then on to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. They all take on another character at night. The streets are filled with tourists, locals, cars, scooters and busses. Everyone gets out to enjoy the evening.
Tomorrow we move on to Pisa via train. We’ll be in touch if the internet is good there.
Our last day in Rome. We decided to leave Italy … and walk to Vatican City. We crossed the Tiber river and approached the large compound. Our visit, however, was limited to the main Piazza. The lines to get in and visit the museum, etc, were very long, or the alternative tours, which are faster to get in, were very expensive. No matter, the master of the house was not home anyway, having taken to his summer place where it is cooler. I guess it’s good to be the Pope.
We spent the rest of the day with more touring (always something new to see). In the evening we took an stroll, ala “Rick Steves Guide Book”. The air at night is very pleasant after the heat of the day. The walk started in Piazza Novana, a large rectangular public square, where we had dinner. Then on to the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. They all take on another character at night. The streets are filled with tourists, locals, cars, scooters and busses. Everyone gets out to enjoy the evening.
Tomorrow we move on to Pisa via train. We’ll be in touch if the internet is good there.
There are many bridges over the Tiber river. On our way to the Vatican.
At the Pope's place ...
The Sistine Chapel is back there. These nuns were taking pictures there. I tried to offer to take their picture, but they got very scared and shunned me away. I must be scary ....
Beth took her chances with the powers that be putting the Vespa in the scene.
Beth took her chances with the powers that be putting the Vespa in the scene.
Beth captured this beautiful picture of the dome between the surrounding columns, complete with a flying bird.
Lots of seating (and massive video screens) for Sunday services.
I tried to warn here that it was blasphemy, but she didn't listen. As she took the picture above,the Vespa was smote into pieces at her feet. A beer afterwards soothed her nerves. No worries. A new Vespa was obtained soon after...
A dinner at Piazza Novana. Pasta with an appetizer of Proschiutto and melon. The center of the Piazza, across from our table, was a circus of performers, including a Jazz quartet.
The evening ended at the Spanish Steps, a large popular stop for many.
A common site on the streets. There is no shortage of cars or traffic here, as commonly assumed in America. The cars are simply smaller. These Smart cars and similar sized Fiats, are everywhere and it appears, easy to park. The Minis are big sedans here and almost seem cumbersome in comparison.
Tomorrow, the train.
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