This morning Dave, Jody and I walked the 25 minutes to the Vatican to see if we could get in St. Peter's and perhaps climb the dome. That plan was doomed as we joined flocks of pilgrims hoarding their way toward the square way in advance of the pope's Sunday appearance at his window. Felt like the hours before a football game...all to catch a glimpse of a guy in a funny hat! (Sorry to my catholic friends)
So instead we climbed one of Rome's seven hills for a splendid view of the city from the west. We also encountered along the way statues idolizing Anita Garibaldi and her husband, two heroes of Italian history.
One of the park areas had a wonderful umbrella pine (maritime pine);
After that we ambled through Trastevere, which means 'across the Tiber', then crossing the Tiber to visit Campo de Fiori, an open market area with a lively scene of music and stands selling cheap art to produce. We then headed back to the piazza Navona to meet Ann, Kevin, and Laurie for lunch. Lunch was good wood fired pizza with a taciturn waitress.
In the PM Ann, Dave, Jody and I ascended the monument to Victor Emmanuel, whom Italians must have adored since they spent what must have been more than a billion dollars in today's terms to erect this colassal homage. The view from the top was fantastic in all directions. These photos were the result.
The Colisseum for Victor Emmanuel monument
The pantheon from VE monument
A gull, looking mischievous, after having decorated these horse statues
David and Jody peering through the binoculars at the sights
Here's a panorama shot:
Foot-weary, we slogged back to the hotel, shopping along the Via dei Corsi as we went. I reluctantly indulged myself, at the urging of my spousal unit, and purchased a nice Italian leather jacket, which I plan to sport en route to our dinner tonight.
This will likely be my last post from our trip. Hope you have enjoyed traveling along with us. This has been a great, rewarding, and much needed break from work. Now we have even more places we want to return to some day.
Ciao!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Rome, Italy
No comments:
Post a Comment