Day 6
Great night’s sleep surprisingly and a good breakfast after a leisurely sleep in. Took our time getting organised, as we had plenty of time.
Reasonable roads on the way to Rome and a combination of GPS and email instructions saw us make the hotel, a Holiday Inn, about 12.30 p.m. First room we were given stank of cigarettes so a return trip to reception netted a change of room in reasonably quick time.
The hotel is to the west of the city and runs free buses into and out of the historic town centre. The buses go at various times throughout the day. With the next bus into the city not due to leave until 4 p.m. a quick planning session was held. This resulted in a change into swimsuits and lunch at the bar (in the opposite order!) We made the most of the relax time in the cool water and chatted to a couple of Kiwis who were here on a bus tour.
The hotel was busy with international guests for Roma 09 - the FINA world swimming (water-polo, synchronised swimming and diving) champs. The Israeli synchro team and the Korean and Croatian water-polo teams were definitely here, as was a very visible Carabinieri presence.
Caught the bus in to the city at 4 p.m. and were dropped near Largo Argentina. We made our way to the Colosseum, or Flavian Amphitheatre to give it its correct title, and did the audio guide tour. A gentle stroll from there allowed us to explore the Traiano (Trajan) market area, which then led us back past the hotel Patch and I had stayed in when we were here in April. A little shopping and then dinner at ‘Mother India’ – once again an awesome meal.
We strolled our way back to the courtesy bus pick-up point via the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, an incredibly impressive building. A 30 minute wait and we were headed for ‘home’.
The ride went via the Vatican City and the driver gave us time to go and take photos. It is an amazing place and quite magical at night.
Day 7
Slept in!!! Dragged our weary asses down to breakfast about 10.15 and had a huge brunch. Yummy to the tummy. The dining room was presided over by a lovely old guy who was very friendly. So different from almost every place we have eaten to date.
Had a lazy morning/mid-day, planned and followed that plan, almost, to the letter. Mum sat by the pool. Caitlin read and had a bath. I read and then went to the supermarket and electronics store to get Mum an extra XD card for her camera. Once again caught the 4 p.m. hotel bus into the city.
On arrival in the city our first stop was the Pantheon... and once again we got caught out by a service. Dang! Couldn’t get in for at least an hour so moved on to the Trevi fountain - Fabulous. Took photos as we tossed coins in the fountain... right hand over the left shoulder. It means you will come back to Roma one day. Worked last time I did it.
From the Trevi we made our way to the Spanish steps. Took our time and climbed them together. Stopped to admire a wedding party who were trying to take photos, also admired the artists at the top of the stairs.
Finally decided to get Caitlin’s portrait drawn by one of the street artists at her request. Beautiful job.
Counting all the steps on the way down we reached the bottom and the fountain of the flooded boat.
We started back towards the Pantheon via Via Condotti. Name a label, it is here... Gucci, Feregamo, Jimmy Choo!!! Yum Yum Yum!!! Then along Via del Corso. Caitlin tried on a few things but nothing terrific, thankfully.
Arriving back at the Pantheon we found it closed. So with hunger starting to grumble, we found a little cafe and ordered pasta, and beer and water. Great feed. A leisurely stroll again... (story of this trip) ... and with time to spare to catch the bus, we called into the ‘Feltrinelli’ bookshop which has a good English section. Purchases completed, and getting close to bus time, we wandered round Largo Argentina.
Caitlin spotted a cat up on a wall and then another on a ledge further down the wall. Below there seemed to be a cafe set-up in a narrow alley – a cafe with a difference – there was another cat asleep, draped across a table. It was then we noticed the sign ‘Cat Sanctuary –www.catsanctuary.com’ and then we spotted more and more cats – Caitlin happy!
On to the pick-up point - and only five minutes to wait for the bus. Seriously footsore, and glad to get back to the hotel
Day 8
Weird night’s sleep. Caitlin was talking – insisted to her Gran that she had “caught the stick”. Her Gran told her that that was “very good Caitlin” and both returned to sleep, until Mum woke me to tell me to turn over as I was making a noise. This from the woman who snores like a train!!!
Caught the 10.15 a.m. bus into the city and wandered in search of the Fendazione Roma in Via del Corso to see an exhibition of work by Japanese artist Hiroshige. He was a major master in his field in the mid 1800’s He even inspired several works by Van Gogh who copied his prints in oil. Amazingly detailed, especially considering the method of printing.
Wandered towards the Pantheon on the off change it was open – and it was! Spent some time being impressed once again. The workmanship is astounding for something nearly 2000 years old. We’ve learned so little.
Strolled on to Piazza Navona, admiring the three large fountains there, and decided on late lunch before admiring the art work on display around the piazza.
There we are sitting in a little, awesome cafe in Rome on a back street when a Kiwi accent said “Oh my God – Fiona”. It was Natalie and Jess from Milano and a friend from (now) Perth – another ex-Kiwi. We chatted for an age and then they headed off on their adventures.
We then went on to visit the artists in the piazza and head for Piazza de Fiori. With time getting on we set off for the pick-up point arriving with 5 minutes to spare.
Arriving back at the hotel I did some washing and then joined Mum and Caitlin down at the pool for some relax time. The swim left us all wonderfully cool for the first time all week.
A change into real clothes and we walked down the hill to the superette for wine, beer, coke and chocolate and then to McDonald’s for burgers which we brought back to our room. Well fed and watered we tumbled and poured ourselves into bed with books...
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