Rome, Italy

We were up early again to get down to the station for the 7.25 am train to Rome, This time with Pops and NanNan. A quiet ride in, again the express with only 2 stops and we were in Rome by 9 am. We started with a pastry breakfast at Rinaldi inside Termini

Although it’s warm, it’s only a mile walk down to the Colosseum, so we wander down and take in the area, including the Arch of Constantine, before our 10.25 am ticketed entrance (another difference since 1998, where we just went in). The place is packed with people. And there is no hiding from the heat, even this early. We spent just on an hour here’ taking in the history and the views. The boys seemed impressed, but bummed that we couldn’t get into the underground area.

NanNan, L, Pops, B & D, Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Colosseum, Rome, Italy

D, L, M & B, Colosseum, Rome, Italy

Once out we needed refreshing, so headed over to the west side of the Colosseum and ended up at Coming Out Bar (Italy’s original gay bar) for drink. It could not have come at a better time as we were all struggling with the heat.

After our break, Pops & NanNan left us to take a taxi up to the Spanish Steps while we headed over to the Forum, to use the other part of our Colosseum ticket. Somehow, we got lost finding the entrance, but came across Santa Francesca Romana, a beautiful church, where a wedding was taking place. Once we actually made it inside, we saw a few things before temperatures got too much and our hour-ish at most at the Forum came to an end. But not before seeing a few sights like The Arch of Titus, inside the Temple of Romulus, Temple of Antonius & Faustina, the Arch of Septimus, and the Temple of Vesta.

B, M & L, The Forum, Rome, Italy

Temple of Romulus, The Forum, Rome, Italy

Temple of Antonius and Faustina and San Lorenzo, The Forum, Rome, Italy

Not far outside the exit we found the Lonely Planet recommended La Carrette for lunch. Oh my God! This was easily the best pizza I’ve eaten this trip – and not because I was starving. Everyone’s food was so fresh and good.

The boys had had enough sightseeing in this oppressive heat, so we decided to wander back to Termini through some of the quieter streets of Rome. This way mom could go into some stores and all of us could get a gelato fix from Glauco Gelato.

We just missed the 2.30 pm train, so went and got some water and waited for the 3.30 pm train back to Orvieto (as we had last Saturday). Without contact we also ran into Pops and NanNan, who had also finished their excursion for the day. Not much to tell on the train as most of us got some form of a nap in.

The pool was a must, being our last day here. Boy did we need it. We also sat up at the outdoor dining table again to watch out last Orvieto sunset. What a great spot this has been. Not sure what I was expecting to get out of Italy this visit, but so far it has well exceeded my expectations. Tomorrow, we leave Pops & NanNan behind as we spend our last couple of days down in the Pompeii area. Something new for all 4 of us.