Rome, Day 5 (3 Sept)

Made our way to the National Museum. It's actually made up of 4 different buildings, scattered across the city, and we went to the 2 that are close together.

First the main one, coins and currency history, chronologically organised Roman sculpture, frescos, and mosaics.















I very much preferred the Roman sculpture to the Renaissance stuff. It's more dynamic, and looks more human, more realistic to me. Especially the portrait busts, and statues of famous people; much more personality to them. You could actually recognise recognise someone from their statue. The mosaics were also incredible.

Lunched on a bit of lawn we found, dodged the druggies and their dogs, and went to visit the second museum which was located in an old baths complex.



Bunny mosaic for Dina!




In Italy you arn't told to stay off the grass, but to...

Rome, Day 4 (2 Sept)

Another speedy one.

James and I got caught by Monday. Almost nothing is open on a Monday! So we did a nice slow wander from Piazza Barbarini to Campo di Fiore.



Passed a few craft shops, including one with a life-size wooden motorcycle.





Got some gelato at Campo di Fiori before browsing the market. Fresh vegetables, fruit, cheese, and meats. We bought some cheese and cold roast pork for our lunch.



The gelato in Italy is truly something. It's a waste of time to even compare it to ice-cream in South Africa. And the choice in flavours!



Got our first view of the Tiber river, and crossed the bridge into the neighbourhood of Trastevere. Tiny little meandering streets, old, lively.







We visited the Santa Maria di Trastevere church which is very beautiful. It has some skylights so the church is not as dark as some of the others, and the natural light makes it feel very open and welcoming.





True to form, James found us a microbrewery pub. It had 17 taps, so 17 beers, not counting the selection they had in bottles!





After liquid refreshment, we forged on in the heat of the afternoon. We still had a bit of Trastevere to see and there was another microbrewery pub on the far side. Turns out it was truly on the FAR side, and after trudging straight off the tourist map, and down a street that wouldn't have looked out of place in industrial Silverton (you want a scooter? Take your pick!), we found the pub. Correction. We found the CLOSED pub.

So back we go. Found a new bit of Trastevere, and a fantastic little shop that sells brass scientific instruments, compasses, hour glasses (had a proper big one), kaleidoscopes, and other cool stuff. And back to the pub for a beer to strengthen us for our journey back.

Then a quiet evening with Delina, letting our feet recover from the 10 km or so we did that day!

P.S. we had realised as we left the house in the morning, that we had accidently dressed rather alike!

Rome, Day 3 (1 Sept)

I only have half an hour, so think of this as a speed post! Plus, so many of the things I'm going to tell you about are WOW, that I'd probably run out of superlatives.

Up and out, found the bus, and over to Piazza Barbarini, on the cusp of central rome. Lots of interesting "stuffs" on the way.



South until we spot Trajan's column, which also marks Trajan's market.





Then down Via Dei Fori Imperiali, with the Roman Forum on our right.





Until we reached the coloseum. Double wow factor!







From there, up onto the Paltino hill, where the hippodrome is.



There it is, that oval bit at the bottom.



North to the Roman Forum, and out the gate for lunch at the Irish pub. A REAL Irish pub seeing as we watched Gaelic football, complete with Gaelic commentry, while eating our pizza.

Across the Area Sacra, North towards the Pantheon, but first the Santa Maria di Minerva.



Then the Pantheon.







Over to the Trevi fountain where we each tossed in a coin to ensure that we will one day return to Rome.



As we made our way back to Piazza Barbarini, we found Gepetto, working on a Pinochio.



Then we found a toy shop, which is frankly amazing, considering how small it is. Marek, this photo is for you!

Rome, Day 2 (31 Aug)...

...turned out to be a very quiet day. Despite planning all sorts, we ended up staying at base. Slept late, had breakfast, did some preparatory reading, visited with Delina.

Here's Buffy and Angel, eyeing James' lunch!


Delina then spoilt us by taking us out to dinner at Campo di Fiori, a lively square thats boasts a market during the day, and entertainers and musicians at night.

We first took a peek at Piazza Farnese, just south of Campo di Fiore, where the French embassy is, then took a wander around Campo di Fiore.



Rome already feels completely different to Firenze to me. More space, more different time periods in its architecture. Maybe it's because the Italian summer holiday is now ending, and the locals are back from the seaside, but the population feels more real - less tourists, more Italians.

Dinner was very yummy, at a small restaurant on the edge of the square. We chatted, we enjoyed the musicians, we ate, we watched the acrobats.





After dinner we got some Ferrero Rocher gelato at the Blue Ice stand. Delicious!



Then walked over to Piazza Navona with its beautiful fountains, and street artists. There's some fantastic work here for very affordable prices.

Update on the toe.

My little toe is much better, though still aches a bit on long walks. The day before we left Firenze I spent a lot of time icing it, and it seems to have helped.

See how the bruising has moved along. Think I must have come close to doing myself quite a bit of damage!

Firenze to Rome (30 Aug)

James off to talks, and I packed bags. Had enough washing for a load, so got it out of the way.

We had organised to have lunch with Francesca who has returned, so James, Roger, and John met up with us girls at the house. We went out to the local pizzeria which had a lovely calm garden out back. Note to Firenze visitors, many of the street front restaurants have a garden out back in what use to be the building's courtyard. So always ask. It's great to sometimes get off the hot, busy streets and enjoy a light breeze in shady, quiet surroundings.



After a relaxed lunch, Roger, James, and I ran to get tickets for the bus. We crossed the river to get to the Bardini museum. This is a museum I had originally discovered through Trip Adviser, and haven't been able to find in the guide books. Mr Bardini was an antiques dealer, and had put together his collection as a museum. It's a mix of sculpture, paintings, carpets, armour, and weapons. There's some truly unusual stuff, it's not a tourist trap, the building's ceilings themselves are an attraction, and being air-conditioned, very comfortable to browse.




This chap's expression reminded me of Gatsby (a certain little cat I'm acquainted with).













We identified TWO period practice weapons in the sword collection, so were rather delighted.

Quick bus hop back. Quick and sad good-byes to our wonderful host. Brisk walk to the station. Then settled on comfortably on the bullet train to Rome.

Lots of hill top villages, and vineyards to look at on the way.





Arrived in Rome where we took a taxi to Delina's. No trouble finding her place and even met her driver at the door who was very friendly, and guided us in.

It was great seeing Delina. After so long away from home, even special people become extra special. I know that sounds silly, but it's like having a little bit of home.