Getting to Rome was a trip via the train through Florence. The Florence train station is a very busy place. I had a few hours wait for my train to Rome. I have purchased many of my train trips with a company called Trainline. Most of the trips have worked out just fine. But this time they put the wrong train number on my ticket. So I am waiting and checking the board for my train but then it just never got listed. Went inside to check and the board just said that the trains going to Rome might be delayed by 40 minutes. When the 40 minutes were almost over I went in the station again to check at the train window for Italio. That is where I found out the Trainline had put the wrong train number on my ticket. Luckily there was a train they could book me on – for an additional $59 – but at least I could be on my way.
The Termini train station is very big with lots of shops, etc. Went out to get a taxi to my airbnb but none of them would take a card, they all wanted cash. I did not see an ATM anywhere. Finally one driver would take me. Whew. My room is by the Spanish Steps which is a great location. We got to where he had to let me out as the street was blocked off for cars. I was tired and hot and ready to get to my room. I got out and walked to my airbnb and discovered that I had left my phone in the taxi. Madre Mia. What a nightmare. I thought ‘well, looking forward to paying a couple of thousand dollars for a new phone.’ I told my airbnb person about the phone and she was so great.
It was about 8:15 pm and she said there was an Apple store just a few blocks away and that we should go right now before it closes. On our way there we say two taxi guys and she spoke to them in Italian, of course, and they suggested we call my number and see if the taxi guy answers. He did and offered to bring it back to where I was staying!! How lucky am I. I paid for his time of course. I now have a chain that goes around my neck. As one of my friends said “I won the lottery” from the taxi guy!! MY AIRBNB is wonderful and the owner – Sabina – has been fabulous. Her place is certainly located near the Spanish Steps and is very comfortable. Plus, she brings you coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice and a croissant every morning!! She is listed as Brigitta, Via della Croce 71, Rome. I leave tomorrow (Monday) and I will miss this place and Sabina.
Rome is amazing but also seems rather intense. So much to see but the crowds are starting to get pretty big. Okay, lots of pictures coming up.
Spanish Steps, 1723-1725. 135 steps. Links the Trinita dei Monti church under the patronage of the Bourbon kinds of France at the top of the stairs and the Spanish Embassy to the Holy See in the Palazzo Monaldeschi at the bottom of the steps.My yummy breakfast each morning and then a photo of me and Sabina. She has absolutely made my stay in Rome very special.The photo on the left is the Coliseum from the outside. The one on the right is the underneath of the inside floor. Amazing shows were put on here – animals from other parts of the Roman Empire, decorations, etc. and they were staged below and then sent up when the performance needed more animals, more fighters, etc. Pretty sophisticated. My guide for this tour was exceptional which really makes a difference. I did not feel rushed on this tour.These are photos the guide had that show a rendering on the left of the type of design that would have been used with animals, trees, fighters, etc. The photo on the right is how the coliseum would look in between events.The two upper photos are the entrance to Palatine HIll although I didn’t take very many photos up here. The image on the right is part of the Forum. This is the Roman Forum. Actually amazing how much is left and unearthed. On the right is how it looked originally. According to the guide people would come here in the evenings to visit with friends, listen to speeches, etc.I only had one gelato – super good – and the Aperol Spritz is one of my favorite drinks so I had several of these.Beautiful staircase within the Vatican. The entrance to the Vatican was changed a few years back and so not particularly grand. My tour of the Vatican, Palatine Hill, Sistine Chapel and Basilica was jammed packed. It did feel rushed and after 3+ hours of someone talking in my ear I was ready for it to be over. The guards inside really work to keep people moving so that is no standing to really look at something. No photos in the Sistine Chapel but absolutely beautiful. Only get about 10 min in there.Beautiful staircase within the Vatican. The entrance to the Vatican was changed a few years back and so not particularly grand. My tour of the Vatican, Palatine Hill, Sistine Chapel and Basilica was jammed packed. It did feel rushed and after 3+ hours of someone talking in my ear I was ready for it to be over. The guards inside really work to keep people moving so that is no standing to really look at something. No photos in the Sistine Chapel but absolutely beautiful. Only get about 10 min in there.St. Peter’s Square. The chairs that are set up in the left photo are always there. I think that the Pope comes out on Wednesdays and people can attend for free.Just some random shots
