Med Trip - June 19

After another forecast of thunder showers, we woke up to sunny skies and temperatures that rose to the low 30's. We actually slept in and did not have breakfast until 9 o'clock. We had no particular plan for the day so we found a few local things to go to. We saw a large fountain and looked in on a church beside it a few blocks from our hotel. It was amazing to see the lack of awareness or respect of many people. There was a mass gong on and an area was roped off. There were signs at the door asking for silence and no entry with shorts or tank tops on. People wandered in regardless, flashing photos and some even stepped over he rope to get a better picture. Lots of people wore short shorts. After his we made our way to another large cathedral, San Maria Maggori. This was noted for its mosaic art. It actually had a few soldiers on guard, and we had to pass through a metal detector. Being Sunday morning, there was a mass going on and we were restricted to the back of the church. It was beautiful. The ceiling had beautiful golden mosaic tiles and the walls of course were full of art, both mosaic and painted with Biblical scenes. The church was so large that it had two domes. Well worth the visit. We tried to carry on walking, but Joanie felt it was wrong to pass by the bakery and coffee shop across the street without stopping, particularly on a Sunday morning. Alora, so, we had a nice americano coffee and pastry. Very yummy! Somehow, perhaps because I had Rick Steve's book and the only map, I became the designated guide. We decided to check out a little park a few blocks down. We found it quite easily, as well as several monk parakeets in a tree. The park was quite run down, and there was a cricket game going on on a mostly dirt and grass stubble field. This was clearly an ethnic neighbourhood made up of dark skinned people, not sure what area but not African, and was poorer than the neighbourhood we left. We made our way towards the colosseum through seedy street, often with empty beer bottles lying by the curb and guys just hanging out. I fond where I was leading this mass of doubtful people, to an old church built to house the chains claimed to have been used to bind the apostle Peter when he was in jail. There was also a large sculpture of Moses, done by Michelangelo for a crypt of one of the popes. The crypt was never completed because Michelangelo died and the sculpture made its way here. Unfortunately we arrived at about 12:30, and the church was not open to the public again until 3. We carried on. Next it was suggested that, since we had seen everything we wanted to, we could go to the Trevi fountain area which was more lively. We made our way past the site of the forum of Augustus , up another of Rome's seven hills and down again to the fountain, which was packed with people once again. However, it was decided by consent that a gelato was required eating here. After a little shopping we proceeded on to the still fenced in Spanish Steps, and up to the church on top. Again we took a quick tour while a service was going on. There was a large marble sculpture near the door of Jesus being taken down off the cross. From here we walked further up a hill to get to the entrance of the park and Villa de Mercinis. This gave us amazing views over the city. We relaxed on some rustic, old park benches to escape the hot sun. What was lacking here were washrooms, despite a sign pointing to nowhere for a WC. Some people who will remain nameless gave up hope and found some bushes behind a sign. We returned to the square by the Spanish Steps since a mandatory happy hour break was in order. We all ordered large beers. For the second straight time, my lovely spouse outdrank me by a wide margin. I am concerned. Having covered much of he city by foot, and still having 4 bus tickets that we purchased on our previous visit a few weeks ago, when we chose to walk to the train station, we took the metro home. It was underground and was dark and very old looking. We got back at 5:30. Not bad for a day with no plans. We again saw a lot.
For our last dinner we tried to go to the restaurant where we enjoyed lasagna the first night here, but it was closed. We had it at the restaurant around the corner but it did not have the melt in your mouth factor. Here, they always ask you if you want water. It usually comes in a large bottle for a few euros and comes in natural or sparkling. Most Italians order it. Dutch/Canadians are far too cheap to pay for water, no matter how thirsty we are. Italians also eat backwards. A full course meal at the restaurant was, in order of serving: mineral water, lasagna, roast chicken, and finally green salad. We always ordered only the main dish.

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