Rome - Second Day Sept 28

Today was a free day for everyone to do optional tours if they liked. In addition I offered to take those who wanted, on a walking tour to see some more of the iconic sights of Rome not covered in yesterday's tour.
After some much needed rest, and breakfast at the hotel

Breakfast Room Hotel Atlante Star

we started the walking tour, which everyone opted for, around 10:30. It was a beautiful warm day as we headed toward Castel Sant'Angelo, our first stop. Built by the Emperor Hadrian in 139 AD as a family mausoleum, it was later incorporated into the defensive wall around the city. In 590 AD, according to tradition, an angel appeared atop the structure and ended a devastating plague. Thus the structure has hence been know as Castel Sant'Angelo. This structure figured prominently in Dan Brown's "Angels and Demons".

Castel Sant'Angelo

Next we walked in the shade along the Tiber a bit before turning towards the center of town and into the Piazza Navona, a beautiful square with great restaurants, shopping, three lovely fountains and the church Nostra Signora del Sacro Cuore. A great place to grab a gelato, coffee or water as we proceed on. A short walk later we entered the Piazza containing the famous Pantheon. Also commissioned by Hadrian, this nearly 2000 year old structure is an engineering marvel with its marvelous domed roof. From here we walked to one of the most recognizable of Roman icons, Trevi Fountain, where of course everyone wants to follow tradition and throw a coin into the fountain to insure your return to Roma!

Trevi Fountain

Coin Toss

Final stop on the tour was the picturesque Spanish Steps. Then everyone was "cut loose" to shop and explore on their own. First we made sure everyone had maps and a card with the hotel name and address on it. And instructions to meet back at the hotel at 6:30 for a drink and to plan out dinner options.
Jim and Leslie climbed Saint Peter's dome for a fantastic high altitude panoramic view of the Eternal City!

View from atop Saint Peter's

Some shopped and I suspect a few sneaked back to the hotel for a power nap. After lunch near the Spanish Steps, Amy and Evelyn went shopping and I decided to walk back to the hotel and work on the first day's blog entry. Along the way I found an interesting store display, which allowed me to make the goofy picture below.






Dinner tonight was planned to be "on your own". But as the group had bonded so well, everyone wanted to eat together. The hotel recommended a nearby restaurant and Amy made sure the arrangements were clear with the owner/manager as to separate checks etc. and then helped folks with their orders. This place was not one frequented by tourists, so it was great having someone who knows the language and understands the people.



Back at the hotel we had a final drink and then off to bed!

Arrive in Rome

We made it to JFK in short order on our Birnie Bus, managing to fit in between rush hours. After the now usual security nuisance we made our way to our departure gate and decided to stop in at O'Neil's to celebrate Arthur's Day. What do you mean they don't have Guinness? Nothing at all on tap?! Fortunately, next door was the New York Sports Bar with lots of lovely tap handles and one that shouted Guinness at us. We were the only ones in the place that knew about Arthur's Day! Ignorant Yanks! Slainte!!

Celebrating Arthur's Day

The flight to Berlin was smooth and the landing couldn't have been smoother if we had landed on greased owl shit! Sorry, I wax poetic at times. However after about 7 hours in those cramped seats we felt like we had to decompress, but no time. Less than an hour to our next departure (for Roma). Berlin airport is a sprawling monster and we had to hurry after customs and hot foot it to Terminal C. Long line at security but we made it. The next flight was only two hours and in less cramped seats. But the landing was ... Well, let's just say it must have been the copilot's turn.
Baggage all made it and once we exited the secure area we were met by our tour guide, Emma, a very nice young British gal. She lead us to our coach and we were off on the start of our tour of Rome. Weather was warm, almost uncomfortable. Lots of stops to get bottled water from street vendors. Got a nice overview of the ancient city including Palatine Hill, Capitoline Hill, the Coliseum, Forum, and oh yes, even saw the Boca de Verita, from the bus. No time to stop for that one. Probably saved a few fingers there. (Google it!).

Our Tour Guide Emma (left)

Forum from Capitoline Hill

Finally, the Hotel Atlante Star. This is a four star, very close to the Vatican. OK, maybe a bit more than a stone's throw! The hotel is nice enough but the view of Saint Peters from the roof top  is fantastic. It was probably 4:30 PM or so before everyone got room keys. Some crashed, some showered, etc. Met in the lobby at 6:45 and then off to dinner at Il Pozzetto, a nearby restaurant. Everyone seemed to enjoy dinner, which consisted of a pasta first course, veal or chicken second and carafes of wine.





After dinner we were off to the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. Walking briskly it took about 15 minutes to get there, so we just made our 9:00 PM entry time. It was really nice doing this at night as there were virtually no crowds! Unfortunately, shortly after entering we discovered someone, (initials KO - hmm), had left her iPhone at the restaurant. Unable to reach Il Pozzetto by phone, I (now being called "Dad" by the "Kids") hoofed it back and retrieved the phone from those honest folks at the restaurant. The museum closed at 11:00 and we walked back to the hotel, where several of us visited the rooftop bar for an enjoyable night cap. Finally, we said "buona notte" a little after midnight, I figure most of us had been up for about 36 hours! What a great day!!

Vatican from Hotel Atlante Star

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad