Last Day in Rome:
We had no specific itinerary for our last day in Rome. After our 3 euro bottomless cappuccino and
mega croissant, we hit the pavement for the subway a few blocks from our
hotel.
Here are a few shots of Hotel Parioli:
After the fiasco yesterday we made sure we got our subway ticket validated.
Our first destination was the Coliseum.
The plan from here was to walk the via Corso, the main commercial road in Rome that would take us in the general direction of our residence. On the way Ellen and Nace shopped and Joe and I took the preferred option of people watching; way more fun. On the advice of the Swatch store sales clerk we enjoyed pranzo at Vitti, our last Italian all'aperto dining experience. The food was not quite up to our expectations and we were surrounded by smokers. Shopping continued for the ladies while Joe and I made a pilgrimage to Santa Lorenzo directly across from where we had lunch. The church was hosting an exhibition of artifacts and history on Padre Pio. Joe was familiar with this modern saint and I was especially glad that we had the “accident” of this side trip. It was very interesting to learn about St. Pio and I look forward to shopping for some of his books via Amazon when we get home.
We continued our walk up via Corso with the next deviation
to Spagna-the Spanish Steps. This is
another tourist and local hangout and an opportunity to rest, people watch and
enjoy another gelato. Ellen continued
shopping and Joe, Nace and I experienced the steps first hand, ascending to the
church at the top. Every church in Rome
contains artwork from masters and students of the renaissance. These guys were basically the “paperhangers”
of their day, decorating the walls with all manner of paintings and
frescoes. There was also another incredible sculpture of the Pieta. Back down the steps we
rendezvoused with Ellen took the subway back to our hotel.
We took a two hour intermezzo and then set out for a last walk- about the neighborhood of our hotel. Since it was drizzly we decided to take our last nourishment in the room. First we made a stop at the grocery. I will forever regret forgetting my camera. The store front was barely 15’ wide and what was seen from the street was not at all a reflection of what was inside. Once through the narrow first passage it expanded into an amazing space, leaving no need unmet. The fish market alone was a feast for my eyes. We picked up some vino rosso, cheese and crackers for our appertivo. I found a Chianti from the winery (Checci) where Dario Castangno worked before becoming a famous tour guide and author. I could have spent the night in the store exploring all the amazing foods.
Here are a few shots of Hotel Parioli:
After the fiasco yesterday we made sure we got our subway ticket validated.
Our first destination was the Coliseum.
This trip required two subway line changes and we got to see
the local life up close and personal.
Once at the Coliseum we took a grand walk around it and into the Roman ruins
as far as possible without waiting in line for a tour.
The plan from here was to walk the via Corso, the main commercial road in Rome that would take us in the general direction of our residence. On the way Ellen and Nace shopped and Joe and I took the preferred option of people watching; way more fun. On the advice of the Swatch store sales clerk we enjoyed pranzo at Vitti, our last Italian all'aperto dining experience. The food was not quite up to our expectations and we were surrounded by smokers. Shopping continued for the ladies while Joe and I made a pilgrimage to Santa Lorenzo directly across from where we had lunch. The church was hosting an exhibition of artifacts and history on Padre Pio. Joe was familiar with this modern saint and I was especially glad that we had the “accident” of this side trip. It was very interesting to learn about St. Pio and I look forward to shopping for some of his books via Amazon when we get home.
Spanish steps to Trinita de Monte ~1503 in the background.
Chestnuts roasting
We took a two hour intermezzo and then set out for a last walk- about the neighborhood of our hotel. Since it was drizzly we decided to take our last nourishment in the room. First we made a stop at the grocery. I will forever regret forgetting my camera. The store front was barely 15’ wide and what was seen from the street was not at all a reflection of what was inside. Once through the narrow first passage it expanded into an amazing space, leaving no need unmet. The fish market alone was a feast for my eyes. We picked up some vino rosso, cheese and crackers for our appertivo. I found a Chianti from the winery (Checci) where Dario Castangno worked before becoming a famous tour guide and author. I could have spent the night in the store exploring all the amazing foods.
We strolled back to the hotel, ordered our pizzas and
started in on the vino and cheese. The
local pizza is NOT Papa John’s. Very
delicious crust, fresh pomodoro and Italian cheeses, not to mention a fried egg
in the center.
We had an early wake up call with taxi to the airport
ordered for 7am.
Buono notti! zzzzzzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Buongiorno!
Monday September 30 Travel day
Awake and refreshed with a decent nights sleep I found a
café bar next to our hotel and grabbed two quick cappuccinos to start the
day. The taxi was early and Ellen, Joe,
Nace and I loaded up for the ride to Fiumicino. Once at the airport we dealt with check in,
then security, then passport scrutiny and a bus to the main terminal. The terminal is like a small shopping
mall. More cappuccino, juice aranche and
croissants topped off our tanks until we boarded the 10+ hour flight to Charlotte. I am especially
hoping that I do not end up like the two Jersey girls sitting next to me in
the terminal coughing up their lungs with no attempt to retard the pulmonary
excretions with a hand or elbow. It will
be a miracle if we do not come down with TB after this exposure!
Time for boarding, Buon viaggio! ..............................
Our flight to Charlotte was uneventful and Nace and I managed to stay awake watching movies. We have probably not seen three movies in the last 6 months but managed to see five between the two of us on this flight. Once we cleared passport and customs and turned our luggage back over to the airline, we said our sad goodbyes to Joe and Ellen.
We were home, reunited with Jazz by 9 pm (20 hours since we woke up in Rome) and found all sorts of homemade goodies in the fridge and freezer thanks to Brad and Billy.
Rita, our short term dog sitter, really dog whisperer, also left us a special treat to kick off our first morning back in Naples on a good note.
Our flight to Charlotte was uneventful and Nace and I managed to stay awake watching movies. We have probably not seen three movies in the last 6 months but managed to see five between the two of us on this flight. Once we cleared passport and customs and turned our luggage back over to the airline, we said our sad goodbyes to Joe and Ellen.
We were home, reunited with Jazz by 9 pm (20 hours since we woke up in Rome) and found all sorts of homemade goodies in the fridge and freezer thanks to Brad and Billy.
Rita, our short term dog sitter, really dog whisperer, also left us a special treat to kick off our first morning back in Naples on a good note.
Thus our little ten day Italian adventure comes to a close. It was a trip of a lifetime. We were able to have a true immersion experience in Tuscany and met some wonderful people along the way.
Aside from the Roman subway police scam incident and a nearly successful pickpocketing of Ellen's purse on the subway yesterday, every single person we interacted with in Italy was warm, considerate, kind, and patient. I can only dream of how much better my daily commute to work would be if we could send Americans to Italian driving school. They move fast and stay out of the way, I heard a horn used twice and witnessed only a single fender-bender in the entire 10 days there.
Our Scannano family have left us with some special memories, albeit with somewhat expanded waistlines.
 |
| Barbara, Marilena, Luciano, (Francesco-absent; hard at work at the hospital) and Antonio |
We had the true pleasure of meeting and sharing our experiences with Fiona.
Thanks to Brad and Billy we were able to leave our little bambina in good hands.
Most especially we are thankful to have been able to share all these experiences with four of the most special people we have had the honor to know over the years.
No not these lovely Tuscan babes but.......
Glenda, Rod, Ellen and Joe
Arrivederci e Dio vi benedica !
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