Rome in a day

From Florence to Rome by first class train is the way to go. If they actually post the time.

Jim, our tour guide, has done a great job in taking care of the travel details, getting cabs to take us the train station this morning as well as handling getting the tickets. First class this time around, which meant we weren't packed into our seats and 6'2" sardines.

It was nice. Except they didn't post our gate until about five minutes after the train was supposed to leave.

Fortunately, the train was a little bit behind.

The countryside of Italy is so enticing. I really want to return on a motorcycle (which may be interesting when I try to ride it across the Atlantic) and explore the small towns across the country. So many quaint little villages that probably have many, many stories to tell.

We made it to Rome in about two hours, which meant we arrived early afternoon. Once we settled into our rooms, we decided to grab taxis to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch, and then walking to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain before returning home.

The lunch was enjoyable - the first hamburger I've had in a couple of weeks, which is quite an accomplishment for this carnivore. Purchased some souvenirs (Brent, I have some picks for you) and then headed out for the Spanish Steps.

One problem - left the hot rod camera at the hotel.

New batteries for Crystal's point and shoot, and we're back in bidness.

Rome has quite a different vibe. A population of 4-5 million (which I incorrectly stated was the population of Florence earlier, which is not so: Florence is about 400,000 strong) creates a lot more hustle and bustle. It was very busy, to say the least.

We walked for a good long ways before we reached the Spanish Steps, which were named after the consulate which is nearby. Quite a hike, and then a bit of a jaunt down for some photos.

We went to the fountain at the foot of the steps, thinking incorrectly that this was the Trevi Fountain where Crystal was supposed to throw some coins over her shoulder for her mom. Being the dutiful daughter, she did.

And then, we found out we were in the wrong place. Begin the hike again.

It took a couple of wrong turns, but we finally reached the fountain, which was magnificent. Large marble statues grace the fountain, which is huge and attracts quite a few tourists as well.

The legend goes that if you throw three coins over your shoulder into the fountain you will return to Rome. At least according to Frank Sinatra.

So, Crystal did it for her mother. Does that mean she will return to Rome, or her mother?

And, so began the hike back to the hotel.

A few of us were walking wounded. Patsy's ankles were giving her trouble, Jan has been having knee problems and Crystal was running out of energy.

It was a long walk back, but a chance to check out the scenery.

Although I've not been able to figure out what buildings I'm seeing, I'm shooting tons of photos of the amazing architecture.

We spent a great evening in the suite inherited by Mary Kay and Dianne. A balcony overlooking Rome (Hey, I can see the Vatican from here!) was a great way to wind down a long and busy day.

Apparently, Rome is pretty spread out and we're going to be doing quite a bit of walking over the next couple of days. The Vatican, the Colliseum and several other amazing sites are on the agenda before it's all said and done.

Two days and counting.