back to Rome..

I arrived back in Rome today. Busy day too. Got up early and headed out of San Gimignano back to Florence. The drive went well with not too much going on. Nice and sunny too. Got a bit sketchy back near Florence as the GPS tried to get me going the wrong way down a 1 way street. I noticed the signs just as an old italian guy was waving his hand and smiling to let me know. I quickly turned around and got back on track ignoring the GPS. Dropped off the car and made my way over to the train satation. Pretty uneventful trip there other than running into a family from Houston that was spending a couple weeks in Italy. Their kids were playing with the blinds on the windows and the parents apologized to me. No big deal though because I had done the same thing when I left Rome for Florence.

Once I got in I was tempted to take the bus to my apartment but decided to cab it instead. Cost 10 EUR for the trip and was very comfortable. The apartment is pretty nice but the web listing was a bit misleading. Very little light in the place and it doesnt appear to be the best on neighborhoods. Oh well, at least there are multiple big locks on the door. Looks to be a converted storage or warehouse type thing.

Once I got settled I was back out the door. First up was to find my way to the Colosseum. The GPS was again helpful here. I stopped off along the way at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Very beautiful building and sculptures. I was surprised by how many people were scolded by the guards though for sitting down on the steps. (it was clearly posted at the small entrance that this was forbidden). I walked up the stairs there to take in the view of the city and just appreciate it. I have pics that I will post up once I am back in the states. The net cafe here will not allow me to bring in my laptop so that will have to wait.

Then I resumed my original goal of the Colosseum. I found it easily and waited in line for maybe 5 minutes. It was not much of a line at all. Great sunny day today made it perfect weather for walking around both levels. I was hoping to get good pics of the area beneather the old floor by my camera just didn't zoom enough. I did walk around both the 1st and 2nd levels though and had someone get a neat picture of me standing on the 2nd level. It really is hard to capture it in pictures though, you really have to see it in person. After probably an hour or so walking around I headed out to the forum area.

Across the street from the Colosseum is the forum area. I was glad I had the Rick Steve's book because he has a well written walking tour of the area. I followed the guide closely and took in all the sights. It is really hard to describe it. Some things look kinda plain but others just have that detail and artistry to them. You can really see the work that went in to these things. I probably spent over an hour walking around here and then going back to look at things again.

Once I was done there I headed back toward the apartment. I stopped off in Piazza Campo Fiori to enjoy happy hour drinks and rest up a bit. Then I got some directions from the woman for the nearest market. She gave me 4 options and, having been a long day already, I went for the closest. Just stocked up with yogurt, orange juice, tomatoes, bread, mozzarella, and a nice large bottle of water.

Thats it so far today. Still trying to figure out where to go for dinner.