A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum....

Today we got up early (Ross actually woke US up at 7:10AM!!! But we got some MUCH needed sleep!), showered etc., and we headed out on foot for the Colosseum.

And by "on foot" I mean we walked and walked and walked and walked. For miles...

We then headed to Palatine Hill and then to the Roman Forum (the sight of much Chariot racing).

And we also rested a bit - out of the sun!

And had to get our bearings (or how do we get the $*#@ out of here and get to lunch????)!

More importantly, we had such a fabulous lunch at Angelino Ai Fori - much needed and much enjoyed.

We are now resting up for our tour of the Vatican in an hour...

UPDATE:

Just returned from the Vatican...All I can say at the moment is, "Wow."

 It was vast and was a bit of a sensory overload. Amazing architecture, art, mosaics, frescos, and we were in the church as the Pope was giving Mass. But it was a 4 hour overload. Loved our guide, Mary. But, it's going to take a bit of time to digest the afternoon. We're all donning our best "tour a Catholic icon" outfits - conservative and no shoulders, midriffs (that was a hard one) or knees may be showing while in St Peter's. We tried our best...

Following the Vatican, we got a cab to Trastevere where we stopped immediately for refreshments, while we figured out our next move. We tried to discuss the jam packed day, and then we headed off to dinner. Somehow, some way, Doug found the pizza place I had wanted to go to - it's on number "best of Italy" pizza restaurant lists and for good reason. It was to die for.

DAR POETA

We then went to one of the best gelato places in the city, Fior de Luna. Again, to die for.

After our gelatos (mine was dark chocolate and hazelnut if you must know), we strolled through Trastevere, which is just the most charming area of Rome.

 There are fabulous cafeS after fabulous cafes, cobblestone streets, flowers everywhere, and a square with a sort of mini amphitheater with on this night a jazz trio playing. Utterly charming and enticing, and we didn't really want to leave. But we decided to head back toward our hotel and ambled over to the River Tiber and watched the sun set - beautiful and romantic to say the least.

We're back at the hotel to shower and change and go out for a laid back evening together. So far, we love love love Rome though...