~Rome Part II~

As I said in the previous post: when traveling

"Have a plan, but be willing to abandon it"

Our second trip to The Forum  was sweet serendipity

after having a change of plans at the Mouth of Truth.

As it happens in Rome, schedules and hours of operation mean 'NOTHING'

So, the Mouth of Truth was closed when we arrived, even though it plainly said it should be open.

Hmmmm what to do now. 

We consulted our map and realized that we could hike back over to The Forum and enjoy a more extended  visit . Just when we were about to get  nervous thinking we were really LOST this time, we came up over a hill and there it was

 spread out before us. 

Like a child's Tinker Toy set that had been smashed after a tantrum.

With marble columns broken and strewn about at random. 

It was a beautiful Saturday morning, and we had the entire place to ourselves. 

We wandered with our little guide book and had all the time we wanted

 to explore every nook and cranny, as we walked the same path

 that Julius Caesar walked.

 But hopefully not to the same demise.

Early morning is such a blessing, before all the tourists find you.

Imagine having this ancient site that people come from all over to world to see,

 all to yourself...

I was beginning to think I had discovered it all by myself.

I felt like Indiana Jones

When I think back on Rome, I am reminded of: 

the Colors of Rome

The Piazza Farnese

I understand why we want to replicate them and bring them home. 

But there is something about AUTHENTIC patina 

that cannot be replicated, try as we might. 

Behind the Vatican, as we took the Necropolis Tour

fountains

'Trevi' , and yes we threw coins over our shoulder to insure that we would one day return

In the Piazza Navona

Fountain at the Villa Borghese



This also reminds me of how much I loved all the public drinking fountains. You can refill your water bottles with the cold goodness flowing from the Etruscan Aqueducts that are now thousands of years old.

sidewalk cafe dining

Arches, arches everywhere

the evening promenade

Gelato

Our very first taste of Rome, was Gelato. And my taste buds reveled in this new delight.

Our usual stop was the brightly lit little shop right in our Piazza; 'Blue Ice'.

Crazy Traffic

 It's definitely an act of faith to cross the street.

 We enjoy many cab rides during our stay and I never ceased to marvel at Roman driving. From the outside observer it seems as if there are no rules, no lanes. Scooters scoot between cars dangerously close, all jockeying for position. It seems more like a horse race than a drive. Whenever you come upon a red light, the cars stop and then the vespas come swarming up and fill in any little hole. But the cabbies take it with ease and I am not frightened by the chase. We witness a little bump of an accident. The driver in back throws up her hands and shrugs, the driver in front just shakes his head and they move on.

 No big deal!!! WHAT??

Isn't this gorgeous. If you're going to zip through the streets of Rome it might as well be on a BMW

Speaking of crazy traffic;

 This blurry picture was taken at the Villa Borghese. They have a extensive park that is filled with fountains and pathways to explore. Gail and I caught one of the little trams that gave you a tour to get a better look at this vast estate. Unfortunately our driver is a typical Italian and the tram is careening around corners on these little pathways meant to be enjoyed at a more leisurely pace. I can barely  ready my camera for a shot, before we have whizzed by it at lighting speed. In what seems like mere minutes we arrive back at the entrance. A little dizzy, but no worse for wear,

 and laughing like crazy.

Yes,

Rome is  beauty and chaos. 

But somehow it all comes together perfectly,

like a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.

A view from the Castel San Angelo

So much to love, too much to share here.

Look for the final entry next week.

All pictures are mine ( except for Roman Holiday, of course)