Day 1 -Rome

Arrived In Rome.  We got through the airports noproblem and grabbed a cab into the city.  The cab driver drive like a maniac and even had to use his soccer mom arm at one point but we got to the hotel safe and sound.  

We’re staying at the Starhotels Metropole.  It’s nice but we wonder why they have no space between the beds here.  We did some rearranging though. 

We got showered and Cheryl decided to take a nap and I went out for a walk.  I headed over to see the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. 

Along the way I saw some gorgeous buildings and art. 

 The Trevi fountain was absolutely beautiful (albeit very crowded). 

On the way to the Spanish Steps I saw this guy and had to admire his hat!

Along the way to the steps I passed the statue of Santa Sede. 

And then I finally made it to the Spanish Steps. 

I made my way to the top and went into the church (and amazingly was not struck by lightening).  

I then headed back to the hotel to see if Cheryl was up and ready for lunch/dinner since it was about 3pm. 

We headed to a pizza place near the hotel and enjoyed our first spritz’s of the trip. 

I also had my first latte which put any coffee I’vehad before to shame. 

As we sat at dinner police came by in riot gear and set up a blockade.  There was a parade to legalize marijuana up the street so there was security all over.  We were sitting  next to a couple from Denver who were retired state police.  They were very excited to see all this.  At this point I think I was too tired to care.   

After dinner we decided to figure out the bus system.  We had to wander around the Terminal area a while before we finally found the kiosk to buybus tickets.  

We hopped in the bus and headed to Piazza Novano.  There they had beautiful fountains and many street artists. 

We decided to have a cocktail at one of the winebars. First up I had a cappirina. Wasn’t sure what Cachaca was but figured I’d give it a go!

Next up was the Campari Orange.  A little bitter and a little sweet. 

We made some friends here too. Bill and Evie Ramsey were from Toronto and hate us because ofthe Bruins!  Lol.  And the peeps from the U.K. who I never caught they’re names. 

I didn’t mention above but they have very pushy people selling everything g from scarves to wooden bowls here.  And they just keep coming by.  After many tries (and is having many drinks) we somehow ended up buying a bunch of animals (to be clear, Bill and Mr. UK bought them....we somehow each ended up with one).  

 

We decided that it was the strawberry daiquiris Bill bought the group that did us in!  

We ‘ended’ the night with a couple of Limoncello.  

I say ‘ended’ because, after cabbing it back to the hotel, as we were walking through the door, I looked across the street and said maybe we should have one more over there.  Cheryl said she thought the same.  So we went decided to go to the hotel bar and have a post nightcap nightcap. 

Not sure what we were thinking!

Also noted today that they have creepy things here and I’m sure something will be coming back to the office. 

@Manny, they do have McDonalds but I’m still not going. 

And finally I have learned to say sono allergico alle rose because they keeptryi g to give me rosesin the street and it takes about 15 no thank you a before they go away.... ow I just tell them I’m allergic!

Up tomorrow, the coliseum tour!