Our last day in Rome started in amazing fashion. We headed down to the breakfast area in the Waldorf Astoria. Did we want to sit inside or outside? Inside, let’s save the outside for the sightseeing today.
The breakfast buffet at the Cavalieri is amazing. The spread actually takes up 3 rooms. There are breads, eggs, meats, cheeses, cereals, food to appeal to children, different cultures and diets, and even me. We didn’t find out that you could get “eggsactly” what you wanted by ordering it from the kitchen.
We could have stayed here for hours, but we were on a tight schedule. Our guide would be looking for us around 9:30 AM for about another half day of exploration of the main sites of Rome. One more mini croissant for the road.
Car and guide were waiting for us when we ventured towards the front door of the hotel. Where were we off to today?
We headed for the Piazza Venezia – the center of Rome. This the spot where you always see the crazy traffic buzzing around in Rome. Tiny cars, Vespas, taxis, etc. zipping around this “rotary” as we call it the states. There are the tour buses with people trying to get a picture of Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (the Wedding Cake Building as called by locals). Our pictures were taken during a brief stop in the car.
Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (the Wedding Cake Building)
We drove around the city as the guide pointed out domes, piazzas and historical sites, many I can’t recount. We drove up a narrow road to the top of street where we learned we were going to walk around a bit. As we left the car, we noticed that we were at the top of a hill and could see so much of the city. When we turned around, there we were overlooking the Forum…….how will we ever find this place again?
Roman Forum – ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city
After a bit of rest and picture taking….as well as navigating swarms of tourists trying to push us out of the way, we gathered ourselves to move on to our next stop, Piazza Navona.
I could sit in the Piazza Navona for hours and watch the people and the fountain. Find some coffee and an Italian pastry and go back and sit some more. The Fountain Fiumi is amazing. Taking pictures of the fountain requires walking in circles, but my best picture was only from one angle.
The Fountain Fiumi
With little time to linger, we were off again following our guide to our next spot, but we didn’t know where were going and we ended up here…
The Pantheon in Rome
When we stopped, we were looking at a sea of people all standing in front of the Pantheon and not moving. No one seemed to know why no one could enter this holy site but there were lots of red rose petals blowing around on the cobblestone and lots of security personnel near the entrance. Our guide inquired and found it was Pentecost Sunday and no one was allowed entry. We would need to save our Pantheon visit for next time.
We had little time left with our guide and 2 more places to see before we were left on our own in the wonder city. Next stop, Trevi Fountain. This is was my favorite stop. If all those people would take a look, throw a coin or 2, and move to the side rather than camping in front of the fountain, it would give everyone a chance to take a good picture or 2. How did I do in spite of the all the people?
The Trevi Fountain – my favorite stop
I couldn’t get close enough to throw my coins, but I knew we would be returning to Rome. I was already with my “roman” romance.
OK, on to our last stop, the Spanish steps. This is a short walk from Trevi Fountain. You could just follow the signs or the people and get there without too much trouble, guide was not really needed, except we were so disoriented, the assistance was a good idea.
It was time to say goodbye to our guide and grab some lunch at one of the many restaurants near the Spanish steps (yes touristy but they were there). We would have a little time to window shop and get back to our hotel to pack and get ready to go home.
We loved Rome and were already looking forward to returning to learn more and spend more time in the wonderful city.
Ciao!
Until next time, Rome