Final Days of Rome...

Rome, Italy

October 14, 2007
N41°53.384
E012°29.562

After four straight days of heavy sightseeing we took the opportunity to wander through the ancient city of Rome, revisiting some of the great sites we quickly saw previously. When we finally got over the incredible architecture we started discussing the tiny cobblestone streets of Rome.

The streets, like several we’ve seen throughout Europe, are narrow, almost ally-like, and definitely not designed for cars. Most locals own scooters and race through the back alleys like it’s the Autobahn. However, we’re amazed as the little cars, mostly Smart cars, zip through the little pathways, sometimes making three-point turns in order to make a simple right or left—I guess they aren’t so simple!

Rome is very walkable. Strolling through numerous alleyways is the best way to explore the city—just watch out for the cars and scooters zipping through. It’s easy to walk from the Vatican through Piazza Navorna to the Spanish Steps and back through The Forum. Luckily, we planned enough time in Rome to enjoy its little nuances.

Last night we experienced the crowds of Rome enjoying the city on a beautiful Saturday night. Every sidewalk, café, and piazza was packed with locals and tourists alike, devouring plates of pasta and roasted meats, drinking beer and wine and simply enjoying life like Romans. It was like one big party that just flowed from neighborhood to neighborhood.

When we head out tonight for our final meal in Rome we hope it is memorable, one that will always remind us of our days in Italy. If not, we have plenty of other memories over the past few weeks with Dad and Pat, many that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow we say goodbye to Rome and Dad and Pat we’ll miss them both. Next stop… the Amalfi Coast.