Wednesday, August 5, 2015

2015 3Q Day 4 of 21 Tuesday 30-Jun Rome

Day 4 of 21 Tuesday 30-Jun Rome

Today’s Schedule

Another meandering day like yesterday. Maggie and Dan did some night-time wandering on their own last night.  Decided to take Mya with them and have her share in their experience of the Forum, and other surroundings.  Much to see and so little time.

http://www.capitolium.org/eng/virtuale/virtuale.htm

Carol & I are lucky that we took 5 extra days prior to the week long tour we had 2 years ago.  For us this day planned for walking to the area of the Spanish Steps.

http://www.panoramicearth.com/4035/Rome/Spanish_Steps

My Observations

We start the day with meeting Marco the manager of the Hotel Diana.  He has been so helpful on both our Rome visits.  He had a few days away with family.  For me – he is like family – brother – fratello. Once we leave hotel, head in the direction of the main train terminal.  Along the way will check on two “Massimo.”  One being the owner of the Alessio Ristorante. We ate at the sidewalk café part almost daily during the prior visit.

http://www.hoteldianaroma.com/en/default.html

From there, cross the street to Museo Massimo. Enjoyed seeing the banners with special quotes displayed in Italian and English.  One of my favorite sculptures from prior visit is there – The Boxer.  A larger than life bronze pugilist who has his head turned – looks you in the eye – and like Robert De Niro from movie – Taxi Driver, seems to ask – you talkin’ to me?

Next stop, the train station to verify plans for leaving in a day for train to Florence.  A very L-A-R-G-E terminal, that some may find daunting.  Like most public transpiration places in Italy – instructions in both Italian and English.  Very helpful for us and would guess many other travelers from Europe.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roma_Termini_railway_station

Photo 1 - See.  Meeting with Marco from Hotel Diana.  A friend from prior visit.

Photo 2 - Do.  Greeting snack shop attendant – Hasan.  He is from Bangladesh and I greet him with Assalaamu ‘Aleykum - Peace be with you.

Photo 3 - Eat.  Grab a small sandwich during afternoon stroll.  Big dinner with Maggie and family later.

Click here for today's online photo album.