Day 2: Exploring Rome

Saturday, our second day, began with a walk from our hotel to the near by Spanish Steps. We took lots of pictures of the Spanish church, the Steps, the Fountain and the expensive shops in that area. Although the hour was early, the area below the steps was already crowded with tourists.  We found that Rome (and Italy) were full of tourists this autumn.  (We frequently asked one another, "what recession?")

We found our way to the Trevi Fountain, and mingled with the huge crowds there.  Of course we threw three coins into the fountain so we could someday return to Rome!

We walked to the Pantheon, built about the year 115 A.D. Still in perfect condition, the 148-foot dome covers the tombs of some of Italy's most important men.

From the Pantheon we walked toward the Piazza Navona, a beautiful large public space occupying the ancient oval hippodrome (racetrack) where Roman charioteers once competed. We paused here for lunch before continuing our walk to the Vatican.

The Vatican was farther away than Google maps had suggested, and we rushed to meet Giuseppi, our Vatican guide. We learned a bit of the history of the museums and the popes, we saw the magnificent Sistine chapel and a few more objects, and then we arrived at St. Peter's Basilica.

Unfortunately, our Vatican tour was rather disappointing. Our guide was obviously disinterested in our experience and we were just shuffled through with crowds of other tourists, and shown only a very small part of the museum. Our disappointment continued in St. Peter's, which was was to host of meeting of all the world's cardinals beginning on the morning after our visit. The basilica was filled with portable chairs and dividers and hanging curtains, and again, we were simply shuffled around the edges. Unfortunately, our group wasn't really able to feel the overwhelming size and magnificence of the spectacular building.

During our day in Rome we walked through a few miles of its history and its magnificence.  The picture at the top of this page shows some of our group enjoying a yoga stretch outside St. Peter's basilica at the end of a busy day.

Perhaps the most exciting (?) part of the day for some of us was the ride back to the hotel in the crowded and chaotic Roman Metro (subway).  At least, it will be the most remembered part of the day for some of our friends, I suspect.

Saturday evening we scattered to find separate places for dinner and to explore Rome after dark. Most of us were in bed pretty early because the next day was schedule to begin with an early wake-up call.