Last Day in Rome - St. Peter's Bascilica

Today we knew we had to get up early.  Our goal was to be out the door at 8 am.  We were 20 minutes late but we were still quite proud of ourselves.

St. Peter's Basilica opens at 7 am. Now that would of been too early but we knew we wanted to be there before it got really crowded.  A lot of Italians are on a long weekend here so we knew it could be busy.

We walked to the Vatican(30 min walk) and the queue was long but it only got longer.  We waited 40 minutes to get through security.  

Remember while in the church - dress appropriately, remove your hat, no talking on your cell phone.  If you have a knapsack you will need to check it at the coat check after security.

This is our second visit to St. Peter's.  Last time we were here we saw a lot and even visited the Necropolis. To read  more click here.

Today our goal is to just walk around and enjoy it with no guide or schedule.  Bernie wanted to come back here to see it a second time.

It was lovely, and not crazy packed.  We were able to move around freely and get up close to many pieces.  Although this time we were not able to go right up to the alter and walk around it like last time.  I am not sure if this is a permanent change or temporary.  So I am glad we got to last time.

After 20 minutes we left and we can see the line for the security has snaked all around completely and doubled back.  Glad we got here early.

We walked around for a while, got our coffee, picked up some bus tickets for tomorrow's tram then returned to the apartment.

On the walk back we heard my name being called - our friend Juan who is also sailing with us was in a taxi stopped at a light.  Too funny that our paths would cross!

It is around 11 and we relax for a bit.

We want to head out again around 1 pm, but not sure where/what to do.  We are getting hungry and since our mid day meal has been our largest since arriving we head out to get a meal.

After a great meal we wander some more.  Thankfully it hasn't rain - although we are prepared with an umbrella at all times.  

I wanted something sweet and was craving a cannoli.  We find a spot and pick up one that is called a Sicilian Cannoli.  It was good, but I couldn't even finish it.  Just so rich.

Again we wander the streets of Rome just gawking.  We pop into a few shops but neither one of us are big shoppers.  But it is fun to look.

It is very busy everywhere so finding some quieter streets is a treat.

Back at the apartment around 4 pm we take note that we have logged 20,000 steps today!  Wow.

We relax - and I even had an hour nap.  We enjoy the wine we have and talk about our game plan for tomorrow.  

Pack up, take garbage down to the street, tidy up, luggage tags, time to leave, etc.

We are catching a train from Trastevere station which is very close to us and a short tram way away.  We could walk it in about a half hour but with our bags it is just as easy to take the tram.

Our train is at 10:27 and we will arrive at Civitavecchia station around 11:15 am.  I know we could take a shuttle but for the two of us it would be way too expensive - private would be 119 e each, or shared at 69 e each.  Our train ticket plus the tram is 8 e each.

We have really enjoyed our time in Rome.  Both of us are glad we came back.  Although both of us agree that we prefer the smaller, quieter places in Italy.   We much preferred Sardinia, Lucca, Genoa than the big cities like Rome or Venice.  

Everyone needs to see Rome, see the sites here but to get a "real" experience of Italy head outside of Rome.  

I have really liked staying in Trastevere, so easy to get around and a feel of a community.

So tomorrow we board the Crown for 24 days and we are both really looking forward to it.

Water Logged in Rome - Day Trip to Ostia Antica

After a great sleep (might of been all the wine) we wake feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.  

But darn it is raining.  But that won't stop us, we come from Vancouver where we invented waterproof gear.  

Today we are off to Ostia Antica - this is what Wiki says about Ostia:  

Ostia Antica is a large archaeological site, close to the modern town of Ostia, that is the location of the harbour city of ancient Rome, 15 miles (25 kilometres) southwest of Rome. At the mouth of the River Tiber, Ostia was Rome's seaport, but due to silting the site now lies 3 kilometres (2 miles) from the sea.The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics.

It is very easy to get to with transit.  So we buy our bus tickets at a kiosk and we board the tram that takes us to the train station and a 25 minute ride to Ostia Antica.

A short walk from the station to the site.  Just walk out of the station, up the stars to the blue overpass walkway and down the other side.  Follow the marked sidewalk that takes you right to the sit.  

But I should add that as soon as we got outside from the train it started to really pour. Ironically there was an umbrella leaning against this fence - with no one around.   So we took it as it seems to have been abandoned.  We soon realize why, it is partially broken and the handle keeps coming off.  But right now we can not be picky.  Anything is better that nothing.

So off we go!

Should of wore rubber boots - but they don't go with my formal wear.

The entrance fee is 10e each to enter the site.  The area is very deserted - only a handful of people.  Such a nice change from yesterday.

we are smiling - but wet

We spend the next hour wandering around and following Rick Steves free guide from his app.   Make sure to load this on your phone before leaving and put on all the free guides/tours he has for the areas you will be visiting.

The rain is not letting up.

We are soaked right thru.  Our shoes squeak as we walk.  My jeans are drenched from the knee down.  My butt is soaked from the rain running off my umbrella.  But we are still smiling.

Plus I think this is the first time we have ever had rain in Italy so I can not complain.

So we back track to the train station.  A train soon arrives and we are back in Trastevere.

Oh and when we saw a family walking to the site without umbrellas Bernie handed her his "found" umbrella.  She was surprised but pleased.

I know we both want to get out of our wet clothes, and we are both hungry, so I suggest buying some things and making a meal.

We pick up some pasta, sauce, cheese, bread and wine (of course) and head home.

As soon as we enter we peel off our clothes.  Turn on the heat and lay our clothes on every radiator in the house.  Praying our runners dry before the morning.  

We also do a quick load of wash and now our apartment looks like a laundry with clothes hanging everywhere.  But we are happy.

A good meal is in our tummy, we have wine on hand, and we have each other.

Not sure what tonight will bring - but we feel pretty comfortable so who knows.

Fun Night at Mamasi Wine Bar

After relaxing in the apartment for a while we knew we needed to get out and grab a small bite to eat and heck who am I kidding - some wine.

We decided to explore a bit closer to home and wandered the narrow streets of Trastevere.

Bernie spotted Mamasi wine bar and it looked inviting.

They had a big display of meats and cheeses and a large selection of wines to try.  

What is good is all these wines are from this area, or nearby.  The same with the cheeses/meats.  So the menu changes with what is available.

Simon took very good care of us - pouring our first selection.

We ordered a lovely starter of meats/cheeses to go with the wines.

I then moved to a Prosecco and after two glasses of Prossecco and a filled tummy we are realizing how damn happy we are.

Simon engages us with information about the area, the locals, the government.  We talk about Canada and of course the United States.  

The more we meet people from all over the world the more I realize we are all really the same.

We leave around 11:00 pm and wander down to get some gellato as our sweet.   

What a great night!  Nothing fancy, no amazing sites, but a great experience that we won't forget.

Tried to Get to Appian Way - Toured Around Instead

We are up earlier today!  Yeah!

A quick breakfast, shower and we are out of here.  Oh happy Halloween Everyone.  Although I see some signs of Halloween around Rome it is not like it is in North America.  But it also was Bernie Dad's Birthday.  

So our first stop was Santa Maria in Trastevere Church.  We have been here before and wanted to stop in again. It is so quiet this time.  We sit and reflect and light some candles for our family, but especially in honour of Bernie Senior.  I know he is watching us and is very proud of us.

Next stop - you guessed it -- espresso.  Oh my I love how easy it is to get a shot here and how inexpensive it is.  Takes no time and we are off for our next adventure.

There are a few spots we want to visit that we never got to on previous trips and the first one is Appia Antica or Appian Way.

Google Maps provides detailed information on bus routes and that is how we get there.  Don't forget to buy your transit ticket from a kiosk or tobacco stand prior to board.  Buses don't sell tickets here.  Also buy a return ticket.  

We bought four tickets at 1.50 E each.  When you get on the bus make sure to validate your ticket.  It provides 90 minutes of travel.

Bus 118 takes you right to the start of Appian Way.  

When we get off we are a little confused.  Not sure where to go.  Finally after a bit of wandering we figured it out.  But darn it is closed.  How can it be closed.  

Well apparently there were quite a few trees that toppled over.  Lots of branches that are down and a bit of flooding that caused a mess from the storms on Sunday and Monday.

Darn...  

So back out to the street to catch the bus going back.  Thankfully it is not too far out of the city center.

We get off to see the Mouth of Truth.  Do you remember that scene in Roman Holiday?  Well I do...  

It is free to visit, and the line is not that long, but I am guessing it is at least a half hour to wait and I don't feel like waiting just to get a picture with my hand in the mouth.  You can take pictures from the side of it and that is just what I did.

Back on a bus to the Victor Emanuelle Monument.  We decided to head back to a restaurant we fell in love with the last time we were here.  

See all the added security

La Cabana is within walking distance of the monument and a lot of locals come here.

We enjoy an amazing meal and walk away stuffed.  I can get use to having the big meal mid day.  Two days in a row and I am enjoying it.

From here we have more exploring to do.

We walk to the Trevi Fountain - man what a zoo.  Always is.  I quickly take a picture and leave.  I really do not like these high tourist spots but feel it is necessary to visit.

Also watch out for the pick pockets at places like this.  Tons of people, shoulder to shoulder with little place to move.

Oh I want to add that the last time we were in Rome all those selfie sticks were a nuisance.  I am happy to report that I see fewer and fewer of them now.  Now I find people walking while staring at their phones a nuisance.  But this happens everywhere and I have to have some kind of gripe.  Do people on their phones bother you?  Or is it just me?  Stop and move over people if you need to check your phone, not in the middle of the sidewalk.  Okay I will get off my soapbox.

Next stop the Pantheon.  The crowds are minimal and it is nice to find a quiet spot to really enjoy the church and it's beauty.  I had heard that they were looking at charging a minimal entrance fee.  I am happy to say that no they are still not charging - not sure how they can as churches are suppose to be free.  But also remember you need to dress appropriately, no hats, no shorts, no talking on the phone etc.

Off to Piazza Navona.  Again it is quieter here that on past visits.  

Campo de Fiori is a miss for us.  It is a touristy area that sells mainly to tourist only.  I would rather visit a local market than this square.  But it is quite interesting to watch the people. 

We cross the Tiber and get some sundry items for the apartment.  Soap, cereal, milk, wine, sparkling water and a chocolate bar (priorities).  

Back at the apartment for 4 pm and we will relax here until later tonight when we will go out for our evening stroll and maybe a small bite to eat.  Oh and I feel gelato may be in the plans too.