November 18, 2011

November 18, 2011

This morning I woke up at about 7:30, got ready and we headed down to breakfast around 8:00. It was lovely to have a real breakfast again filled with croissants, fruit, cheese, yogurt and granola. We met as a group at 9:00 and walked over to the Capitoline Hill where we met our tour guide, Angela from England, who was just wonderful. We started out walking through some of the ruins of the forum, making our way over to the Coliseum. When we got there we got to go to the third level—a special thing that almost no one gets to do! It had an incredible view and was very cool. We were supposed to go underneath as well but, because of the flooding, we were unable to do so. It was fun to be back at the Coliseum and I, of course, learned many interesting and fun things I didn’t know before.

After our time there we had about an hour break to grab some lunch. I went with a group of people and we found a cute little place where you could buy pizza by the slice and it was cheap and delicious. We met back with our group and guide at 1:00 and headed into the ruins and the forum. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and a lot of fun so we had a good time even though our feet really hurt by that point. After the tour we all headed back to the hotel because we needed a bit of a rest. My feet were in a lot of pain so it felt good to be able to lie in bed and read for an hour. Then, at 4:30, we met Jodie and Gail in the lobby for an optional walking tour. There were about fifteen of us who chose to join. We started at Santa Maria Sopra Minerva where the two Medici popes are buried as well as Fra Angelico. We also looked at a chapel frescoed by Filipino Lippi and a marble statue of the Risen Christ by Michelangelo. After that we headed across the street to the Pantheon. Last time I went there, we didn’t really talk much about it so it was fun to learn more about it.

From there we were treated to gelato from Rome’s most famous gelateria, Giolitti. It was definitely the best gelato I have ever had and we got such big portions for so cheap (even though they paid for us anyway). I had caramel, cream and some sort of toffee and almond flavor that was very yummy. We finished up there and, realizing that we were close to the Trevi Fountain, I headed over there with a few others. It really is so beautiful, especially at night. We made wishes on pennies, took photos, took it all in and then decided to wander back. We admired all the Christmas lights and decorations and loved being a part of all the people out and about. We eventually ended up back at the hotel where we made a quick stop before heading out to dinner.

We ate at a cute little restaurant with big, delicious portions. I had linguine al pesto, which was wonderful and very filling. We spent quite a while at dinner and then headed back to the hotel. Back in our room, exhausted, we got ready for bed, read for a bit and then went to bed around 10:45. We felt so lame but we couldn’t move and could barely keep our eyes open :P

 Me at the Coliseum 

 Me, (Denali), and Anica eating gelato!

Me, Tiela and Leah at the Trevi Fountain (OLES!)