We had early tickets for the Colosseum.
So we got there early – before opening.
Eventually the gates opened and we joined the flood of humanity entering the arena – a process that probably hasn’t changed much in the past 2,000 years.
We wandered around, took some photographs, and learned (strangely) about the Trojan War.
They displayed quite a few artifacts from that region/era as well as other places and times.
Some of you my know of my fascination with goddess miniatures. So while I wasn’t there to document Greek Blackwear I did find some interesting figurines.
Filogosa Culture c. 3000-2500 BCE
Right: Female, Terracotta, from Antandros, 4th C BCE
Having had all the fun we could there we left and entered the Forum
It’s a bunch of ruins that I’m sure would have been very interesting if we had a guide to interpret (and if the temps weren’t entering the 90s.
So once we found the exit (no small fete in itself) we taxied back to the Pantheon plaza where we treated ourselves to the Most Expensive Gelato Ever.
Then Brian, Cheryl and the boys headed back to the apartment while Jen and I walked down to the Largo Argentina to pick up our tickets for the Pantheon from the small tour company with an office nearby.
You will remember from Day 2 that Cheryl and I stopped at this site of the assassination of Caesar.
Tickets in hand we returned for:
Randy – Stand in the longish ‘skip the line’ line hoping that everyone else would get there before he got to the front.
Jen – return to the apartment to change tops for one that covers her shoulders, and bring everyone else back.
They made it in good time and we entered this most marvelous 2nd century structure. We wandered, took some photos, and absorbed a little of the history of the place.
They just don’t make them like they used to.
After some time in the Pantheon it was back to the apartment to rest and cool down before our last adventure in Rome, the underground archaeological area of Vicus Caprarius, an archaeological dig near the Trevi Fountain where an ancient water system (excavated between 1999 and 2001) still continues to feed cisterns and a water distribution network throughout the area.
After a short visit to this site we faced a decision. We could head back to the apartment to rest and pack in cool comfort, or…since we were already half-way there, we could walk the rest of the way to the Spanish Steps.
When it was time to leave the Hunts decided to taxi back while Cheryl and I opted to walk.
We had spotted a BaoBao shop along the way and had a hankerin’ for some of their great dumplings and such. So we picked up some treats for our supper to go.
Along the way we passed the Piazza Colonna and it’s impressive column.
Back at the apartment we rested and blogged and read and such until it was time for the kids’ dinner (Brian scored some takeout McDonalds nuggets and fries).
Shortly thereafter he and Jennifer left for a date-night dinner while Cheryl hung with the guys and I had our dumplings. (Actually she had a bean-paste pancake while mine was a noodle bowl but both were excellent.)
We then had a quiet evening packing, reading, blogging.
Tomorrow morning we leave the eternal city and transfer to its current port where we join another mass of humanity on the cruise ship.
Till then,
Ciao
R