Rome is Beautiful

I couldn't have picked a better place to stay than the Capricci Romani (www.bebcappricciromani.com). I slept really well last night probably due to the fact that it is not near any busy streets. It has nice conveniences like a tv and blow dryer and cooler in my room. Two guys run the place and are really helpful. They also serve a delicious breakfast which starts with a great expresso and you know italians know how to make coffee.

As I walked first toward Piazza Nuvona I started to wonder about why I picked this city to visit. But as I got to the piazza nuvona, I walked by beautiful colored buildings with statuary and collonades everywhere you go and there was my answer. Every building is an art in itself. There is so much to take in as you watch all the tourists enjoy these beautiful sites as much as I do.

Today I decided to hit the typical tourist sites. After Piazza Nuvona, I saw the Victor Emmanuale II monument, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and some of the many oblesiques. It seems that Rome took many of these from Egypt since they are everywhere. The weather was perfect for walking by all these sites.

One thing I love to watch is the variety of footwear here. I have seen so many stylish forms of shoes. Europeans do know how to pick their shoes. Of course I see the occasional 3 inch heel shoes or boots and don't know how these women walk on the cobblestone steps in these.

I was so surprised to see Italians sweating in the city. Several jogging groups passed me by in the morning. That's another thing I can't imagine doing on these streets either. Of course they aren't moving fast but my feet would hurt. Plus I saw quite a few people willing to ride bikes on the streets here which is kind of a death wish. The cars drive really fast and you have to be even more aware of your surroundings.

Finally I ended my day with a visit to the National Museum of Rome. It is suppose to be the best representation of Rome history. Although the collection isn't that large, it is impressive when you see sculptures and frescoes that date back to before Christ. Many of them are in excellent condition. There were some amazing artists in those days.

Oh, one last thing. I found my gelato place today! I was so excited that I remembered the way from back in the late 90s when I was last here. Talk about it being packed. After paying at the cashier, you had to push your way to the gelato counter where two guys constantly met everyone's request. They had every variety of fruit and liquor gelato you can imagine. It was everything I remembered and it is still the best gelato or ice cream I have ever had. I am sure the cone had to be 1000 calories or something like that but it was so worth it. I hope to have it one more time before I leave.

Well tomorrow I get a tour of the Roman Forum, Colloseum and Palantine Hill. I hope to learn a lot of history tomorrow.

Good night everyone!