Friday, our final day in Rome is here and we have plenty to see and do!

Colosseo and the Forum

We took the Metro here and walking out of the station – there it is! The sun was bright so the colors aren’t as brilliant as they could be, but washed out or not this place is amazing!

This guy was making so many bubbles near the Forum

Victor Emmanuelle Monument, the first king of unified Italy. It is the Italian tomb of the unknown soldier.

Trevi Fountain

There were so many people today. And the sun was so bright it was difficult to get a good photo. We tried!

Spanish steps and the neighborhood

Around the corner we go to find the Spagna (Spanish steps). Talk about crowded. It’s a bigger space than the Trevi so of course there were more people. We didn’t climb the steps but enjoyed the view and the fountain.

This area is known for designer shopping. It did not disappoint! We simply ogled the store fronts, made note of the staff watching who dare enter their store and kept walking. I did snap one photo of a most interesting ensemble.

We found ourselves back in Nuovo Piazza and turned around after admiring the space and went in search of Campo di Fiori. It was a favorite of Ricks and mine on previous visits. I didn’t realize it was such a market space which makes me think we went there in the evenings rather than during the day.

We headed for the balsamic bottles and ended up trying 8, 12, 16 and 20-year-old bottles. The older the age, the sweeter. I enjoyed the 12-year the most.

Next we were continuing on our shoe search. All we have is our hiking shoes and sandals and I’m not feeling the love while in the city. I feel the need for some leather but it must be something I can wear here and at home.

Score again! I found a pair of an open toe strap back shoe that was 1/4 of the normal price. They are cute and comfy and will work here and at home. I’m so glad that search is over!

Then between the piazza and the shoe shop we came upon a clothing store with the cutest jackets and tops – ever!

I spotted a blue knit top with sleeves, interesting collar and flowy design that can be worn with jeans or leggings. For this trip I will try mine out with leggings since that’s all I have with me. I tried it on and had an older man, maybe 80+, assist me. First he held up the sweater by the shoulders which looked like a tank top, but he forgot to remind me there were arms I also had to work with. He kept shaking his head and couldn’t believe how uncoordinated I was. I finally got it on and then the woman took a turn to help me and grabbed a scarf, whipped it around my neck and voila! We have a chic outfit. Even madam said so!

Suzanne found something that she liked and will be a good addition to her wardrobe. I think for her birthday tomorrow we should dress up.

It’s a good thing I already purchased a small carry-on bag for my items because there is no extra room in my backpack.

On that same street we found a bakery with arancini! We have been looking for that ever since we stopped at the family BBQ a couple weeks ago. I ate mine right there. It was warm and delicious!

When we were done and ready to head back to our apartment. I wasn’t sure where to find a Metro stop. Sue needed a lift as her knee was done with walking for the day. After trial and error on a streetcar I found the red “M” on my map and so we remained seated until I could see the stop. It was the Pirimide stop. I had not seen the pyramid before so this was cool.

From Wikipedia;

The Pyramid of Cestius (in Italian, Piramide di Caio Cestio or Piramide Cestia) is an ancient pyramid in Rome, Italy, near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. It was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Epulones religious corporation.

Built in: c. 12 BC

Built by/for: Gaius Cestius

We made it to our stop after a transfer at Roma Termini and the plan was to detour a block away and have a beer or something before heading back to our apartment.

First stop however was gelato. We’ve only had it once in Rome. What is up with that?! So gelato it was. I continue to choose one scoop of stracciatella. It’s got such a soft vanilla flavor with dark chocolate pieces.

We finally made it to the bar and ordered a beer and a spritz drink for Suzanne. With the drink order came peanuts and chips, and then pizza slices and sandwiches. Dinner!

It was a good day and I finally felt like we have seen Rome.

Tomorrow we are off to Venice! New adventures await.

#enjoythejourney