DAY 10–
–9:30 am-12:45 pm Colosseum/Forum Gladiator’s Entrance tour (transportation strike today! I fretted about how to get to the Colosseum and just decided to walk the 55 minute walk. It was great)
–gelato for lunch again–3 scoops at Fatamorgana
–St. Cosma & Damian church
–Santa Maria Ara Coeli church (and its 123 steps. Saw another wedding)
–Gesu church
–Victor Emmanuel monument (walked up to the free 2nd level)
–Jewish Ghetto (I wanted to see some of the bronze sidewalk plaques commemorating houses where people lived who were removed and exported to Auschwitz and beyond)
–dinner Hosteria Grappolo d’oro ( I had the tasting menu–starter of: cod mousse/meatball/panzanello, Amatriciana pasta, lamb, roasted potatoes, cherry mousse and another beautiful house wine. OMG is all I can say! So full I could hardly walk back to the Domus!
** The food in Italy–how can I ever eat at home again and enjoy it??I must say that eating alone was one of my biggest fears. The servers were so kind in seating me in less awkward tables (not in the middle of rooms), were so attentive and gracious.I was almost comfortable.
The Walks of Italy Colosseum tour was really interesting. Our guide, Laura, an Art Historian, was a fantastic guide.
The Jewish Ghetto plaques were very moving and sad.
DAY 11–
–7:30 am St. Peter’s Dome climb (I took the elevator half way and walked the remaining 260+ steps. Phenomenal views from both the mezzanine level and the top)
–St. Peter’s church
–mailed postcards at the Vatican post office. Almost 10 Euro for 4 cards!)
–Domus to rest for an hour
–gelato lunch (again!) at L’Arena Del Gelato (delicious)
–St. Louis of the French church
–Pantheon (Had to invoke Plan B because it was sold out and I hadn’t gotten tics pre-trip)
–Plan B wander around the area. Sat at Piazza Navona and people watched.
–dinner Trattoria Lilli (Carbonara, salad, bread, house wine and tiramisu) OMG
** SP Dome climb–beautiful.
I was a bit disappointed I couldn’t see the Pantheon, but it was my fault.
I felt that I could eat Carbonara daily and not get tired of it. Trattoria Lilli was mouthwateringly good. I was seated by Patricia, the daughter of the original long gone owners. She was so kind and friendly.
DAY 12–
–9:30 am Mass at Basilica Santa Maria in Traspontina (how can there be so many amazing churches?)
–12 noon St. Peter’s Square to see the Pope prayying the Angelus and blessing
–Catacombs of Priscilla (fascinating)
–walked to the Quartiere Coppede area (fanciful architecture and frog fountain)
–5:00-7:00 pm reservation Borghese Gallery tour
–dinner at the Domus (soup, short ribs, salad, cauliflower and wine of course)
–Very excited about my day tomorrow–2 hour private tour of the Vatican!!
** A “light” day. I had a perfect spot to see Pope Francis and had goosebumps when I saw him! It was awesome.
The Catacombs were quite interesting to see. I loved the architecture of the Quartiere Coppede! So different from what I’ve mostly seen in Rome.
The Borghese was small but very nicely laid out. I enjoy art, but know nothing about it really.