Took a tour of Rome with our van driver, Franco, a retired police inspector, who had a great sense of humor, and spoke English very well. We went by the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, which is called the "wedding cake" building because it is so stunningly ornate. He pointed out the steps where single women walk up on their knees and pray for a husband at the top. I said, "let me out", and Franco said "no need, you can be my 3rd mistress!". We arrived at the Arch of Constantine, which is right next to the Coliseum. What a humbling sight this is! Took a quick tour of the Coliseum, which is mind-blowing. Walked up to the Forum, which was the old market area. Nice refreshing spring water fountain from which to drink. From there we went to the Circus Maximus, the old arena for chariot racing.

Back to the van for a ride to the Spanish Steps, which is dominated by the Trinia de Monti (church). Very crowded, but gorgeous fish-style fountain at the base, where you can sit, relax, and again drink the water from the fountain. My foot was very sore, so I didn't walk up the steps, but sat and iced my foot and took in the beauty of the fountain.

Then, we walked to Trevi Fountain (stunning!), which was also very crowded, but we managed to walk down and sit on the edge and take pictures, and of course throw our coins into the fountain. Had gelato as we didn't have time for lunch. Trevi Fountain opened in 1762 and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city.

We walked to the Pantheon which is a former Roman Temple, now a church, on the site of an earlier temple commissioned by Marcus Agrippa during the reign of Agustus. HUGE place, with a HUGE hole in the dome, but no water enters when it rains. Tombs for past kings, queens, and Rafael, the painter, are here. I was very moved by this location. Overwhelming, actually.

Next, we walked to the Piazza de Navona, which is built on the Site of the Stadium of Somitan, which was built in the 1st century. It is a favorite piazza for locals, and contains the fountain of the Four RIvers, which has an Egyptian Obelisk, as well as one other fountain with Neptune.

We drove by the Justice Center, where Amanda Knox was held, and by the prison, which looks like an office bulilding. We say so many places today, and did a lot of walking on the cobblestone roads. Rested for a bit at the hotel, then out again for some more shopping, and wine and dinner at Il Vicolo di Caruso, which four of us ladies had popped into to escape a small rain shower. E32 for a bottle of wine, and two huge antipasto platters for me, Kathy, Virginia, and Elaine. Awesome.

Tomorrow, off to the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Sistine Chapel!