I don't even know where to start! We tagged along with Anna, as she was doing a private tour with a very cute couple from the ship. What an adventure! We left the ship at 0700, and met Anna at the roman gate, she walked us to the train station, where we boarded a very crowded train to Rome...What a site, watching the locals crowding in at every stop, jostling for seats and space...Our first stop was the Vatican, as we left the train, we could see St Peters Basilica in the distance, walking thru crowded seats, we entered the Vatican City thru tall ancient columns...very awesome. Anna took the other couple ( Kim and Tom) to the Vatican Museum, to visit the Sistine Chapel, As we had already been there, we chose to wander the City, have a coffee, and enjoy the local action. We met up around 1030, and took the metro to the Colosseum.
I have to say it was really neat to exit a 20th century metro, and the first thing we see , as you exit, is a 1st century Colosseum! It was fun to look at Tom and Kims faces as they had their first look! What a great couple! After seeing the Colosseum, and the Roman Forum, we walked what seemed like miles, to the Pantheon, which is 2000 years old!
On the way, we stopped at a little hole in the wall Pizza place, ( which is Anna and antonio's favorite pizza in Rome) and had what has to be the best pizza we ever had! ( outside of Antonios pizza) We sat on the streets and munched pizza with cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, and Pizza with parma ham and cheese...After that we were ready to move on thru the crowded little streets of of the old roman center, to the Trevi fountain, where Tom threw in a coin, to ensure his return to Rome.
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| The Pantheon Tom and Kims picture |
On the way, we stopped at a little hole in the wall Pizza place, ( which is Anna and antonio's favorite pizza in Rome) and had what has to be the best pizza we ever had! ( outside of Antonios pizza) We sat on the streets and munched pizza with cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, and Pizza with parma ham and cheese...After that we were ready to move on thru the crowded little streets of of the old roman center, to the Trevi fountain, where Tom threw in a coin, to ensure his return to Rome.
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| Trevi fountain |
Then, we continued to walked thru to streets, looking for Anna's favorite Gelato shoppe, and I had a small hazelnut, topped with a chocolate nut scoop....I thought I'd died and gone to heaven! We jumped on a tram, crossed the Tiber river and then walked to the train station for our return to the ship....let me tell you that was an experience of a lifetime....This train was so crowded, there was standing room only! We got separated from Tom and Michael...we were packed in like sardines. it was hot and sweaty, some people around us were not wearing deodorant! after about 20 minutes we finally found some seats and all sat together! It was the ultimate Italian experience! I loved it! thank you Anna!After we exited the train,Anna stayed on the train and went home.
the view from Antonios and Annas Pizza Joint
We limped back to the shuttle bus, Entered the ship, dropped off our things and headed straight to the bar to be revived! After dinner, we were in bed by 9 pm, and woke up 12 hours later....crippled, but happy! lol
We have 2 days at sea to recover, then, on to Athens!!
The view from our balcony
I have to say that Tom and Kim adored Anna! She found a way to show them everything they wanted to see! They felt like family! ! Patty, the 10 pound hamburger made it, as well as all the baby clothes. Michael took several pictures of Anna, and sad to say a 7 month pregnant woman., outlasted us old folks!
Ciao for now!
