Though her bone fides go back in time quite a way and I haven’t verified them (she’s supposed to be from some royal lineage that owned the Palazzo Butera we stayed in that she now owns a portion of), I had to wake her with a call to see why the driver hadn’t arrived to get us to the airport! At 6:30 am she was obviously sleeping, but roused. And when I said the service wasn’t answering she said “I’ll call his father”. And sure enough we had a driver tout suite!
Goodbye Palermo and Buongiorno, Rome!!!!
Just a few blocks away from our accommodations we started our time in Rome here checking out fountains and people watching.
We did the Rick Steves “Heart of Rome Walk” which got us from P. Navona to the Spanish Steps.
The streets were full of people. School groups and tourists, but also dignitaries and wedding parties. It was Pentecost weekend here in the Catholic heart of Italy. Bustling and sometimes overwhelming for our “up at 5:30” brains. But we made the walk and got oriented.
There were refreshments along the way and some fun with a young Italian server!
Until we reached the end of the walk at the Spanish Steps. You’re no longer allowed to sit and enjoy the vibe there – you’ll risk a 250 Euro fine though it looked mostly like the carabinieri were just asking folks not to sit.
But we earned gelato and spoiled our dinner! And I had a nap! We are finding the pasta very good, but it’s been a pretty steady diet.
Finished up at Piazza Navona for the evening. It’s warm and lovely.
Meanwhile & Far Away 