Today started at 5:45 when I heard some fanciful music playing in my ear. I didn't know what it was... but it wouldn't stop, then I realized it was the iPad alarm clock! I rolled out of bed, and there isn't much room for rolling, it is a single bed that measures about 29 inches across. I was on the streets shortly after 6 thinking that I would be the first person up in Rome. But as soon as I went out the door I saw two people walking, dragging their suitcases behind them. I think they had been dragging them all night. Then I hung a left and saw four busloads of tourists at Santa Maria Maggiore. It wasn't even open. They were standing in front of it taking pictures and staring. Someone made them get up that early to stare at it from the outside!
Onward to Trevi Fountain... except I never found Trevi Fountain; I think they moved it! Instead, I found Trajan's Forum. So I quickly changed my plans for the day and carried Wilson up million steps to Campodglio (The first picture below). It was good to be there so early as there were mostly security guards and only a couple of tourists. I was at the church of Santi Cosmas & Damiano just before 9 and had to wait for them to open it. (Third and fourth pics below). Then on to the Arch of Constantine and the Coloseum. It was now about 10:00 and the Coloseum was packed; there was a huge lineup to get inside it. I was happy that I had no need to go inside. Vendors and men dressed in Roman warrior garb lined the streets. I skeedaddled out of that area as quickly as possible and stopped for breakfast, as I was starving (Breakfast at the B&B starts at 7:30 and I was gone before then). I made a quick stop at San Celemente, saw the mosaics but couldn't take any pictures - a big no no. I don't get it, they are mosaics; an infared light from a camera shining on them for 2 seconds isn't going to hurt them. Plus, I just came from the church around the corner (Cosmos) with almost identical mosaics and you could snap all you wanted in there. It's all about money. They want you to buy the book!
I have been following the app to the destinations and being sure the directions are correct as I go. The app said it was 1.2 km to get to the next stop, Maggiore; and I believe the app to be correct! I was happy it lead me to Maggiore because it is around the corner from where I am staying. The directions in the app got me home for a nap!
Onward to Trevi Fountain... except I never found Trevi Fountain; I think they moved it! Instead, I found Trajan's Forum. So I quickly changed my plans for the day and carried Wilson up million steps to Campodglio (The first picture below). It was good to be there so early as there were mostly security guards and only a couple of tourists. I was at the church of Santi Cosmas & Damiano just before 9 and had to wait for them to open it. (Third and fourth pics below). Then on to the Arch of Constantine and the Coloseum. It was now about 10:00 and the Coloseum was packed; there was a huge lineup to get inside it. I was happy that I had no need to go inside. Vendors and men dressed in Roman warrior garb lined the streets. I skeedaddled out of that area as quickly as possible and stopped for breakfast, as I was starving (Breakfast at the B&B starts at 7:30 and I was gone before then). I made a quick stop at San Celemente, saw the mosaics but couldn't take any pictures - a big no no. I don't get it, they are mosaics; an infared light from a camera shining on them for 2 seconds isn't going to hurt them. Plus, I just came from the church around the corner (Cosmos) with almost identical mosaics and you could snap all you wanted in there. It's all about money. They want you to buy the book!
I have been following the app to the destinations and being sure the directions are correct as I go. The app said it was 1.2 km to get to the next stop, Maggiore; and I believe the app to be correct! I was happy it lead me to Maggiore because it is around the corner from where I am staying. The directions in the app got me home for a nap!
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