Ancient Rome

 Over 18,000 steps today, and the Basilica di Santa Francesca Romana, tucked in closely behind the Roman forum, was a peaceful oasis away from the thousands of people milling about the colosseum.  There, I met a monk who blessed me with the oil of St. Frances, a saint who worked tirelessly to save people’s lives during the Black Death.  It was a heartfelt and poignant moment for me.

Outside the Basilica, thousands of people stood patiently in line ups that seemed to extend for kilometers.   Hawkers sold cold water, parasols and funny wooden toys from Africa.  We did not go into the colosseum itself, but very much enjoyed our walk in and around the ancient lands and were especially fascinated by Trajan’s Market, approximately 200 AD, a massive site still under archeological examination but with intact frescos, tiled floors and walls.  

The Basilica St. Frances, circa 1200

The Colosseum

Perfectly preserved ancient ruins

The temperature gauge at the Farmacia indicated that it was 38 degrees C in the Piazza Venezia, the true centre of Rome.   Undaunted, we stuck to the shady side of the cobblestones and frequently topped up our water bottles.  When they ran dry, an Irish pub appeared by magic (divine intervention) and an ice-cold pint of Stella certainly helped.

We made our way past exquisite statues and crumbling but revered treasures of history, until the Spanish Steps appeared and we climbed to the top to attempt to get a good vista shot of the crowds below.   

I am still lusting after a true breathtaking view of Rome, and we did try the Palantine Hills, but to no avail.   Perhaps tonight, we will climb the Gianicolo, about a 3 km walk from here and purported to be quite beautiful.  Maybe if the temps lower to a friendlier level.

In the meantime, this blog is a day behind and today’s adventures were even richer than yesterday’s.   Dave and I have become quite well versed at catching Bus #8 and we move around comfortably through the various piazzas of Old Rome and the beautiful old cobblestone roads and districts.  Trastevere, where our apartment is, is one of the oldest and most traditional areas, filled with fabulous restaurants, shops and entertainment.   Rome explodes with life and laughter and love, so much so that the shoulder-to-shoulder walks with about a million other tourists is tolerable, even in this blistering heat.  Quite simply, it is unlike any other place on earth.