Day Seven Roma

Today found us kicking around Roma relaxing and seeing the sites.  We began our day by going to the Foro Romano.  We had planned to go into the ruins, but the que to get in was very long,  you can also walk around the site and see in for free. Plus we didn't have to pay the entry fee.

Foro Romano

While we were walking around we got to hear the most amazing street band. Fibbico and the Amost Blues. Yep we found a blues street band in the middle of Roma. And they were really good.  I wish we would have shelled out the five euros to get their CD. But what can you do?

at Foro Romano

So the Forum has been under excavation since the 15th century, and is still going strong today. That is so mind blowing. And the really odd thing is that in a few places you can walk right up and touch the ancient walls. In fact  we sat in the shade on some ancient steps going down to the Piazza del Campidoglio.
 Seriously how cool is that?


After the Foro Romano we headed to the Pantheon. What an amazing structure. This was the largest dome from the ancient world. It was built to be a temple to all of the gods of Roma, but was turned into a church in 609 AD. What a feeling to be sitting there in front of the alter and look up. The dome has a huge open sky light.  I wish we had the time to sit there from sunup to sundown to see the way the light shifts and moves across the church.

The rest of the day found us going into a part of the city that we hadn't explored yet. We went to the Piazza Navona to have lunch, do some shopping and people watch. It was by far my favorite part of the city. So beautiful, the entire middle of the piazza is filled with artists, selling their original works. Obviously their works are of the sights of Italy, but may of them are quite good. We were lucky enough to wander around to see the work they had on display.

Detail from Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
the river god Ganges

For lunch we got a front row seat on the Piazza at Cafe Barocco. What a great place to sit back, enjoy some Roman cuisine and watch people.  It was amazing to see the sheer number of people come by. Of course this is also where the magnificent Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. What an amazing piece of art.

We also returned to the Spanish Steps this evening after dinner, and enjoyed a typical Roman past time, people watching.  While we were sitting there we discussed how some things are universal. Men still take women on dates to McDonalds. But it is still McDonalds, and this is Roma, home of some of the best cuisine in the world. We decided he must be "classy"! And teenagers are annoying no mater what language they speak.

Oh I have also forgot to mention the number of Man-pri sightings the last few days. I am still blown away by the Man-pri. I am hoping it catches on at home! How awesome would it be to see men in them at Husker games?   We have consistently seen 5 to 6 pairs a day. I keep wondering if that is because it has been so hot while we have been here, or if that is just typical men's wear. But this isn't something I feel comfortable asking the front desk staff.

Oh I almost forgot to post pics of the best 20 euros we could have ever spent!  Everyone that comes to Roma must do this.  It was priceless!

Ahh yeah, Cesar for the day!
It's not a purse it's European

What girl wouldn't want to pose with two Roman soldiers?

I can't believe that tomorrow is our last full day in Roma! We will be visiting the Galleria Borghese museum and the Colosseum.