Wednesday morning in Rome!

It is 7:30 am and the sun is rising over the ancient city of Rome. Church bells are ringing out over the city, not sure why at this hour. It may be that there is Mass as the Lateran Basiloca, nearly next door. Today we plan to do the Colosseum, Palatine, and Fora this morning, then the Fountains and Spanish Steps this afternoon. While we were graced by Caterina's presence yesterday, she has finals and final partying this afternoon, so won't see her until tomorrow.

I was dead tired last night. And couldn't even write my entry without starting to doze off. Our flight to Rome was uneventful, the airplane a typical Alitalia one, a little worn around the edges but with great food, and funny Italian movies. We caught maybe two hours of sleep on the plane, so grabbed a quick hour of a cat nap at the hotel before meeting Caterina at the Pantheon at one. She took us in tow and we bought panini and ate at the Argentine Square after touring the Pantheon. From there we took the ATAC to Trastevere where we walked up 306 stairs- yes, I thought I would die, before reaching Ctaerina's apartment where we walked up 5 more flights to her abode! That was definitely the exercise part of the program!

At the apartment we met her delightful roommates and spent a pleasant hour or so learning more about their semester and how they are all very sad to be leaving this beautiful place. From there Caterina brought us to the Janiculum where we gazed upon the vista o f the city below and caut the sunset. She showed us where to catch the bus to the Colosseum where we were supposed to find a connection to our hotel. 30 minutes of waiting and no bus later, Geoff and I made the long traipse back to the hotel to catch some free, cold pizza in the lounge with a glass of red wine then off to a total collapse and long sleep at 8:30 pm. It is now 8 am and sleeping beauty continues to snore! It is time to get up and get going as it is a sunny, warm (66 degree) day here in the eternal city!

Will post later today! Ciao.