Hello Rome!
This morning we said goodbye to Florence and hopped on a train to Rome. We had onr first class ticket and one regular so halfway through the ride we traded seats. From the train station we found our hotel, dropped off our bags and headed out in search of lunch. We stopped in at the Santo Maria Maggiore church down the road to look at the gorgeous gold ceiling and very ornate decor. Under the alter you can walk down and see the church's relic- a piece of Jesus's crib. A mass started while we were inside so we left to search for some food. We ate at a place across from the church, I had 4 cheese gnnochi which was delicious! I also decided to try a campari soda which is a popular drink here in Italy. YUUUCCCKKK! It was pretty disgusting, which is unfortunate because it looks frutty and delicious.
From here we wandered a bit more, got some cold drinks and headed back to the hotel to get our room and take the bags up. We napped for a bit and when we woke up it was drizzling. Umbrella in hand we headed out to follow the Rick Steve's night walk across the city (more like sunset walk for us). We stopped at the Roman Forum first and wandered around there a bit. The Victor Emmanuale Monument is really spectacular!
Our walk continued through the city until we came to a part of ancient Rome that appeared to be full of cats. At first we thought is was just a preserved dig site but turns out it is actually a cat sanctuary! On this site sit the remains of 4 Roman temples and the Pompey Theater (where Julius Caesar was killed). Like all other parts of ancient Rome is is walled off and protected however, this area has been turned into a no kill shelter for the city's homeless cats. They get to hang out here, climb and explore the ruins and are fed and taken care of. Pretty cool huh? I wonder if they take in retired old cats named Ribbon (haha just kidding).
The rest of the evening was spent completing the walk starting at the Campo dei Fiori and ending at the Spanish Steps. We stopped at the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon along the way. The walk ended at the top of the steps with a fantastic view of the city! We ate dinner on a side street (a sweet and sour salad with chicken, celery, and pine nuts and a salmon and rocket panini). grabbed gelato and headed in for the night.
Tomorrow we explore the Vatican!
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