DAY 2

Travelling is so much fun! The crew at Wiki Hostel has been great and super helpful. After being dropped off at the Zagarolo station I hopped a train for Roma. Well, I thought I did – note to self: it is important to check the platform schedule and not just hop on the first train that stops. I ended riding away from Roma and it only took me two stops to notice! I ended up in Colleferro Scalo. So, I had a quick shot of espresso before boarding the correct train…

Once in Roma I had some lunch which consisted of a Salami panino and pasta salad. The panino was on rustic bread and had some sort of truffle oil butter on it. The salad was penne, tomatoes, olives. Artichoke, lite basil vinaigrette and then topped with shave truffle (Tartufo). I did not take a picture of this because I really am trying to minimize my food photos – plus my taste buds and mind will always have the best record of my meals. After my quick bite, I went to the Museo Nazionale Romano. One of Roma's great unheralded museums, this is a fabulous treasure trove of classical art. It also includes the Baths of Diocletian which once spanned 3000 square meters, were up to 1-meter deep and the entire floor was covered in polished marble. What is left of the baths is equally impressive and visitors can roam freely in them – unfortunately they are not filled with water!

After spending a good two hours at the Museum, I began wandering the streets of Roma just soaking up everything possible. I visited the Forum of Trajan, the Roman Forum, the River Tiber, Vittoriano and too many other places to list. I ended walking just over 22,000 steps yesterday (according to my Fitbit that’s about 10 miles).

I found a great alley bar (Normale) and had a Negroni and Cynar Spritz.

I began realizing that I had better head back to Roma Termini to catch the second to last train home. Well, Roma at night is a little different and in some spots way more crowed. I stumbled into the massive crowd at the Trevi Fountain and immediately bypassed the onslaught – it is worth seeing, but I have seen it before so I will wait for Sarah to go see it again.

So navigating the streets and crowds was adventurous, but I made it back in time to have a beer, watch some soccer and catch the correct train! Once home, I had some wine (of course) and then a late-night thunderstorm hit. A great deal more lightning this time was just awesome and little hair raising. Sunday I’ll be in Ostia on the Tyrrhenian just outside Roma. Until then…ciao!

JM Perini