Left Venice this morning, another overcast start with the promise of sun. Through the last plains of Veneto into the Appenine Hills, past Ferrara and Bologna (of sauce fame) and into Tuscany and Umbria. Progressively drier s we go south with characteristic villas and landscapes of olive trees and vineyards.
Reaching Rome in good time to sweltering heat and sun – time for a quick rest up before a drive-by of the Roman forum and Colusseum to whet the appetite for tomorrow. We then walked into Piazza Navona, admired the monuments, and visited the Pantheon – the oldest original Roman building now preserved as a basilica. This visit was enlivened by a German group on a pilgrimage taking part in a mass, and then admiring the artwork. A couple of ‘roman guards” were quick to seize us for a photo opportunity and a few euros. Dinner was back in the outdoor Piazza Navona – antipasta, pasta, veal and salad, frozen chocolate dessert confection and wonderful coffee. There is no way I can diet here!! The piazza is lit at night and full of painters, music and atmosphere.
