Rome day 1 - 18 May

After breakfast, it was time to check out. Reception wanted me to pay the 15 Euros city tax of 7.50 E per person per night. I tried explaining that we had pre paid for our room at the sister hotel but he would have none of it. So I paid the money, we got in the taxi and headed back to our original hotel. As it was only about 10am we couldn't check in so left our bags at reception and with Julie in charge of the map, off we headed towards the river. The nearby garden beds in the lttle parks are not well maintained and just like in Portugal, we have to pass the homeless that are sleeping rough. We crossed the river and headed for Piazza del Popolo.

Julie convinced me to climb to the top of the hill to Terrazzo del Pincio. Great views.

But if that wasn't enough, she had me climbing even more steps! And then, there we were, at the top of the Spanish Steps (which were built by the French).So many people, but we managed to wend our way back down to the fountsin at the bottom, and then simply went wandering down narrow streets, literally window shopping until we found a little cafe for a coffee stop.

Most of the shops are big brand names, and no one seemed tobe inside any of them buying anything so I don't understand how they stay in business. We did have to stop at Dior for a photo moment specifically for VJR.

We had bought some snacks from a little mini mart so headed back to our hotel for a light lunch as we were yo meet our tour guide and fellow travellers to commence our Italy Escape this afternoon. Raphael is our tour guide. He was 15 minutes late to the lobby meeting point but had a good excuse, as his carry bag containing his lap top, other personal items and tour paperwork had been stolen that morning from the lobby while he was helping 4 of the group check in! Not a good start for him, and definitely not a good recommendation for the hotel. There are 13 all up in our group. All except 2 from Oz, plus a NZ couple. We have already identified a couple of the eomen who are likely to be hard work! Anyway on the big bus we go, and head towards Vatican City for the afternoon. Lots of crowds yet again, so it isn't a lovely experience. I remain gob smacked at the friezes and tapestries and statues and opulence of the Vatican museums.

St Peter's Square was underwhelming and the Sistine chapel was hard to get excited sbout due yo it being so heavily crowded (plus you can't take photos). The cathedral was all gold and splendour. 3 hours in Vatican City was way too long to spend here, and I felt really sorry for the Swiss guards who have to guard the place.

It was then time to head for dinner. Having left a venue which brings in about half a million Euro per day from tourists, to then see so many homeless, you just have to scratch your head and wonder! I did love the teeny tiny cars though. Driving is chaotic here and as it seems you simply park wherever there may be big enough a space, then they are the way to go. Lots of traffic police around, but none of them seemed to be happy in the job!

A welcome dinner for the group was held at a restaurant in Piazza Navona. It was really good and I even had the dessert which was chocolate gelato with a chocolate crust! Fitted in a few white wines. Julie contemplated draining the bottle fir a photo moment, but I suggested that as it was just our first night with the group, we attempt a little decorum.

Back to our bus, back to the hotel, and up to the room for bed.