Rome (Part 2)

On our second day in Rome we decided to do a bus tour so that we could get a good overview of the city and not have to worry about navigating transportation. It was definitely a good idea. What I love about cities in Europe is how effortless it is to find history there. Rome is a fascinating mix of ancient, medieval, and modern things. And it felt life-changing to be walking along those streets, and see those buildings, fountains, and monuments. It made me feel significant, which seems at odds with what I should have felt. I should have felt insignificant, walking on cobbled brick streets where centuries-worth of people have walked before me.

For lunch we hopped off the bus and went to Hard Rock Cafe. Don't judge. It was delicious and probably my favorite restaurant in Rome. Which is sort of sad and pathetic. Eating in Rome was an interesting affair. We did have some meals at local places that I liked. But to find great food you had to travel deep into the city and away from tourist areas. This was more difficult than it probably should have been. We managed it a couple of times but...Hard Rock Cafe happened twice. And it was spectacular.

After lunch we finished up the bus tour and headed back to the hotel. Have I mentioned that Rome in August is essentially a furnace? I have never been so hot in my entire life-- and I grew up in Florida. It was painfully hot. So every afternoon we headed back to our slightly cool hotel room to recuperate from the hours in the heat.

The lemon gelato helped some.

On the second day we were able to move into one "triple" room so that we could all be together. The room was great. If the air conditioning could have made it just a bit cooler it would have been perfect.

My bed.

Court's and Julia's room/bed

Teeny tiny shower.

Julia on the terrace of our hotel. That is St. Peter's Basilica behind her.

Once we were functional again we headed out in search of a hat! The following day we were heading on a day trip and we wanted hats to (hopefully) gain some small relief from the sun. So we headed out, and successfully haggled with a street vendor and bought some hats!

Super cute? No. But they served their purpose.

After our successful purchase we walked around a bit, found a restaurant for dinner, and then headed back to the hotel. We were leaving early the next morning to go to Pompeii :)

Bruschetta, I ordered bruschetta at every single restaurant...