blisters, trams, trains and beer

The scavi tour under St. Peters Basilica was truly an experience of a lifetime. It was the 3rd century pagan burial ground and when Constantine took over he took all the roofs off and took the rubble and filled it in. He then built the first basilica over the burial ground. We saw were St. Peters grave was, where his bones were found and walked on the same ground Romans did almost 1800 years ago. In 1939 this area was discovered and it was excavated secretly during the war. The history and details are fascinating. Anyway, after 90 minutes of secret doorways, chambers, strange smells and we came to where St. Peters bones lay. It gave me goose bumps, truly a moving experience, a pilgrimage if you will.

After the tour, we made our wandered down Via Nazionale. Of all things, Jim forgot a bathing suit! Can you believe it? We are going on cruise and he didnt bring a suit! Before Jim found one, Jake and Mike had a great time finding some James Bond style suits (like the blue one Daniel Craig wore in Casino Royal). They eached purchased one! I got some fun pictures of them modeling them when they tried them on. They will look so fashionable and European on our cruise.

We were very hot and thirsty by then so we stopped for a pizza and beer. Jim, Mike and I ordered a large beer... and large is an understatement. We each got these HUGE, and I mean HUGE pitchers of beer. We then walked to the Sacred Area (where Julius Caesar was murdered).

We were told that the travestere area was a fun place on the other side of the Tiber river with small streets, fun restaurants and lively. Finding the tram to get there was a hoot. We walked in circles and all over, but finally found it. Then we wandered around the St. Maria area of Travesterre and used a map to find a small restaurant that Rick Steves (tour guide extraordinare) recommended. It was like a treasure hunt on these tiny streets. Kristin and Mike were the map navigators. These streets were only about 10 feet wide, scooters and motor cycles are very popular here.

After a great dinner of home made pasta, veal and potatoes, a meat roll (dont recall what it was called) and wine we headed back to the apartment. Another bus, another train and a taxi we made it back.

Here is a brief list of things we have found to be true:
1. There are a lot of beautiful people in Italy
2. Italians smell (could be the horrible heat but sharing a bus or train with thousands of people makes a potent experience)
3. Even though tennis shoes are touristy, they are an absolute necessity when walking great distances. I have blisters on the balls of my feet...ouch!
4. The wine and beer is good and welcome in this heat!
5. Italians are very nice and helpful to wayward, lost Americans
6. The city is filled with OLD things...and so much history..

We are having a blast, very tired already, but enjoying the culture, the history, the people of Rome!

Today we are off to the papal audience, then have a tour of the Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palantine Hill.

Ciao!