Roma, Day 1-2

Buonasera from Roma!  As we sit here at our hotel sipping vino and listening to the pianist play beautiful Italian music, we are reflecting on the last 2 days we've had in Rome.  We arrived early Monday evening after a long journey from Chicago to Munich to Rome.  Once we landed and checked in, we took a stroll towards the Spanish Steps and then over to Piazza Navona where we feasted on four classic Roman dishes:  Spaghetti Carbonara, Pesto Genevese,  Penne all' Arrabbiata, and Cacio e Pepe.  All of the dishes were delicious and we each had our favorites!  As the night came to an end, it got even better as we strolled towards the Trevi Fountain, awarding ourselves with pistachio/tiramisu gelato.  

Trevi Fountain is my most favorite place in Rome.  History:  In 1629 Pope Urban VIII asked Bernini to develop sketches to replace the fountain that currently resided there.  The Pope loved his work and was anticipating a masterpiece, but unfortunately before Bernini was able to break ground he passed away and the land became abandoned.  It wasn't until 1730 during the Baroque era when the space became formidable again.  During this era, architectural competition for buildings, fountains, and even the Spanish Steps was fierce.  It was in 1731 when Pope Clement XII organized a contest for the artist that best rendered a new fountain to replace this abandoned land.  Nicola Salvi, a Roman, lost to Allesandro Galelei, a Florentenian.  The Romans were not happy that Galelei won and The Pope quickly awarded Salvi (a Roman) as the winner.  He started the fountain in 1732 and it was completed in 1762.  The fountain still has resemblances from Bernini and Salvi, who unfortunately died before it was completed.  Giuseppe Pannini was the artist who put the final touches on the fountain.

Tuesday started with a full breakfast buffet at the St Regis.  While we thought it was going to be light breakfast, we ended up eating the full Roman breakfast complete with all the Italian pastry, anti pasta, and eggs.  While breakfast was great, we had a reservation at The Colosseum for 11AM, so we quickly ate and went on our way.  We decided to ride the Metro, it is the quickest and easiest way to get around the city.  Once you ride it a few times, you quickly learn your way.  We rode "linear B" to the Colosseo stop.  Once you walk off the line, you are literally on top of the Colosseum.  Anyone traveling to Rome should pre-book their tickets, we were able to walk right in verses standing in line.  The Colosseum is exactly as we remembered:  SPECTACULAR.  

The history and the architecture are truly unimaginable - we had a wonderful time exploring it in its entirety.    

It was a hot day, in the upper 90s, so after the Colosseum we ventured across the street, where they serve huge beers and a pretty solid pizza!  After a couple pizzas and drinks we headed towards Vatican City.  We toured the Vatican Museum and the beautiful Sistine Chapel, taking in the sculptures, paintings, and tapestries of some of the worlds most famous artists:  Michelangelo, Raphael, Leonardo, van Gogh, and more.   


Everywhere you look there is a piece of history and artwork - from the ceiling to the floor.  

After leaving, we strolled through St Peter's square.  This is the location where Romans and people from all over the world gather to watch The Pope address the world.  

After Vatican City, we grabbed a drink at a local cafe where we sipped on a bottle of vino blanco to overcome the heat.  

We then headed back to the Metro, where we transferred a few lines until we finally made it home to enjoy yet another glass of vino in the hotel lobby.  It was a wonderful day, but not complete...the best was yet to come.  

We made reservations at a restaurant, just outside of Rome, called Hostaria Antico Roma, in which we read about in the New York Times.  It was quaint, quiet, and perfect!  This was a night to remember.  The restaurant is located alongside the old Roman walls - along Via Appia and inside an old Mausoleum.  After the fall of the Roman empire Via Appia was abandoned.  In 1724 after excavations, the ruins located alongside this road came back to light.  This is a family owned restaurant, belonging to the Magnanimi family.  


We were served and hosted by Paolo, the son of the original owner.  He was spectacular, with his stories and poems.  Not only was he just fun to talk to, but he is a Harley guy....so Tom and Candace were in Heaven!  He even travels to Milwaukee for the Harley Anniversary!  He is returning next year, where we all hope we can meet up and enjoy a brew!  He truly made the night special.  This is a must go place when in Rome.