Mediterranean Cruise 2011

Breakfast, then water taxi to the train station. High speed train to Rome, got up to 150mph! Initially sat in the wrong car, had to run to the other end of the train before it left. Train took about 4 hours, lots of green countryside along the way. Driver met us at the train station, took us to the hotel. (He was having a bad day, got a parking ticket at the train station, smacked his mirror with another van's on the way).

Checked in at the Hotel de Russie, cute little hotel that backed up to the Villa Borghese, a large park in the center of Rome. Had lunch on the patio, met Mario, cute waiter who was a character, we really liked him.

Went for walk: spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, went in to the Pantheon, Fontana de Quatro Fiumi and Piazza Navana, then walking back along the river. Had dinner at the top of the Spanish Steps overlooking the city. Had a cocktail back at the hotel, then off to bed.

Met our guide, Filipo, in the lobby at 9:30. Had a car with a driver that took us around, showing us the old city, telling us about Romulus and Remus and Palatine Hill. Stopped to see where chariot races took place. Then went to the Forum where was saw many ruins from different periods of time; the area had been used for many things throughout the city's history. 

Drove around a bit more, then to the Coliseum. It was really busy, but we skipped the line completely. Walked through the passages and out into the central area. Heard all about the history of the building. Drove around a bit more, then back to the hotel. Had lunch two doors over from the hotel, ran into our friend Gary from SF who was also going on the cruise.

Ran back to the hotel for a cab to the Vatican. Went in to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, massively crowded. Entered Saint Peter's(burg) Cathedral, really spectacular. Decided to climb the dome to the cupola, well worth the effort, great view of the city in all directions.

Back to the hotel, met Gary for a cocktail, then had dinner around the corner. Alex and Jason arrived, we met them at their hotel (the Sofitel) for drinks on the roof. Hopped in a crazy cab that raced us down to the center where it was very busy and we had few drinks. Caught a cab back to the hotel and went to bed.

Got up late, Jason and Alex came to the hotel for breakfast. Walked around the Spanish Steps area doing some shopping, Randy bought some sneakers, Rick bought some shirts. Had lunch back at the hotel, then walked up to the Villa Borghese and checked out the park, then back to the hotel to chill.

At dinner time we walked up the hill to meet Alex, Jason, David and several of his friends for a tasty outdoor Italian dinner. Afterwards we caught a cab back to the hotel.