ROME: The Eternal City

 The cruise port closest to Rome is Civitavecchia, 44 miles away, and a bus ride of an hour and a half away.

Rome:

• Is the capital of Italy, largest populated comune in the country with 2.9 million residents and fourth-most populated city in the European Union.  Interestingly enough, Rome became the capital of the Italian Republic only in 1946 after World War II, but 1871 has also been mentioned.  Turin and Florence were capitals before Rome.
• Founded in 753 BC, and some say this is the birthplace of Western Civilization.
• The Pope has lived here since the first century AD.

I've been here several times, Here is a summary of my stay in 2010:

• My Best Lunch Ever, just off the Spanish Steps, in the Eden Hotel. La Terrazza dell'Eden.
• I had a Roman Holiday.
• Went to all the traditional tourist attractions:  Trevi Fountain.
• So after lunch walked down the Spanish Steps.  Why so-called?  The Spanish Ambassador to the Vatican lives near here.

• Walked around St. Peter's Square.  No Pope, but tons of tourists.

But that was in 2010.  I am again in Italy, and scheduled for a Rome tour tomorrow.  For now, dinner at Compass Rose.  Escargot.

Caviar.

Lobster.

Beef.

Creme Bruleé.

After dinner, to the theater for Phillipe Browne.  He was good.

Then, dancing part of the night away.

So the next morning, on to Rome.  Goodbye Voyager.

The bus first gave us a tour of the city, for we later were to be dropped off at the People Square to walk around for an hour and a half.  The highlight was the Colosseum, which was built in 80AD, with a seating capacity of from 50,000 to 80,000.  You've seen films of gladiatorial contests and other public spectacles.  Although ruined by earthquakes and stone robbers, it is a prime tourist draw and one of the 7 New Wonders of the World.

Lot of ancient structures.

The other major attraction is the Vatican and its St. Peter's Basilica.  Designed by Michelangelo, Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno, this is the largest church in the world.

So finally, our bus stops at Piazza del Popolo, or People's Square, and we are greeted by two Blue-bar Pigeons.

In the centeer is an Egyptian obelisk, which was brought to Rome in 10 BC by order of Augustus.  There are three street branches, and we were told you are now on your own.  Take the left road to get to the Spanish Steps in 15 minutes, and veer right to the Trevi Fountain in another 15 minutes.

The Spanish Steps are now flowery decorated compared to what it looked like in 2010.

We both had previously been to the Three Coins in the Fountain attraction, so we had lunch.  I had to have a spaghetti agli olio and pizza in Italy on the streets of Rome, as I once had.  We were visited at our table by my Blue-bar Pigeon.

Thought restrooms were called numbs, but that is the name of the restarant.

Salami pizza and spaghetti with beer.

An hour and a half ride back to the ship, and we were greeted by all the staff with music.

We returned soon after 6PM, with ship departure scheduled for 6:30.  So went up the Observation Lounge to watch us leave port.

Thought I saw the Green Flash.

Dinner was again in Compass Rose.

Asparagus risotto, scallops and soup.

A Chinese dinner with Kung Pao Chicken and something else.

Spiral staircase to sleep.

A full day with 7935 steps.

Aeneid, the epic by Virgil, described Rome as an empire without end.  Others later touted this Eternal City.  Certainly has a lot history.