Pompeii
A guided tour of Pompeii was $120 so we decided to try the self guided audio tour. Mistake! It was hot, dusty, and crowded. The audio guide had nothing to do with what we were looking at. We finally gave up in disgust. We went back to the beginning and hooked on with ten other people who were sharing a guide. Mario has been doing this gig for 45 years. He's a plump little cherub who's continuously cracking jokes. At least we think they're jokes. His accent is so heavy that we can't always tell. Regardless, we caught enough to understand what we were looking at.
Japanese
This might be a good time to go to Tokyo and rob a bank. Nobody's home. Starting with Amsterdam, the Japanese outnumber tourists and residents alike. Seriously, there can't be anyone left there.
Rome
Larsen is wearing down. When we got to Rome there was no talking him into the bus and tram thing. Nope, we took a cab. I have to admit it was nice. The cabby crossed the Tiber River three times to increase the fare then added his own tip. Whatever.
I booked a tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chaple for our first morning. It was the tour that started a half hour before the tour that gets you in ahead of the crowd. I can't remember what it cost but it was worth it. There were 12 of us, plus our guide, all alone in the Sistine Chapel. Incredible. We toured the museum ahead of everyone else. When we exited we saw the crowd wrapped around both sides of St Peter's square
Here we are all alone in the museum. Very cool.
About Those Fig Leaves
Apparently one of the Popes decided that the Vatican statues were indecent so he ordered the "Glories of Rome" be chiseled off and replaced with fig leaves. Years later, another Pope ordered the fig leaves removed and restorations made where possible. How would you like to get that assignment?
We saw Nuns wearing all different kinds and colors of habits. "Larsen". I asked, "What order do you think they belong to?"
From the Vatican, we set off on foot in search of more Roman "must sees".
They must have a strong Tour Guide Union in Rome that prohibits street signs and, God forbid, arrows pointing to popular sites. We finally found the Trevi Fountain but couldn't get near it. Those are, predominately, Japanese tourists completely surrounding the fountain.
Torre Argentina
Right in the middle of Rome is a square block area of ruins where Ceasar was assassinated on the steps. Underneath the ruins is a cat sanctuary that runs a spay/ neuter program and takes in strays. There are cats snoozing in the sun all over the ruins. Well, I just had to go and get my kitty fix. I'm not comfortable unless I'm covered with cat hair.
Many of the cats have been injured. This little guy has no ears and a bad cold. There was a three legged cat and one who, due to a car accident, can eat but not drink. Someone gives him water through a tube several times a day.
Ahhhhh. Good kitty fix. On to the Colloseum.
Larsen is getting good at selfies.
Nice day for a wedding. Or three.
Ha! Caught the kiss!
Our last night in Rome. The plan was to go to the Piazza Navono to see the fountains lit, then continue on to a great restaurant recommended by Mike and Ann. But alas, it is raining so we'll call it a night and catch it next time we're in Rome.
Larsen is sick of antiquity. He says if he sees anything older than yesterday's newspaper he may explode. He's Jonesing for his pool and his truck.
The timing is just right. My dark roots are beginning to show and we are physically and financially exhausted. We leave for home tomorrow morning. Dennis warns that the government may be shut down and we might spend eternity in the unmanned customs office.
Can't wait to collect our critters from Auntie Rose. If they're willing to come back home. They've been getting spoiled.
The very last item on our trip agenda will be to burn these cloths. They can probably walk themselves into the fire.
Thanks for following our blog and for all your comments. Sharing this trip with you has been a lot of fun for us.
Caio!
The Bickersens