Norman and Mary's road trip: Cloud free day!

What a perfect day, total sunshine. After our hotel breakfast we headed across town to the Piazzo Navona. But there are always sites to see along the way.

This is Trajan’s Forum.

And more Forum ruins. And columns, the most famous on the left, a cream-coloured one that depicts all the famed deeds of emperor Trajan.

Now the piazza…..

There were 3 fountains in the Piazza Navona, so many strong men fighting creatures

With the obelisk on top.

Slightly smaller fountain, again with more muscular men….

Norman and the 3rd fountain where the central figure is dealing with a big octopus.

The day was spectacular and it felt so good! We were heading to the Spanish Stairs but never a direct route.

Beautiful view as we crossed the Tiber.

And the massive former Hall of Justice building.

We walked along the river away from traffic to one of the most expensive streets we’ve seen, Via Condotti. Every store has a man dressed always in a black suit right at the entrance. Maybe welcoming you? Checking vaccination? Or watching for shoplifters?

This is Gucci.

And Prada

No shopping for us but at the end of the street, the famous steps.

Only called the Spanish Steps because the Spanish embassy is nearby.

And no sitting on the steps although I saw no signs but a couple of officials….

And no one was sitting.

Up the stairs, looking down at the narrow street of expensive fashion stores. All the famous Italian names are there, and there’s some of the best Christmas lights in Rome.

A good view from near the top.

Near by is the Borghese Gardens and more views

A sunny day to walk in the gardens. Rick Steves calls it a scruffy park but still nice. Lots of statues.

But trees too.

While walking through the garden we took a picture of Romulus and Remus, orphaned brothers who founded Rome and according to legend lived with wolves. It was on the garbage can, with the famous initials SPQR, the Latin abbreviation for Senate and People of Rome. It’s on sidewalks and trash cans.Not too many people probably take pictures of it!

Today’s journey was to get to North Rome where Duncan said we have to try the best gelato in Rome! We found it. First a snack since we were hungry

Gusto di Pizza. Perfect.

And now the gelato. I had hazelnut, chocolate with coconut and white chocolate with chocolate syrup in the bottom. Ahhhhhh and a chocolate dipped cookie on top. Homemade cones too.

Norm had caramel and pistachio with chocolate syrup

Traces of chocolate

On our walk today we were impressed with door knockers. So many kinds.

Not sure if I’d want this one on our door.

And the traffic! So many vehicles, taxis, scooters, buses, bikes. Trams… Many double parked and motorcycles everywhere. Makes for a wild and exciting place but dangerous to cross the road. I’m becoming Italian and I just walk out! So far so good.

The patio on the top floor of our hotel is a great place to watch the sunset.

Such soft light on the hotel.

Our artistic sunset through the railing

As it goes down.

As we enjoyed the setting sun, thousands of starlings flew by until there were so many they “danced” in the sky. Although quite a ways from us I took a photo. They were magical

To finish off our day went for dinner near by at Gallo Matto. Being from Canada we waited till 7 to eat. Check the restaurant when were there.

Italians eat much later. The food was excellent, the decor, unusual.

We started with a bruschetta and they gave us eggplant in oil as well - both really tasty.

For dinner I had ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta. Norm had cannelloni stuffed with meat sauce.

Both delicious. Our waiter (never did cover his mask over his nose) gave us free limoncello to complete the meal. I gave mine to Norm. Wine was enough.