Welcome

Only the bravest of drivers would drive in Rome. This city is made for
walking. The Roman custom of double and triple parking is simply
unbelievable. There are mopeds, bicycles and motorcycles everywhere.
Our taxi ride from the airport to Hotel Dei Mellini was downright
thrilling, 15 miles but it took over an hour in traffic that was stop
and go and stop somemore. Our first morning in Rome we had tickets to
visit the Borghese Gallery. We were glad we purchased our tickets from
home on the internet because the museum was sold out for the entire
week. The art pieces gathered by Cardinal Scipione Borghese are
priceless. I am sure it is one of the most incredible art treasure
troves in the world. Unfortunately, no photos were allowed inside the
musuem.

There are piazzas everywhere in Rome but the Piazza Navona is a
personal favorite.

It is a lovely pedestrian zone and pleasant place to stroll or take
respite. There are three fountains in the center of the square by
Bernini and his students. The fountain of Neptune was
originally just a basin but had fish horses statues added later that
are larger than life. This piazza is huge with three lovely fountains.
On the other hand, the famous Fontana di Trevi is a huge fountain in a
small square that can hardly hold all the onlookers. This is not a
fountain, it is a FOUNTAIN, stunning and some people still see Anita
Ekberg splashing in it. (I am smiling and humming the tune Three Coins
in a Fountain as I write this blog) Dale would not let me throw a
coin in the fountain. You recall the tradition, if you throw a coin in
this particular fountain you are destined to return to Rome. He just
wants to get to Paris. Chaoi for now. Gail