Rome: DAY 3

THIRD DAY

September 15, 2005

Yesterday was the 56^th birthday of the wonderful Kimberly.  She is the oldest woman that I have ever been with.  But, as she often points out, I am the oldest man she has ever slept with.  Our dinner date with new friends was interesting and fun.  We went local, about a 10 minute walk from our school.  The antipasti were sensational followed by a great veal chop, chased down with a decent Italian Red.  In terms of price, basically it is the same as a good dinner in SF or slightly cheaper but because of the Euro/Dollar difference about 20% higher.  Bring back those strong dollars. 

Our late morning, early afternoon was a study in the problem of Americans in Europe and language issues.  Kim is quite ok at the practice and getting to the read to speak phase of Italian.  We went to the Tabacchi in our Monteverdi neighborhood and she was able to buy our bus tickets for the week.  It went really well except there is no discount for seniors.  We took the wrong bus from the stop, but of course it didn’t matter because we simply got off at the Coliseum and walked into the Pantheon, probably less then a mile.  Rome is really a wow with ruins and ancient digs right on your way.  We went to Trajan’s market and there is an obelisk next to the market called Trajan’s Column rising about 100 feet that is bigger on the top then at the base so that the eye perceives them to be the same size.  It is what I suppose you call an optical illusion done in 100AD or thereabout.  Walking on we made it to the Pantheon starving and arguing about which way to go.  The Pantheon is a magnificent structure that is close to the oldest standing building in Rome.  There are still lots of tourist around and the square abounds with life and energy.  I tried to find a restaurant that we went to last June but ended up at a swell little pizza/salad/panini spot. I guess I know now that not being in a car with your wife does not stop the endless discussion of which way to go.  After lunch we decided to go to Piazza Navona, one of Rome’s most touristy and lovely squares.  Chock full of artists selling their wares and tourists ogling the fountains.  Kim insisted that it was one way and I another.  For once I was correct but it may never happen again.  As we were walking back home, we decided to take the Argentino Tram to Trastevere and catch the little bus up the hill.  It worked and we were home.  It is not easy to get started with a new place.  Finding the market, getting the bus, speaking the language is all part of the startup, but we are trying and having fun doing it.  It is very civilized here and many people speak some English.  That is fortunate for me.  All I can say is “bring it on” - just kidding.  Still working on the motor scooter thing.