of a continental breakfast. We didn't get up until 9AM - still suffering a little jet lag. The view was outstanding and better than the breakfast. We didn't want to waste any of this vacation, so we ate, got out on the street, and walked to the Trevi fountain. These Romans had it really going on. The architecture and statuary they created was and is amazing.
"The Trevi fountain is at the ending part of the Aqua Virgo, an aqueduct constructed in 19 BC. It brings water all the way from the Salone Springs (approx 20km from Rome) and supplies the fountains in the historic center of Rome with water. In 1732, Pope Clement XII commissioned Nicola Salvi to create a large fountain at the Trevi Square. A previous undertaking to build the fountain after a design by Bernini was halted a century earlier after the death of Pope Urban VIII. Construction of the monumental baroque fountain was finally completed in 1762."I can see why this city was the center of civilization back in the day. The Trevi fountain was awe inspiring - too many people - I hate big crowds. I think I would have preferred to stay in my villa getting fanned and fed grapes by the slaves rather than brave the Coliseum for the chariot race on game day.
We spent time wandering aimlessly, not knowing where we were going (I'm speaking for myself, not Anne) and happened on the Presidential Palace among other things. Getting tired - time for lunch. Stopped at an outdoor cafe - had some pasta and fruit. Time for another nap. Woke up to get ready for dinner with the Zuniga's (Manuel and Jane are old friends and classmates from the University of Dallas). We arrived early - went to look at the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - unbelievable inside - way over the top - them damn Catholics have too much money. We found another rooftop cafe and ordered a nice Pinot Noir. The waiter put a bowl of potato chips on the table. Huh?! I thought this was the center of cult
ure! So here we were, all dressed up, sipping Italian wine on a rooftop overlooking the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - life is good. My eyes kept straying from Anne, to the view, to the potato chips. Damn, all this walking has made me hungry. Guess I'll eat the potato chips.Anne and I met up with Manuel, Jane, their children Paul and Julie, and Paul's wife Amanda at the restaurant. The restaurant was gourmet - recommended by the head of the U.D. campus in Rome, who also shared dinner with us. The menu was set. The food was odd - lots of fish things and pate my uncultured eye did not recognize - definitely a digression from the potato chips. The coup de grace came in the last course - ice cream made of Gorgonzola cheese with warm Gorgonzola cheese sauce - true barf quality gourmet. However, the wine choices were outstanding. I ate the Gorgonzola offering anyway. I think I might have to take a few Pepcids tonight. We had lots of laughs - the conversation was interesting and company was good. Tomorrow we are off for Tivoli.
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