Happiness at Home: Day 5 Rome Tour

After the Covingtons fed us a yummy breakfast of Nutella Crepes, we headed out early to try and get our rental car turned in on time. As we got closer and closer to the middle of Rome, the driving got crazier and we realized we weren't seeing any gas station. We arrived at the address listed on the rental paper, but there was no parking garage or sign for Hertz at all. We were worried and started driving around town looking for gas. We got completely lost and never found gas or the garage. We were at a complete loss as to how to solve our problem. We finally called the Covington's and they found us a gas station and we headed back to the main station to look for the parking garage. After we circled around the train station 5 times (each circle took 10 minutes or more due to traffic) We finally realized that we need to go LEFT not right ( a one way street that switched directions in the middle of the street...) After circling another 2 times we finally figured it out and turned the car in. I was seriously SO happy to get rid of that car.

We walked through the train station (Jackson was thrilled to be scooting inside a building) and caught the metro to the Colosseum. It was so large! I couldn't believe my eyes.

We started by buying tickets at the Palatine hill (NO WAIT!!). We had to stash the scooter in a bush and pray that no one stole it! The Hill was good, but even with the headphone tour guide, I wasn't prepared with information for what it was all about.

From a child's perspective, all there is is sky.

I thought the Roman Forums were really interesting and I wished I could've known more about what they were. I really wanted a tour guide at this point! But it was getting hot and Jackson was getting tired, so we quickly headed over to see the inside of the Colosseum.

The Audio guide at the Colosseum was easier to follow and find the places, but didn't get much information. It was so interesting to see the 'floor' and the underground passageways and imagine the scenes that were played out there.

Gladiator Jackson?

We ate lunch (Made by Tiffany with love!!) and rejuvenated in the shade of the outer wall while Dave retrieved the scooter.

Pringooooals! The Italians love their soccer!

I was worried Jackson was worn out and that we would need to call it a day. But as soon as the scooter was back he was itching to get riding, so we decided to start walking and see how far he could make it. There is really no good way to get to the sights of the city besides walking. Most everything we saw was in a pedestrian zone. We were glad we just walked and used Dave map on his phone with GPS to find our way around.

We first walked to this building. I'm not sure what it is, but I think a government building? I thought it was so beautiful and ornate. I couldn't believe it wasn't on the highlights to see in Rome list!

I'm not sure how I went my whole life thinking the Trevi fountain was a small circular fountain in a square, but when we finally arrived at this fountain I was completely amazed and smitten by it! Apparently it was recently cleaned so it just shone with white statues and crystal clear water.

We spent a lot of time just sitting and watching and trying to cool off from the beating sun. At this point I was wondering how people visit Rome in the summer. It was so hot! (and only April).

The Spanish steps were under contruction and thus a bit underwhelming. But we climbed them to the church at the top for a good Spanish feel.

The story goes that after a tsunami a boat was found in this exact spot. It was a beautiful fountain memorial.

I really enjoyed the Spanish church and this sculpture. I saw a lot more Christ in this than in some cathedrals.

We were pretty beat from walking so far, but Jackson was still going strong on the scooter, so we trudged on to the giant park, Villa Borghese. We rented a buggy bike and went riding around the park. It was so nice to change the pace and sit for a while. We were able to explore most of the park in under an hour so we returned the bike and tried to find a metro stop.

We got distracted by another great plaza, fountain, statue and church (Pipolo piazza) and then, finally made our way home.

I just loved where the Covingtons lived! They had this great courtyard small side yard. The overhanging flowers added to the Italian ambiance. They even had a separate room for us to be in, which was nice to decompress for the day and plan our next day.

Despite being exhausted, Dave played a game of soccer with the boys. Only one kick from me and I kicked the little girl in the face!! I am a terrible soccer player!

The Covingtons had the BEST meal prepared for us and we ate like kings... also, enjoying FRESH basil and FRESH mozzarella. So amazing. I love staying with people who live in the country and have experience with how to do things the Italian way. Keeping in contact with my mission companion was so much fun. We laughed until we cried about mission stories. I love that girl!

We ended the night at a local gelataria (turns out we have been paying double or MORE for gelato than the locals do!!) It was so yummy and a perfect way to end the night. Jackson enjoyed being with a kid again. Israel is a year older than Jackson.