Rome – 23 June 2011

We all managed to get up early as planned and marched quickly down to St. Peter’s to look at the Basilica.  Even then the queues were beginning to form but only 5 minutes later we were inside.  Spent about an hour there.  Certainly huge – the second largest church in the world – and well gilded but more of a commercial enterprise than a place of worship.  Impressive enough though.

When we reappeared into the sunshine the queue was already occupying half the circumference of the piazza and that was at 10 am.  We walked on past Castel Sant’ Angelo and over the bridge towards the Piazza Navona.  On the way had 5 coffees in a little cafe which cost 4.70€ - quite a contrast to what we paid the day before yesterday!   Visited Piazza Navona and then on to the Pantheon.

Walked back to Piazza Navona and had lunch there an all felt in great holiday mood.

Tony and Sian wanted to see some more sights but Jane, Kay and Susan had had enough so we split up and Jane investigated hiring a taxi back to the apartment.  The quoted price was a breathtaking 70-80€ and the journey was only half and mile!  Consequently, walked back to flat and arrived about 2.30 very very hot and tired, but much the richer for it! The temperature was 35°c this afternoon, and consequently we all felt fried, boiled, scrambled and roasted. Had dinner in the apartment and much later walked next door to the bar and put the world to rights.

Piazza Navona and white legs.

Pantheon and sun

Piazza Navona's obelisk

Ponte Sant'Angelo from the castle battlements.

Basilica with sunshine on the righteous.

Meet the folks! L to R Kay, Tony, Jane, Susan and Sian.