Francesca was kind enough to give me a map of Rome yesterday which I attempted to use once again today. I am not sure who drew the little symbols for all of the monuments to visit or who was responsible for the map but it is the most confusing map I have ever used. Additionally, the city of Rome is not really big on posting street signs and the streets on the map are marked in Italian shorthand. I am shocked that I stumbled onto as many places as I did. I should definitely clarify stumble – I was able to stay on my feet today unlike yesterday. However, I almost took out a small Asian boy who walked in front of me while I was not paying close attention. I thought I had a clear path and looked to the left for less than a second and suddenly I’m fighting to stay upright again. It was a close call and the shocked look on his face was priceless as he darted off in the opposite direction.
I started the day in jeans and short sleeve shirt and changed into a skirt halfway through. It was again extremely hot and humid with very little air in most areas. The areas which had some air flow were the most crowded with tourists. I walked 9.85 miles today and climbed 18 floors. I was able to take some great pictures today of the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Piazza del Quinnale, Fontana di Trevi, Piazza Colonna, Ponte Vittorio Emanuelle II, Ponte Sant Angelo, Castel Sant Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica from the outside, and crossed 4 bridges.
I am hoping I see a lot more tomorrow with my guide for the day. We plan to see the colosseum in the morning and do some other sites in the afternoon. Best part is we will have a driver so I won’t be walking quite as much. I think last week in Radda turned me into a wimp and now anything over 5 miles a day is tiring. I’ll have to work my way back into shape again.
I’m definitely buying a new map without the symbols for the tourist attractions perhaps I’ll be able to read it better.
talesbytess.com 