When in Rome, do as Romans do and eat in good restaurants specializing in homemade pasta and friendly service. We built our last day in the city around where we would have lunch, leaving enough time in the morning and early afternoon for a metro trip south beyond the Colosseum to Palatine Hill and the heart of ancient Rome.
These are the ruins made familiar by travel posters and brochures – soaring columns, crumbling walls, walking path stones rubbed smooth by sandals and jogging shoes over dozens of centuries. Impressive doesn’t quite cover it.
After a week of walking around Rome, we had just enough leg power left to find the Ristorante la Fontanella once again, a block from Piazza Barberini and the fountain for which it’s named where Via Veneto meets the piazza. Something about the place – beyond the excellent food – drew us back, and the friendly proprietors undoubtedly are that “something.” We recommend it highly – down Via Sistina after you fight your way through the throng at the Spanish Steps.
The last two photos posted under today’s date were actually taken one and two days later; the first shows our last glimpse of Paris on this trip and the second the day’s dawn after our 27-hour journey home to Honolulu.
For all of Rome’s attributes, we left a part of our hearts in Provence and the Luberon. Without a doubt, we shall return. Thanks to those of you who followed our trip and our shared memories.
Until next time.........A-loooooo-HA!
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