And even our train tracks too...
This morning we woke up and caught a "Eurostar" Train to Rome. This type of train is the best Italy has to offer and they are slick. We cruised through some beautiful Tuscan hills on our way to Rome at almost 200 miles per hour.
Arriving in Rome we had heard about the mischievous types trolling the station looking for unfortunate tourists to swindle and pickpocket. The station was a madhouse with many people coming and going. Unlike our first Italian train station experience in Milan, this time we were aware of our surroundings and knew where we wanted to go. We are veterans now!
The streets were very busy and we were made aware that Rome is a giant city, not just a tourist mecca. Weaving through tight streets filled with crazy drivers of large buses, scooters, and tiny cars, we found our hotel after a 15 minute walk.
This hotel, Hotel Aberdeen, is the nicest so far. It is near the Piazza de Republica which is a gorgeous square with a huge fountain (see picture). The people are great, and the room is modern with a nice wardrobe, air conditioning, and the bathroom is sharp - it even has a shower WITH a door this time. Now we're talking!
After a quick break, we took a leisurely stroll to the Villa Borghese, Rome's "Central Park". On the way we walked through a very nice area which is the Beverly Hills of Rome. We passed upscale hotels, fine eateries, and chic shops. Eventually we passed
through the old city walls to the park. The park was terrific. It was a beautiful day (we have been SOOOOO lucky with the weather) and the Romans were out to relax. We walked a while just enjoying ourselves before renting a "bike cart" which is a cart where we sat side by side and peddled like a bike. It allowed us to go all over the massive park in a short amount of time. The Villa Borghese is filled with sculptures and small renaissance and medieval structures. It was a very nice relaxing time after a few days of running around.
After returning the bike cart, we sat on a stone bench to watch the Romans in their moments of leisure.
Eventually, we strolled up to the Borghese Gallery, which is one of the best museums in Rome. This museum is famous for its sculptures and we saw some great works, especially by Bellini, the sculptor featured in "Angels and Demons." Savannah stated, and Matty agreed completely, that the new Wolach family prefers sculptures to paintings.
We left the museum and got on another double decker "hop-on hop-off" tour bus, similar to the one we took in Florence. We wanted to orient ourselves to the new city so we figured this would be the way (we also had several days of a busy itinerary and we wanted to sit back and relax).
It worked out well, we saw the major sights, and we were able to rest our weary legs. After a hour and a half or so on the bus, we departed and found a great spot for dinner.
We ate at Zeus, near our hotel, and we had a great time. We spent about 2 hours in the restaurant as we ate like the Italians: slowly without a care in the world. We also had about 3 glasses of wine EACH. Plus, we have had wine with every dinner and with most lunches as well so for all of you who say we're not drinking enough wine, we are...so there! Plus it is some of the best wine in the world.
Lastly, we went back to our hotel and relaxed in the room. We even found a bottle of champagne and a nice note from the hotel congratulating us on our honeymoon, a great surprise. A nice, peaceful day in the books.
This morning we woke up and caught a "Eurostar" Train to Rome. This type of train is the best Italy has to offer and they are slick. We cruised through some beautiful Tuscan hills on our way to Rome at almost 200 miles per hour.
Arriving in Rome we had heard about the mischievous types trolling the station looking for unfortunate tourists to swindle and pickpocket. The station was a madhouse with many people coming and going. Unlike our first Italian train station experience in Milan, this time we were aware of our surroundings and knew where we wanted to go. We are veterans now!
The streets were very busy and we were made aware that Rome is a giant city, not just a tourist mecca. Weaving through tight streets filled with crazy drivers of large buses, scooters, and tiny cars, we found our hotel after a 15 minute walk.
This hotel, Hotel Aberdeen, is the nicest so far. It is near the Piazza de Republica which is a gorgeous square with a huge fountain (see picture). The people are great, and the room is modern with a nice wardrobe, air conditioning, and the bathroom is sharp - it even has a shower WITH a door this time. Now we're talking!
After a quick break, we took a leisurely stroll to the Villa Borghese, Rome's "Central Park". On the way we walked through a very nice area which is the Beverly Hills of Rome. We passed upscale hotels, fine eateries, and chic shops. Eventually we passed
through the old city walls to the park. The park was terrific. It was a beautiful day (we have been SOOOOO lucky with the weather) and the Romans were out to relax. We walked a while just enjoying ourselves before renting a "bike cart" which is a cart where we sat side by side and peddled like a bike. It allowed us to go all over the massive park in a short amount of time. The Villa Borghese is filled with sculptures and small renaissance and medieval structures. It was a very nice relaxing time after a few days of running around.After returning the bike cart, we sat on a stone bench to watch the Romans in their moments of leisure.
Eventually, we strolled up to the Borghese Gallery, which is one of the best museums in Rome. This museum is famous for its sculptures and we saw some great works, especially by Bellini, the sculptor featured in "Angels and Demons." Savannah stated, and Matty agreed completely, that the new Wolach family prefers sculptures to paintings.
We left the museum and got on another double decker "hop-on hop-off" tour bus, similar to the one we took in Florence. We wanted to orient ourselves to the new city so we figured this would be the way (we also had several days of a busy itinerary and we wanted to sit back and relax).
It worked out well, we saw the major sights, and we were able to rest our weary legs. After a hour and a half or so on the bus, we departed and found a great spot for dinner.
We ate at Zeus, near our hotel, and we had a great time. We spent about 2 hours in the restaurant as we ate like the Italians: slowly without a care in the world. We also had about 3 glasses of wine EACH. Plus, we have had wine with every dinner and with most lunches as well so for all of you who say we're not drinking enough wine, we are...so there! Plus it is some of the best wine in the world.
Lastly, we went back to our hotel and relaxed in the room. We even found a bottle of champagne and a nice note from the hotel congratulating us on our honeymoon, a great surprise. A nice, peaceful day in the books.
3 comments:
So glad you guys are enjoying terrific weather -- yes, you really did luck out on that! Also glad to hear that you are partaking of the wonderful wine Italy has to offer.
If you are into sculpture, don't miss the Pieta by Michelangelo -- it is at St. Peter's Basilica (just to your right as you enter the front door, if I remember correctly). It is awesome...
I'm sad that I didn't get to see the pictures from this adventure. Since hearing about your trip and all of the wonderful experiences you have had it makes me want to go there. Can't wait to read and see what's next. Miss you guys!
Love,
Jen
Well, it sounds like you two are having a magical honeymoon and getting to see much of Italy! And I am proud to see that you took my advise.....photos together! And yes, the Gelato is fantastic. Spain had gelato stnads on every other corner....brilliant! I can't wait to hear the stories and see all the photos!
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