Our Last Day...So Sad

Last night, we spent some time at 2 of the most romantic places in Rome.

First we went to the Spanish Steps, so named for being close to the Spanish Embassy. It was a perfect time to go, mid evening, after sundown and the lights were on and the people were out. It is customary for Romans to linger in the square and chat with friends or to hold the one they love. So, we did the latter. I mean hey, when in Rome....

After taking several beautiful pictures of the Spanish Steps (sorry the internet spot we are at right now doesn't allow for picture uploading, you'll have to wait until we get home), we headed for the Fontana di Trevi, or Trevi Fountain. Walking through the streets of Rome on our way was quite splendid. We turned a corner and BAM, there it was. The Trevi Fountain is a very large (we're talking Vegas large) fountain with beautiful sculptures and water flowing everywhere. What is interesting is that it is actually the end of an ancient Roman aqueduct, which is still working today. At night, when they light it the scene is very romantic.

There is a custom for visitors to throw a coin over their shoulder into the fountain which would guarantee a return to Rome. We did and we wished our return trip would be soon.

After lingering for a while to soak in the atmosphere, we went to dinner. We dined at a lovely restaurant on a tiny street (all the best restaurants are on little streets here). Eventually, we called it a night and said a fond goodbye to Rome.

We woke up this morning and took a train to Milan, our in and out city. Because we have an early flight tomorrow, we are staying here in Milan tonight. It is not a city that is big on sights but we saw the 2 it has.

First, we saw Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper, made famous by Dan Brown's book, The Da Vinci Code. Unlike other museums, it is the only work to see so it was a quick excursion but it was very neat to see it in person. The work covers an entire wall, and was much bigger than either of us expected (we thought it was a painting that is framed or something). It was interesting to see the work which has stirred up so much recent controversy. It was also interesting that none of the guides pointed out anything in the Da Vinci Code or even made reference to it.

Then we took a stroll, picking up some gelato on the way of course, towards Milan's cathedral, Il Duomo (the same name that like 512 cities in Italy have for their cathedral, including Florence). This building was the most ornately decorated structure we had ever seen. There are hundreds of spires, statues, and even 96 gargoyles (you would have loved it mom!). The inside was immense, the 4th largest church in Europe, we have seen 3 of 4 on this trip, the last being St. Paul's in London. There were several large stained glass windows all throughout the building.

Tonight we will have our own Last Supper, here in Italy that is, before turning in to bed in preparation for our journey home tomorrow.

To all of our faithful readers, we raise a large glass of Vino and say "saluté" and thanks for the posts. They were great to read.

We WILL be posting one final post about this trip, a recap post from home. Look for it on Sunday. As for us, Ciao and Arrivaderci!!!

Matty and Sav