FIRST DAY
We arrived  in Rome approximately 10:00 am ---- busy terminal--- lots of people looking for their rides ----
Our driver picked us up and we headed for our apartment. So neat, seeing all the small vehicles and many,many scooters with some men wearing suits and women driving them as well and wearing high heels! Fashion before comfort in Rome, I guess. We saw many colourful blooming flowers. And there was a herd of goats going down the side of a hill.

 I love our apartment --- it is just like I saw on House Hunters International program that I watch at home! High ceilings, tall windows with outside shutters on them, very unique kitchen. It has everything we need. There is an outside elevator which we all squeezed into, to bring us to the 5th floor. There is a courtyard in the middle where we can see the other apartments. I find it quite interesting to see people's laundry hanging on lines out their windows. Apparently this is to save on hydro because it is so expensive here.

For lunch we got some sandwiches from a deli ----- Italian meat on yummy buns and the cheese was soooo creamy. Josh said we'd love the Italian food.  After a short "siesta" our touring began. Michael took it easy on us..... we only walked to Vatican City, did a city bus tour, walked to the Trevi Fountain, went inside the Pantheon and then went to the Piazza Navona for dinner at Cafe Barocco an outside cafe. I think we walked at least 10 miles. LOL  I forgot to mention we stopped for a gelato cone. Can't beat gelato in Rome! What a treat.

The city is just s amazing! The buildings are so old and beautiful. From the bus we got to see many shops with apartments above them. They have shutters on the windows and I saw some people just leaning out the windows and watching the people on the street. There are no screens on windows here. There are many narrow, cobblestone streets. Outside cafes and places to eat are very numerous with checkered tablecloths and candles or flowers. There are musicians walking around which adds even more to the relaxing atmosphere. And there is no rush to leave after your meal. Sip on wine and people watch...... ahh I just love it.
Vatican City was awe inspiring. I find it hard to find words to describe it. I felt so small --- seeing the Square just took my breath away. It's mind-boggling to try and imagine this being built. We took pictures but will go on a tour tomorrow.

When we arrived at the Trevi Fountain, I was amazed at the number of people, taking pictures and throwing coins into the fountain. Of course we did the same. Throwing a coin in the fountain means we will someday return to Rome.
We just spent a short time at the Pantheon since it was closing. Such an incredible place --- marble everywhere. We will be going back to spend more time there.

Finally it was time for dinner, so we walked to Piazza Navona, and ate at an outside cafe "Cafe Barocco". The piazza is a treat to see........ all kinds of artists with their work on display and also musicians and singers too. Very festive atmosphere.  Our meals were delicious -- yes pizza in Italy is yummy. Then we sipped on our wine, talked and relaxed,

 The pizza picture is for Josh. It WAS yummy.
It was sunny and hot all day but the really great thing about Rome is their many  water fountains where we could fill up our water bottles which was very refreshing.  
Our walk back to our apartment was very interesting as we headed down cobblestone streets and found other quiet cafes almost hidden in the shadows. We made one more stop on the way home...... on a bridge we took a picture of St. Peter's Basilica all lit up. So beautiful.

Day one was amazing. I feel like pinching myself in case I'm dreaming.