From Florence To Rome

We planned for a long day of travel and left the Borgo San Felice at 8:15 to drive back to Florence. The highways weren’t crowded and it was an easy trip. Once we arrived at the Florence city line, we took a little detour and visited the Florence – American US Cemetery. This is a wonderful place that celebrates the valor of Americans who fought to free Italy and Europe from the Nazis and fascism. There are more than 4,000 graves here, on a hillside overlooking Florence.

From there, we drove through the little streets of Florence until we happened upon the car rental garage – down a one way street that was almost impossible to get to – especially in rush hour traffic. After a quick taxi ride to the train station, some wine and a pizza for lunch we boarded the EuropeStar train to Rome. Of course, we sat across from a couple – he was retired at 50 – from Colorado, on their way to Naples.

After a cab ride to our new, and last, hotel we ventured out to see the Spanish Steps just above the Piazza di Spagna. This is a great view of the city and the piazza is named for the Spanish Embassy to the Vatican which has been located at the bottom of the steps for over 300 years. They say that writers and composers from around the world used to hang out at the bottom of the steps and get their inspiration. There’s a fountain at the bottom built by Bernini which is still powered by an aqueduct.

From there we walked to the Trevi Fountain – down a couple of small side streets and behind a church. As we walked, we could see the tourists ahead… and then, all of a sudden, there it was! The fountain is an example of the power of the aqueducts – and was built under the direction of several Popes to celebrate the opening of an ancient aqueduct that brought thousands of gallons of water into the city.

We walked back to the hotel through more small side streets and sidewalk Rome cafes. We ate a light dinner at a small hotel café that was pretty good and got a long night’s sleep.
Tomorrow is a tour day of the ancient city…. Ciao!