April 28
I arrived at the Rome Termini train station at 3:30 and took a taxi to the address I had for the convent I would be staying in during my time in Rome. The street was via Settembre 20 and I had the taxi driver drop me off at number 3, only to realize that the correct address was actually 68. So my walking exercise started out earlier than I had expected, as it was about a mile with my luggage backtracking to number 68.
The sisters at the convent only spoke Italian, so it is good that I can speak and understand enough to have a conversation. My accommodations are much different from the hotel I had in Siena, but the place is clean, safe and includes breakfast. The gardens look very pretty although I didn’t explore them too much as I wanted to unpack and walk around in Rome some more.
I went to Trevi Fountain, and no matter how many times I have seen it, I love it. It is always very crowded and everyone seems very happy. Of course I tossed a coin over my left shoulder, keeping up the tradition that ensures I will return. I got caught up in la passeggiata on via del Corso, one of the busiest streets in Rome. I found my way to the Pantheon and had a nice dinner there while enjoying the busy atmosphere.
I like being in the city, but it is a little of a culture shock after all those small towns in Tuscany and Umbria. Many more Americans are here and I hear English spoken everywhere. More tomorrow.
Bonnie D
I think Florida is the opposite. In small towns you hear English, in the larger cities you hear every language in the world.