Candice's review of Day 3...final hours in Rome and start of Florence (5/9/2007)

Day 3 arrived and check out was at 10am. Reed and I lugged our heavy packs to Termini train station, where they were stored until our departure. We spent the morning at the National Museum, which was full old Roman sculptures. Busts of Roman leaders and their wives lined the walls. The museum's commentary on the women was most interesting, as it focused on their hairstyles. The wives of the Pontificus Maximus set the trends the way movie stars do now. One style appeared to be a precursor to the mohawk, as it was a ponytail pulled over the top of the head. Sadly we have no picture of this unfortunate "do".

Once finished with the National Museum, we went back to Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. My father will be happy to see the photo below in which I sheepishly held a Mel's Hot Dogs bumper sticker. The couple in front of us at the fountain laughed and asked if it was my dad's shop. I said "No, just one he frequents," which they found hilarious. Crazy Americans in Rome!


I insisted Reed get a photo of me WITHOUT the sticker as well. Trevi Fountain is beautiful, surprisingly so. It was larger and more imposing than I had imagined. Seeing Trevi when in Rome is required and well worth the time!



Then we were on the train to Florence for an hour and half. I slept. Reed took a few pictures out the window and checked out the dining and first class cars.

Arriving in Florence, we walked towards the Piazza della Signoria to Olga's House (a B&B where we are staying). We climbed four flights of stairs to the third floor. The first floor in Italy is called the ground floor, then what we would call the second floor is called the first floor, and so on. The room is small but modern, with INTERNET ACCESS. Hence the blog.

We went to dinner at a wonderful wine bar called Cantinetta Antinori. Reed had an amazing slice of prime rib cooked perfectly. I had a delicious sliced chicken breast dish over arugula with a very light, yet creamy parsley sauce. The meal was complemented by an enjoyable bottle of Marchese Antinori Chianti Classico. If you are ever in Florence, this restaurant with a 24 Zagat food rating should be on your short list. It was a wonderful welcome to Firenze.

Florence is slower-paced and more friendly-feeling than Rome. It is less bustling. This is the Italy I imagined.