Italy Trip : Day 3 - the Roman Forum & Colosseum

Today was both good and disappointing. Basically, the colosseum closed for a special event before we could get inside to see it. We did, however, see the Roman Forum and used the Rick Steves free audio tour to learn about it all.

I purposely picked out a novel with Rome as the setting for this trip. Of course, I read the whole thing on the flight here, because I’m a book nerd, as my loving sister Kati calls me ?. Ancient Rome is intriguing and depressing all at the same time. Morally disgusting, yet their accomplishments are impressive. And they’ve got some incredible buildings/ruins to show for it. Anyway, I’d highly recommend reading a novel based in Ancient Rome before touring it.

Honestly, what amused me the most today is how very interested Josh was in regards to everything. He can’t stop talking about it, and he wants to know how everything works. He’s postulating theories on buildings and art and talking about the history of everything. I love it. We actually laid in bed together reading more about Ancient Rome tonight. Apparently we’re both book nerds ??.

We went looking for lunch today when Lisa was very hungry and therefore grumpy. Josh and I have been together long enough that he recognizes the signs and doesn’t get mad anymore. He just finds me food quickly. Gelato to the rescue! Flavor of choice: biscotto della nonna. Oh my yum!

After dessert we found a lunch spot away from the touristy restaurants thanks to Yelp. Domenico, the owner, was very kind and he had the coolest teeny tiny cafe. I had the risotto with salmon and asparagus followed by a cappuccino. It wasn’t fancy but it felt like I was having lunch at family’s house, and they put a giant scoop of risotto on my plate. In fact Papa Mike said take my picture with Domenico! We’re family now!

Our last stop was the garden of oranges. It’s a beautiful little area with a lookout over the city of Rome. Josh did a great job finding a back up plan after the colosseum closed.