Day 2: Whirlwind tour of Rome on a cloudy Sunday

After the wave of fatigue washed over us the night before after dinner at Harry's Bar, we woke up to the sound of birds chirping in the tree outside on Via Venetto Vittoria, and feeling well-rested. Starving, and in dire need of some protein, we gave in and headed upstairs to the top floor of the hotel where they served the breakfast buffet. Significantly overpriced, they agreed to charge us half-price for the kids. Although, the views of Rome were incredible in all directions through floor-to ceiling windows, so maybe we paid the price for that!

After breakfast, we set off on foot to the Spanish Steps. Sunday morning in Rome is beautiful and quiet, and the streets of the city center are closed off to traffic. My daughter took special note of the unusual shape of the canopies of the trees, which she compared to mushrooms! Walking along the street, we passed an orange tree--which was actually bearing fruit! We trekked up a few hills, and finally reached the Steps. There were maybe a few dozen people there, which was to our benefit for picture-taking. We're told that in the summer season, the area is so packed with people that you can't even see the steps below them. We then set off to the closest Metro station to take the train over to the Trevi Fountain.

You can hear the roar of the water before you even see it, and it truly is a sight to behold. It is a flamboyant and ornate collection of sculptures, which commands your attention for as long as you'll allow. Don't leave without tossing a coin over your shoulder into the fountain; it'll ensure that you return to Rome!

We made our way over to the Pantheon, with it's amazing coffered dome. The building is an incredible 2,000 years old, and it remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome. There's no better place to enjoy a Gelato than standing outside contemplating the enormous columns and pediment, wondering how the ancient Romans completed their architectural feats. These four hungry travelers soon realized that lunch was in order, and we were in need of something fast. Just down the street from the Pantheon, on Via del Seminario, we stumbled upon a little place called La Sagrestia. Cash only and family-owned, it is a little gem. The spaghetti carbonara was incredible; no cream in sight (so Americano!), just parmesan and the delicate flavor of bacon, and a dash of olive oil. The kids loved the thin-crust, four-cheese pizza. We finished off the meal with pannecotta drizzled with caramel, which was very white, with a light creamy consistency, just delectable.

Completely satisfied, we made our way over to the Colosseum. With the streets closed to traffic, we were able to wander along in the middle of the street, making for great picture-taking vantage points! The Colosseum is still majestic and grand, despite its slow descent into ruin. With sundown quickly approaching, we decided it was time to head back to the hotel. We had trekked miles and seen so much; it was time to rest up for tomorrow.