ATW in 45. #23

Last day (half day) in Rome. Up early, cleared out of our room but left our bags there so we could still get into town easily. We hopped an Uber to downtown. Our plan: St Peters and Sistene Chapel. Plans were trashed. The crowds are insane and there is no room in the Sistene Chapel. But, we got in early to St Peters and the Basilica. Which is good. We were able to climb to the dome, high above the square where most people get to view the Pope. Though he was not cruising around today.

The square is immense. I tried to imagine it full, with a million people, like when the pope is speaking there. It must stretch to the horizon. The square extends far into the distance where it’s really just a very wide street. I have seen it full on TV. And I wonder where they all go to the bathroom? I looked for the famous smokestack (white/Black) but don’t know where it is.

Because of all the crowds we will not be able to visit the Sistene Chapel today. Or pay a couple hundred per person in priority fees to do so. No.

We can get into St Peters and walk up to the dome several hundred feet up. It is like every other medieval landmark, several thousand steps up a tower. Then thru some ancient passageways till we get out to the outside of the dome covering the church. The view is spectacular. I can only imagine what it’s like when the pope is here. I know I have said that before but it is the whole point of this place.

The climb up and down took a couple hours. We had enough time when done for a quick lunch, so quick the waiter failed to deliver som food, at a cafe close by. Then hopped a taxi to the hostel to get luggage and same taxi to airport for what? A car of course. We are driving to Florence. Cheapest and fastest way. And I did check.

Well we got to airport and it was not so smooth. We found the rental car counter. They sent us away to another counter, computer issues, then back to first counter to pick up car. A Renault Cactus. Which is a small SUV. Stick shift like all the cars here.

And off to Florence, a 3 hour drive. I was surprised by the nature of the open road driving. Rome drivers are insane. Really crazy. But out on the highway, they revert to mostly polite drivers not going to fast. I enjoyed. Saw the countryside, which looks like California.

We had a great opportunity. I was able to stop at a rest stop for coffee. Had an excell my cappuccino in a real cup. Ya, no kidding. The food at the rest stop was no less than phenomenal. Just critically acclaimed (that would be me) sandwiches and other items. Meats sliced to order, beautiful smoked meat and salami on wonderful bread. Ya, better than AMPM nachos. Wow. I wish I could share pictures.

We arrived in Florence in late afternoon. And easily fouls our hostel. Can’t say same for parking. Street parking which I had to advance pay for. Two days worth. Not so bad, at least I got a space. A blue space. No white space. And the white to blue ratio was 10:1. But I got one.

Checked into Sante 7 Hostel. Nothing special, a dormitory experience. But clean. No AC, but it was only hot and humid like Africa so no matter. Hard to sleep.

The hostel has a bar and we went downstairs for a couple pops. I can’t avoid drinks, the kids insist.

We walked the the Market Centrale. This is a huge warehouse in the center of town with all manner of food and drink and shopping. Stays open past midnight. We checked it out and decided to come back the next day when all the outside stalls would be open. It’s also next to the Duomo, medieval church, with a dome, and an agonizing climb to the top. See a trend? Or theme?

Off to find a dinner spot. The usual type place. Nothing exciting, adequate Italian food. I know. Seems boring. Kind of.

Galato after dinner, at market, they were only one open. The gelato is a highlight if only because I love ice cream.

Taxi home after. And to bed. Kids stayed up drinking in bar. Idiots. They won’t be young forever, I know how this works.