May 16, 2016

Started the day a bit late.  It was after noon.  Took the bus to Piazza Santa Cecelia.  There is one of our paintings there, but we knew we were too late to see it.  It is in a convent and only open until 12:30.  We did go into the church when about 10 to 12 nuns were chanting on the altar.  A few youngsters, but as usual some possible centenarians.  They shooed us out after prayer.  We will return to see our painting. 

We are in Trastevere now where there are cafes everywhere.  More cafes than churches, and that is saying something.  Walked to Santa Maria in Trastevere.  Outside the church were a few street folks and their dogs.  I think Ray has a picture.  We also saw 2 military guys with assault rifles.  They truly are all over the city.  At every major tourist site and some minor ones too.  The Termini is swarmed with all different types of security.  Probably 4 or 5 different agencies keeping us safe.

We wandered thru Trastevere and happened upon Campo de Fiori.  The open market was about to close, but we weren’t interested in shopping.  We stopped at a café for a beer and salami sandwich. 

Strolled to Piazza Navona which is the top tourist spot in Rome.  Lined with cafes, large fountains and tons of people.  All of this is near the Pantheon and not far from Trevi Fountain.  Ray took many photos of this walk and we returned on Friday as part of a self -guided Bernini walk.

I am writing this post on Saturday, May 21.  Took some time off today to do some laundry, write on the blog and go to a demonstration down the street.

 

2016 05 16 Rome