I met them at the Vittoria Emanuelle tube stop, which I already knew as it has been the tube stop next to the b&b that I have stayed at several times. I made my way there, which was a bit of a trek... bus, walk, tube then tram.... We met at 1ish and walked round the corner to Via Buonarotti, and who would have thought it, the pizzaria was slap bang opposite the b&b!!! We walked in and promptly ordered mortadella pizza and beer! It was fabulous. This was promptly followed by some lovely fried rice balls with a mozzarella stuffing (I cant remember their name!). I was absolutely full to bursting after that and quite frankly could have done with a snooze!
We got into the car and drove down towards the Villa Borghese and the Borghese Gardens.
Well I think they are the most beautiful gardens that I have been to - There are people everywhere, walking, lounging, kissing, playing with children, riding bikes... It is a park that is absolutely full of life. We slowly ambled through, taking in the beauty and we came across a lake with people boating across and ducks, turtles and swans swimming around happily.
We wandered around for over 2 hours. It was wonderful just drinking in the views of how wonderful it was.
After this, we headed towards San Lorenzo because of course, we needed to have some beer! We called in at a Spanish bar that we have been to before, 2.50 euros for a pint cant be bad!!
We then went on to the Tiburtina area to have a wander round before off for food. I had previously had discussions that I wanted to buy a children's book in Italian to translate over the winter period.. We wandered down to a child's bookstore and I treated myself to "The Witches" by Roald Dahl. Easy enough but challenging enough and should help me through those winter nights!
We then made our way to Federico and Tizianas local pub. We were the first ones there, however that didn't last long as a group of students came in for a birthday party! We were starving so a platter of food was prepared for us and it was Divine - just what was wanted!
Food, wine, walking, sights, sounds... a lovely last Saturday in Rome... until my return :)
So Sunday morning was my last day in Rome and I decided that I was going to treat myself and be the ultimate tourist. I got up, packed my bag up and got on the bus for a day trip to the Castle. Castel St Angelo is one of my favourite places in Rome, but at 11.50 euros to get in, its not somewhere I can enjoy all the time. I decided that I was going to climb the castle and I didn't care...
Ticket purchased and off I went! Its such a lovely space to wander round, winding walkways and military history everywhere. You wander up through the exhibitions and and displays, all talking about the castles history and its association with the Italian military. Although this is fabulous, its the views from the top that make this worth climbing...
You can see across the whole of Rome, with stunning views of the Vatican and the river....
I made my way back down and headed towards the Pantheon for a spot of lunch... spaghetti, garlic and peccorino, all washed down with 2 glasses of house white wine. Perfect. I sat here for a while drinking in the atmosphere. I also caught the sun... never a bad thing to get a bit of a tan towards the end of September!!
I then made my way to Piazza Navona and headed to a nice little cafe/restaurant that I have been to several times before where I know one of the waiters. I proceeded to have another drink and then sadly made my way back to the apartment for the last time.
It has been a fantastic time in Rome. I have met new friends and forged stronger friendships with older ones..
Here's to seeing you on my return in mid October.... :)
But first.... Verona.
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