Woke up early to make sure Savage got to the taxi on time. I was sad my good old friend was leaving me early, but I never pitched a “tanty” (as he called a hissy fit). We had another great Italian road trip. For a few minutes, I thought he thought so too... maybe. He was hot to get to London for many reasons. Good on ya, mate. I am still breathlessly waiting on my photo CD :)
Took a cab to the Villa Farnesina, it had just opened for an exhibit where you could see the rooms that Rafael painted. It was located on the other side of the river, far from the side of town where I was staying -- Travestere area. (I had to show him on the map where it was.) Taxi drivers here are like NYC taxi drivers.
The taxi dropped me off in a little alleyway with a big stone fence/gate. The villa was a massive building. Inside, the ticket agent didn’t speak much English but he tried. And he was flirting with me -- how cute. He kept asking if I was from Texas (wonder what he watches on TV?). They didn’t have any English guided tours. But they did have a nice Italian guide -- must not be a “big” tourist draw -- only three lines on pamphlet in English - the opening days and times. I really do wish I knew more Italian.
The rooms was beautifully decorated --- all painted -- this exhibit/building had not been open long. There weren’t many people there and I loved being alone and wandering around the rooms. It was so quiet and peaceful. I found it very unusual that it wasn’t very “climate controlled”. I would think they would want it climate controlled to preserve the art. Didn't take me too long to see it all (I do museums very quickly).
Though we hadn’t seen many homeless people on our first day in Rome, I found them on my own. It made me a little nervous but thankfully only a couple approached me --- Of course there weren’t many taxis around this area but I found one near the river. Saw a few sights on the way back too.
Near my hotel, I found a Chinese restaurant :) yum. Had sweet and sour chicken and fried rice -- yes, I am boring with food and my adventurous partner was gone.
At hotel, I rested a little, I guess I had gotten into the habit of a siesta (darn you, Savage).
the second best fanciest hotel we stayed at in Italy
I had made a reservation for my favorite Italian museum -- Borghese Gallery. I didn’t know how far away it was and hailed a cab. The taxi driver was extremely rude --- all my good travel karma left with Savage (maybe he was the one who had it not me). The driver told me -- the museum is only 100 kms away. Like I was supposed to know how far that was away. I thanked him kindly (gritting my teeth the whole time) and got out of the cab very quickly. I hiked through the ancient city gates and up through the gardens. Interesting sites....Lots of people out in the gardens, enjoying the benches in the shade. Segways and motorized peddle cars - those looked like so much fun. It was a tad bit warm out (big surprise).
You have to buy timed tickets to get in. Checked my bag in the basement and saw this outstanding purse -- bingo great shot. Waited 30 minutes in the cool basement people watching. (Why is it I always like museums better if they are in buildings that used to be houses?)
That is not a purse, that is a granny handbag.
Then got on the stairs to get upstairs for my timed entry. I had been here before with my sister and we were fortunate enough to have an English tour -- our tour guide was an art expert/historian. She gave a wonderful tour of the history of the Bernini statues. I could remember most of it again as I wandered around the exhibits and pieces. My favorite piece is the Rape of Proserpina -- you can see the indentations in the skin from his hands. All of the Bernini pieces are just striking -- it is amazing to think of him sculpting these.
I wandered down to the top of the Spanish Steps. Lots of people out -- claustrophobic to me. I was very careful when I descended the steps (I couldn't fall like I had before, I had no one to help me up and I couldn't twist an ankle.) Lots of people hocking their souvenirs -- they come up and bother you. I liked being on my own today until I got in this crowd, my back up wasn’t around, it was a strange feeling. I travel a lot by myself but I guess I had the back up around for too long. I felt like I was missing something, like I had forgotten my purse or watch or something.
they had the right idea -- it was hot out.
Took lots of photos and got to shop as much as I wanted to -- found a wonderful glove shop. My great grandmother had a beautiful collection of gloves (that was when ladies wore gloves everywhere). Bought a pair of polka dot ones, they fit me like a glove :)
Found a great shop with Murano glass paperweights and jewelry, got me some and some for a friend too. Hit the Sephora also -- cheapest place I have ever found Clarins night creme, jackpot.
Hum? I like mine, but a fashion statement they are not.
Went back to the Hard Rock Cafe, I just couldn’t stomach hunting up an Italian restaurant tonight - and the fried chicken salad on the menu sounded so good last night. And I was correct - it was great --- had a 7 up too.
It was dark out so I went back to the room, didn’t feel comfortable out at night roaming the streets by myself where I was staying. When I got back, I spoke to my family over Skype, they told me a hurricane was coming in fast and it would hit when I was supposed to get home.
My mom was fretting over the hurricane and my getting home on time, (also, she didn't like me being over here alone) so she called and assisted the airlines in getting me on a flight tomorrow. My mother should have been a general in the army -- she could coordinate an entire war. (She's where I got my love of maps and navigational sense -- and I can coordinate things too sometimes. But I wish I didn't have her neurotic tendencies, god love her.) WTH? I had to pack up tonight and get ready to leave two days early. But it was imperative I make it home when I was scheduled. I still had places and things on my list to see and do. C’est la vie, I will have to do them next trip -- it’s always good to leave something to see next time.
Great day today and treat tonight, another bubble bath and Wolverine on the big screen TV -- my now last night in Italy.
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