So, up and at 'em, we decided to walk to the Colosseum today. It was still too soon for another taxi ride. On the way we grabbed a bite and a coffee to enjoy on the steps in a park overlooked by the statue of Carlo Alberto. In an effort to escape the croissant hungry pigeons, we hurried on our way as soon as we finished our coffee. I promise you, the best way to get around in Rome is to walk. You get to see and experience so much more! On our way to the Colosseum, we passed through a beautiful plaza with an obelisk of Augustus centered among the ancient palace-like buildings. Not exactly something you might stumble upon in a speeding cab.
We finally made it into the Colosseum. I do wish we had been able to have a guided tour, but it was nice to be able to freely wander around, imagining who else might've stood and spectated on the same stone floor. No photo could ever accurately depict how massive this place is. It's incredible to think that it was all built during a time without machinery or modern technology. Stones so big I can't even wrap my arms around them were laid so precisely and intentionally.
Next, we headed across the street to see the Roman Forum. As Daniel would describe it, "more old ruins". He had a point, but these were not just old; they were ancient. These ruins were what's left of a civilization dating back before the birth of Christ. It's amazing how humbling an "old rock" can be.
Eventually we needed another gelato re-charge. We decided to find a more modern establishment for food and frozen treat. Turns out, that forum of old rocks was like a maze. We could not find our way out! We wandered back and forth trying to find the exit for a good hour. Daniel finally bargained with a street peddler for a couple bottled waters so we didn't die of dehydration. Lesson learned: if you have a map, don't leave it at home.
Even after getting lost in an ancient city, this day had already been an improvement over Day 13's mishap, but we knew, tomorrow, our last day in Rome, was going to be a big one. We found our food and our gelato and our pillows.
