Day 1- Rome on Foot, 4 PM- 8PM Oct. 14th.

The first day in rome I was alone as my friends would arrive later in the evening. I got about a two hour nap and then nervously took a shuttle ride alone. Dropped by Shuttle Bus, I found my way up a street finding it to be Petroselli or via del Teatro Maricello. I followed people who had cameras hanging like jewels about their neck. I felt safer already. I followed two women into a church and was delighted by the inside. I sat and prayed a bit, I was thrilled to have made the decision to go it alone, taking the risk and feeling exhilarated by the surprises. I checked my watch and began to walk further up the street when out of no where there was a throng of tourists walking up steps. I got my camera out and took pictures of the statues, ancient buildings, and plaza. I had no idea where I was. I read Museo Capitoli. I was stopped as I tried to enter a building. It might have been the university. I surely did not look like a professor or student with my USA attitude.. I found a stone stairway going down and amazed at the old walls about me. I suddenly came upon a huge deep area of ruins( The Forum) far below. I could see a glimpse of the Colliseum ahead. This moment will remain in my brain for all time...I knew immediately this must be an early Roman historical site. I tried to read the Italian descriptions. I dug out a map which had been totally confusing earlier. It mentioned the burial place of Caesar. There was Arco di Tito, Palatino, Piazza Francesca Romana,Via Curia, etc. I found my way walking toward the Colliseum on Via Del Fori Imperial. I arrived and felt so incredibly shocked at the close proximity of this Colliseum, I could reach out and touch this amazing historical stucture. I walked the perimeter and excited at Arch di Constantine. I walked Via Di S Gregorio and to Via Dei Cerchi, then Via Dei Circo Massimo. I sat and rested on the Aventino (park)edge, it was 6:30 pm. Watched a few people running or walking the grassy park common areas. I was finding my way back to the 8 pm shuttle pick up. I was thirsty and thought I found a bar....It was a Motorcycle Repair Shop. YIKs! I hustled on my way past Piazza S Anastasia and Arco Di Giano. I found I had an hour before the shuttle I walked up a small hillside street and crossed to Longotevere dei Pierleoni and talked with a young(from Michigan)couple celebrating an anniversary & gazing and picturing along the Fiume Tevere. It was getting dark now. I found a hidden outdoor restaurant and bought my first giallato and cappuccino before I walked to my shuttle pickup. I had a great afternoon in Rome. Now time to find the girls..