Campidoglio

This morning, Don, Dale, Josh and I went to the Capitoline Hill - one of the seven hills of Rome - to take in the views of the Forum and the City and to visit the Capitoline Museums. We got our usual parking place (as if on cue) next to the Teatro Marcello. The Capitoline Museum was absolutely

fantastic....and we didn't have time to see everything so we'll definitely be returning. In the courtyard, as you enter the museum, there is the GIANT head of Constantine I. Separately, you see his foot and a hand. These are the only pieces that still remain of the massive 4th century AD sculpture that was once the great Constantine. Inside the museum, The first floor rooms, with their frescos and marble statues were majestic. Each room had a theme. We saw much of the history of Rome engraved in Latin on a marble wall in one room. The same room also housed the original Lupa Capitolina - this is the famous "She-Wolf" statue dating from the Etruscan

period of 500 BC, along with the twins Romulus and Remus which were added later. Together this sculpture is the symbol of Rome. We saw Bernini's Medusa sculpture, and the "Spinario" -- the sculpture of the boy trying to remove a thorn from his foot-- 100 BC. One room was filled with Etruscan treasures. It's amazing how detailed the pottery was in 500 BC!! On view was also an original Roman chariot, and

of course the original statue of Marcus Aurelius on horseback - the replica of which sits outside in the Piazza.

The second floor houses paintings by Caravaggio and Titan, but we didn't have much time to view them. There was also a special exhibit on the architecture of Michaelangelo in Rome (fitting since he designed the latest version of the Piazza Campidoglio in 1536) which included a movie about his works and his life which was very interesting.

Afterwards, we ate panini at the Cafe next to the Teatro Marcello and next to the chariot that we'd be taking home.

Don and Dale wanted more so we dropped them near the Piazza Navona and Josh and I went home to collect the kids from school. After an afternoon "sonnellino", we were all ready to go out for Pizza. We found a local Pizzeria in the Parioli that was recommended called Pizzeria ai Simeto. A family run, neighborhood type of place with red and white checkered tablecloths and personal service. The pizza did not disappoint.

Our plan for a late night driving tour of the centro to see the Colosseo and other sights lit up was almost thwarted when Avery tripped on the way to the car after dinner, fell backwards on to a low fence surrounding a tree, and sprouted a gusher on the back of his head. "Look I have blood" he exclaimed between wails. Once Josh got the bleeding to stop it seemed to be little more than a superficial wound ... so we carried on with our tour.

Rome is truly beautiful at night, and very pleasant to drive -- unlike during the daytime.

A wonderful way to end an inspiring day.