Palatino and Colosseum

With all the archaeogical monuments and museums in Rome free this week, we dropped by the Palatine Hill this morning for a brief stroll. We all slept late and by the time we had breakfast and left the villa, we only had two hours before we needed to be back home (so Charlotte could make her swim practice).

We parked just next to the Parco di Traiano, once site of Nero's massive palace. We'd never been in this park and it afforded a really nice view down the hill of the Colosseum. We walked through the park and around the Colosseum, past the Arch of Constantine, and up to the top of the Palatine Hill. There is good reason that the Emperors chose this beautiful location for their residences. There are views of the city, including the Roman Forum, from all sides. Of course for Avery, he was always able to keep the dome of St. Peter's in view. In addition to the house of Augustus and the house of Livia, the hill is also home to lovely gardens. We had the usual squeeking from the kids; Olivia and Avery mainly. The weather was overcast and at one point it sprinkled a bit.

Coming down from Palatino, at Avery's insistance, we decided we had a bit of time to drop in to the Colosseum. Last time we were here, Avery got lost, so he sort of missed it. He was glad to have another chance to go back.

Afterwards, we drove home for lunch. Charlotte was whisked off to swimming; Avery took a much needed nap; Josh went shopping for a used bike for Olivia; and Olivia and I hung out. The weather improved this afternoon so I was able to practice a bit of yoga in the sunshine on the terrace.

Before dusk, Josh and I went to Piazza del Popolo to meet Roxanne and Rocco for an apertivo. We walked along the Pincio to an outdoor terrace so we could enjoy the sunset. Much to our dismay, they were closing (at 7pm). Such a shame. We walked across the way to the Hassler and had our cocktails there. However, their giardino wasn't open yet since it's still "too cold?" so we sat in the lounge. What's up with the Romans? - no matter how beautiful the weather, it's only April, and therefore not summer yet. Still, the drinks were very good, and so were the accompanying snacks!

Afterwards, we said our good-byes and put our friends in a cab to go to their dinner. Josh and I strolled down the Spanish Steps and turned onto Via Frattina - alas Palatium had a nice table near the bar that was calling our name. We enjoyed a fantastic meal and great, inexpensive wine from Lazio.

When we returned to the car, we were tempted to check out the concert in Piazza del Popolo. We drove into the Villa Borghese and hung out at the overlook above the Piazza. It was mobbed. While the music might have been alluring, we caught the show during a period of announcements. However, the setting was magnificent. Overlooking the fountains, statues and obelisk in the Piazza, it's a very romantic spot in the evening (crowded during the day). We drove down into the square, as the young crowd rocked to another artist, we made our way home.