We arrived at our hotel in Rome this morning a little after 10AM. The “receptionist” at the front desk immediately took the time to get us familiar with the map of Rome and where his favorite touristy type attractions are AND where the non-touristy attractions are. After he handed us the room keys (there were several to get into the courtyard should the electricity go out, into the building, and into the room), he mentioned there was also a pass code to get through one of the doors in the building – it was his birth date! He’s definitely not the receptionist, but more likely the owner. Since our room was not ready yet, and would be another ten minutes, he walked us down the block to the the cafe where the hotel provides breakfast and treated us to our first Italian breakfast!
We returned from breakfast and were escorted to our room as if we were in a five star hotel – didn’t have to carry luggage, navigate windy halls, unlock the door. It was so nice. The room is pretty basic, and there is a good three feet between the beds!
After freshening up, we headed out to see the Palatino, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum. It’s all right in the middle of the city, amidst everything (including hotdog stands which sell the best vanilla ice cream I have ever had). I had always expected it to be off in the country for some reason. It’s an absolutely amazing view and imagining the Colosseum held over 75,000 spectators for events like gladiators fighting hippos!
