XI. Via Appia Antica

Captain’s Log: Thursday, 5 April 2018

Accommodation: Ciak Hostel, Rome

Distance: To the Via Appia

Weather: warm and sunny, with a short time of rain clouds

The day started off like every one else before, but at least we walked a different way into the city this time. I just realise, we did not even see the Colosseum today.

Anyway, our first stop today has been the Terme di Caracalla.

It was kinda impressive how big it still was. It must have had 2 or 3 additional floors.

Afterwards, we visited the Bocca della Verità. It was quite close to the Circus Maximus, so apparently we walked past it a couple of times without noticing that it was there.

I still do not know why all of the people put their hand into the mouth of it, but everyone did it.

We also paid a visit to the Basilica right next to it, which also had the Crypta of Adrian beneath it.

Once we were outside again, we continued walking south to our next stop, the Aventine Hill. It had a nice view over the city and two lovely parks. Galileo did ignore the signs again, but what am I supposed to do…

Once we were rested again, we walked down the hill to the next stop, which seemed kind of in the wrong location.

I mean, what is a pyramid doing in Rome? Okay, we have seen obelisks already as well, so maybe it is not that unusual, but still. We also tried to find the entrance to the cemetery, but were not able to do so. Since it was late already, we decided to give up and took the Metro to the bus stop, from where we would be able to catch a bus to the Via Appia Antica.

At the bus stop there did also wait a woman with an elderly dog, who was really cute. At least he came cuddling to us when we sat down because we were tired of standing.

After a lot of waiting, we finally managed to get to the ancient road.

And guess what? Or do you remember what was there?

Exactly, my rock! And of course I had ro climb it again, I think, I would always have to climb it, every time I am in Rome in future.

This time Galileo was up as well.

Since we saw very dark rain clouds on the horizon, we decided to head back again quite soon. But we stopped at the Café at the street, where we both enjoyed a Tartufo while waiting on the bus back.

Back in the Hostel we cooked again, and after a bit of relaxing we thought, we should get into the city again and take a look if all the Sightseeing spots are less crowded than during the day.

We visited the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, but both were still crowded, even if not as much as during the day.

At least we found a Gelateria there.

Chocolate and Lemon, the best combination ever.