Our last day in Rome...After breakfast Peter and I took a walk to the Trevi Fountain and threw coins in to ensure we will return to Rome one day. The weather was hot so we strolled slowly and soaked up our last morning. We wandered around with map in hand and saw some of the treasures Rome has to offer. We remembered being in so many places and discovered some new ones. Finally I got some shopping!! I bought a dress and jacket and two belts all for less than $125 AUD. Lunch at a local patiserrie and then back to our room to change into long pants (you had to have knees and shoulders covered) for our visit to the Catacombs. Steve met us downstairs after his tour of Rome and we set off to meet the tour. We had an excellent guide who was so enthusiatic about showing us The Catacombs, San Clemente Basilica and The Capuchin Crypt. The Catacombs are where the early Christians were buried, outside the City Wall. We walked deep underground to view the burial sites which are like shelves in the walls. It was a maze of narrow corridors and some areas opened up which housed crypts belonging to richer families and were decorated with fresco paintings and adornments. Georgia, our guide, told us really interesting facts and pointed out things that we would have walked past without realizing the significance of. After the catacombes we visited San Clemente Basilica which has the oldest surviving portico, dating back to the 12th century. Then we walked down to the next level which was even older and then down another level which dated back to 313AD. And then down another level to the original Rome dating back to ??BC It was deep underground and until the 1900's was underwater but they drained it and excavated and it uncovered residences and streets and businesses. It was mind blowing. Georgia explained that, as Rome grew they would knock down old buildings and build on top of them, using the old building as foundations. She had so many interesting facts and stories. After the Basilica we visited the Capuchin Crypt. There are a series of 6 crypts and 4 of them are decorated with human bones. INCREDIBLE. Unfortunately, we were not able to take any photographs at these sites.
We had dinner at a local restaurant and rolled our eyes at the Yanks at the next table to us who were so typically American. By the end of dinner we had a chat to them and one of them had been to Australia and had wonderful memories so after that they were OK!!. We managed to get to the rooftop garden tonight at the correct Hotel! (it was across the road from our Hotel) It was nice but not as much fun as our own rooftop adventure!
Well that is about it. Our last night in Rome. We will return again one day. It's been a great holiday, thanks for letting us share it with you. Tomorrow, the airport. Steve to the States to hopefully see Casey win at Laguna Seca and Peter and I to Singapore and then Home Sweet Home.
Luv yas all xxx
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