Another Very Good Day in Ostia Antica

On Thursday, we took the suburban train out to the beautifully preserved ancient Roman port city of Ostia Antica.  We had been there twice before in February -- once on our own and once with Tom and Mary Kay -- but it is always an adventure to roam through this fantastic ghost town, exploring new areas and making new discoveries.  Here are a few pictures from this trip, plus some random scenes back in Rome.

Bus Ride

Just for fun, I set the camera on the ledge of the bus window and let it run for three stops through our neighborhood.  If nothing else, it will give you a glimpse of what our "Prati" neighborhood looks like.  The second two videos were shot on the street where my classroom building is.  Also, it might give you just the tiniest, tiniest hint of the kind of chaotic traffic and anarchic parking situation that Susie had to deal with when driving our rented car.  Finally, I wonder if it is a coincidence that two of the three clips end just outside a gelateria?

J 

A Very Good Day in Rome

Will and Maya arrived here in Rome on Sunday morning and it has been a pure joy to see the city through their eyes.  The best surprise of all came last night.  Will and Maya took an evening stroll in the Pincio Gardens overlooking the Piazza del Popolo.  When they got back to our flat, Maya was wearing an engagement ring!  Sue and I are absolutely thrilled!  What an unbelievably fantastic way to bring our stay in Rome to an end!

Today (Tuesday, May 10), we all went down to the historic city center.  After a trip to San Clemente and its subterranean archeological wonders, we walked down the avenue running past the Forum.  We enjoyed a great lunch at a shady outdoor cafe, then took a tour of Trajan's Forum and Marketplace.  Will & Maya then headed over to the Campodoglio to check out the collections and the view.

As I write this, Susie is cooking her famous puerco asado for dinner.  The happiest couple in Rome will be home soon.  All in all, it was A Very Good Day in Rome.
https://picasaweb.google.com/SteveDC505/VeryGoodDayInRome?authkey=Gv1sRgCK344InglbCUtAE#