This morning we were up and away early to catch our “el cheapo” flight to Rome. Landing in Rome we checked out that the train would have cost us about 30 euros, but taking a shared taxi we could get dropped off at the door of the hotel for 40 euros – easy decision.

On the way to the hotel we just turned a corner in the taxi and suddenly there was the Colosseum – a chorus of oo’s and ahh’s were spontaneously emitted by all. At that point we then felt for sure that we had actually arrived in Rome.

What we were expecting was wall to wall traffic and noise, and we were astonished at how light the traffic actually was in the centre of Rome. Perhaps it’s just the time of year?

We quickly checked in to the hotel and then out to do our initial sightseeing. Given that the Trevi fountain was within short walking distance away this seemed like a logical starting point, so off we toddled. I’m sure you will agree it’s rather impressive.

As I sang “Three Coins in a Fountain” (well I would have done if I had known the tune and the lyrics) Sara was throwing her coin to ensure, as the legend goes, that she will return to Rome. Two coins would mean falling in love with an Italian, and three would mean marrying said Italian………I did have a quick look to see what she had lifted out of her purse! 🙂

The balance of the day was spent looking at a number of interesting places, with for us the most interesting being the Pantheon. It’s truly amazing it is still standing in all it’s glory after all these years, especially when one considers that Hadrian’s Wall and the Pantheon were built in the same era.

So today consisted of breakfast in Barcelona and lunch in Rome – not too shabby!!………sometimes we do have to pinch ourselves, to make sure it’s not a dream.