10/5 - 10/6 : Day 1 - 2

 

Ten hours Dallas to Frankfurt overnight, a plane change, and then on to Rome. Checked into the hotel which is within a few blocks of what is called the Ancient Center (the Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, and the Colosseum). Having arrived mid-afternoon we did not do the formal tours of the area --- that was left for tomorrow. Just walking around the area it is evident that a great deal of escavation work cotinues to be done . . . structures not nomally shown in the tourist promotions, e.g. the picture of the building being structural held together by cables, etc.

Even though this is past the peak of the tourist season, the streets are still filled with people --- that along with lots of crazy drivers (there is good reason never to rent a car in this city). Add to that large numbers of people on motor scooters and small motorcycles, many of whom are men in business suits. All of this adds up to massive parking issues --- see the picture of the Smart car wedged into a spot of space left by two other vehicles (it's a common sight!).