Roma Amor continued...

(Be sure to start with day one of this fabulous Euro-venture ... Amsterdamin')

As our ship came to port in Civitavecchia, Rome's port, I walked out on our balcony for the last time. I had a heavy heart, our trip was coming to an end but at the same time... we would soon be back home in the Atlanta with our adorable pups. A short time later, we were on our way back to Rome for the last two days of adventuring. We checked back into the Domus Liberius and sent my sister and BIL to the Vatican for a few hours (they were leaving early the next day). It was a little early for lunch but we were all hungry from the disembarking process so the four of us (my parents and hubs) decided we'd find a nice cafe. We each got a pizza - of course - and it was delicious! Afterwards, we all decided to go back and nap until it was time to meet up at the Colosseum.

We all felt invigorated after our brief nap and headed off towards the Colosseum. Note for first timers - the tickets to the Colosseum can be purchased online and include entrance to the Roman Forum. When we were there, the tickets are good for two days so be sure to make good use of them! So when we began planning this trip we had no idea that there would be a marathon in Rome that Sunday. This made getting around the city extremely difficult and time consuming. I am pretty disappointed with that because I feel like it left a bad taste in everyone's mouth about the trip. Anyway, enough complaining.. We finally made it to the Colosseum and found my sister and BIL. At that point, we split from the group and headed to explore the Forum while they did the Colosseum. Don't get me wrong, the Colosseum is amazing! But the Forum is... well... it's MASSIVE and there's so much to see so we chose to pick up from where we left off last time in Rome.

We spent a couple of hours meandering through the ruins, the weather was perfect and the views couldn't be beat! But soon enough, our feet were tired and it was nearly evening so we decided we would make the long marathon convoluted trek back to Domus before dinner. So a cool thing we've enjoyed in Europe is buying alcohol from vending machines. It sounds silly, yes I do understand but there's something so satisfying about it. That being said, we had an extremely hot and long walk from the ruins so when we got back, we decided to treat ourselves to some Prosecco (and water too... ).

I love the detail in this arch

Colosseo!

A bit farther bask this time.. 

Getting started in the Forum 

Art is everywhere!

Vuew of the Colosseum from the Forum

Selfie!

View of Piazza Venezia 

One last shot before we left...

Since my sister and BIL were leaving early the next morning, we all decided to go out to eat one last time as a family. Originally, we wanted to be adventurous and find a new place but we were all exhausted so we went back to La mucca biricchina where we all had amazing meals and we split a few desserts. Once dinner was over, we walked back to the B&B and said our goodbyes. 

The next morning, I awoke early to eat breakfast with my parents before they headed off to Vatican City for the day. Originally, we wanted to accompany them but our flights changed so we ended up having to leave earlier than expected. Also, it was supposed to pour like the whole day. So we wanted to try and stay close to the B&B. Right across the street is a huge basilica - Santa Maria Maggiore - so we started our last adventure there and made it inside just in time to beat the rain.

We had hoped to get back to the Forum but it was so rainy that we decided against that. Instead, we walked back towards Piazza Venezia to do the elevator to the rooftop. Our host at Domus told us he considered that to be the best views of the city. Like I mentioned earlier, the weather was terrible so when we arrived we were worried it was closed because no one else was there. Despite the torrential downpour and strong winds, it was pretty cool to be up that high all alone. And the views were spectacular.

By the time we finished we were so soaked - even with umbrellas and raincoats - that we walked back to the B&B to take a warm shower and change clothes. It was still fairly early and we didn't want to abandon our adventure quite yet. The rain had a semi - lull after we had changed so we walked back out in hopes of getting lunch at our favorite place from the last trip - Hosteria La Vacca M'briaca but sadly they weren't open until early afternoon. So on we went. Until we found La Carbonara which we'd walked by a few times and always said looked cozy.

We were pretty early for lunch, so before long we had finished our food. It was still pouring outside and it was so warm in the restaurant. With that we decided why not have a bottle of wine in hopes it would clear a bit if we waited. And we were sorely mistaken but it was a good bottle of wine so at least there's that. Hubs being the trooper that he is walked on a bit with me to this cute little macaroon bakery so I could satisfy my sweet tooth!

Soaked to the bone for yet another time, we decided it was time to say arrivederci to Rome and thus this lovely Euroventure. Stay tuned, we've got some small trips I'll have posts lined up for soon and then at the end of the year, we are actually going to Mauritius and South Africa for a little over two weeks. Ta ta for now!