Rome January 2016 Day 3

Rome Day 3

Another beautiful yet cold morning. We spent the first part of the morning at the hotel resting and preparing to return home. This is our last day in Rome so we decided to take it slow and prepare for our departure early tomorrow. After am amazing lunch overlooking the countryside we heading back into town.

On our way we stopped to take a tour of the Catacombs that lay underneath the city. To tell you the truth it was kind of creepy but so fascinating. Most of the tombs were empty but we did see a few that were still intact. The tunnels were narrow and musty. Our tour guide did a good job explaining and giving information but I was at the end of the group and heard just a little but luckily I had someone relaying information from the head of the group. The Catacombs were created due to overcrowding and land shortage. Tombs were sealed with slate and decorated with glass, colored tile and jewels. the more ornate and opulent denoted wealth. Some were even lined with frescos. We spent a little more than an hour walking around the tunnels and praying we didn't get lost. Above the tunnels was a church. Although the church is above the catacombs it is located underground and the acoustics were wonderful.

On the way back into the city our travel manager told us a Roman Prophecy. There is a basilica in Rome where all the Popes in history line the edge of the ceiling. The prophecy says that the end of the world will come when the last circle is filled. By my count there are about 10 more Pope's left to be named. However, I did a little research and there is another prophecy that there will only be 112 Popes named and Pope Francis just so happens to be number 111. I guess only time will tell.

Once we left the Basilica we were dropped of near the Roman Forum and instructed to get lost in the city. At this point Courtney and I decided to go at it on our own because I wanted to go back to the ruin where Caesar was beheaded. We had gone by this area last night but the group we were with had a couple of men who were attempting to "control" where we went and we didn't get a chance to stop as we passed the ruins. Tonight, Courtney and I were were in charge. In getting lost we found ourselves in a toy store, souvenir shops and just walking around taking in Rome.

We walked by the balcony where Mussolini stood as he addressed the crowds. The picture is not great but my camera was starting to be moody. I guess it is mostly my fault though. It is a new camera and I honestly didn't learn how to use it before I left. I found myself in the situation for most of the trip and used me cell phone to take many pictures. Maybe I should practice with my camera before my next trip. That gives me a couple of months to procrastinate. Haha!

It was dark by the time we made it to the ruins but it I enjoyed it non the less. Other than some small descriptions along the wall there was not much to indicate that this was the site of Caesar's beheading. It looks like just some random excavated ruins.

For our last night we had a group dinner at a restaurant near the Pantheon. Lots of wine, laughs and food. Oh and many of the men attempting to watch the playoff football game on their cell phones. It was a great way to end the trip.