A different view of Rome

As part of my birthday celebration Les & I spent the weekend in Rome. Since this was my third trip to Rome I wanted to get out of the main touristy areas and explore different parts of the city.  We stayed in Trastevere, an awesome neighborhood on the west side of the Tiber River. My mom and I briefly explored this neighborhood on our last trip and I fell in love with the area.  We found a reasonably priced B&B in the area and were able to walk everywhere.

Our first day in Rome it rained...and rained and rained.  It wasn't too cold so we were still out walking around but I was bummed because I coudln't use my new camera lens in the rain.  I didn't want to damage my baby!

Day two I spent the morning on my own.  Les had a masonic event to attend so my camera and I wandered the streets of Trastevere.

Church of St. Cecilia

Inside the Church of St. Cecilia

I saw a lot of interesting graffiti on my walks...

Mosaic Tile on the floor of The Church of Santa Maria in Trastevere

My wanderings led me to the botanical gardens - Orto Botanico, near the Villa Farnesina.  It was incredibly peaceful and beautiful.

Doesn't the statue look surprised to see a lizard on its forehead?

I loved the colors of the ducks...

While I was wandering the botanical gardens Les called and let me know that he was finished for the morning and to meet him back at the hotel for lunch.  The rest of the day was a whirlwind of lunch, much walking, primping for what was supposed to be a formal evening, and then attending an event that wasn't formal (business dress at most) and outdoors on a lawn, which my stiletto-clad feet weren't happy with.  Still, it turned out to be a fun evening - good food, good wine, and even better company.

Sunday morning Les & I set out to explore Gianicolo Hill and the Jewish Ghetto.

Piazzale Garibaldi

More Lovers' Locks on Ponte Sisto

Turtle Fountain in the Jewish Ghetto - Turtles might be by Bernini

Another view of the Turtle Fountain

Layers and Textures of Rome in the Portico d'Ottavia

More ruins in the Portico d'Ottavia

A closeup of the previous picture...just playing with the awesome zoom on my lens!!

Monday morning we checkout out of our B&B (luckily they were willing to hold on to our suitcase for us for the day - we had the last flight out) and we set off toward the Spanish Steps to get in the requisite bit of touristy sights and do a bit of shopping.

Trastevere Colors

Piazza Navona

Fountains in Piazza Navona...and a resident Pigeon

And those are the highlights from our trip. This vacation - short as it was, probably ranks among the best vacations Les & I have taken together.  We had such a great time.  I think it helped that for the most part we were away from the mobs of tourists.  I was actually able to practice my Italian!!  On my first two trips to Rome I was frustrated because the locals would hear my faltering attempts at their language and just start speaking Engligh to me.  This time, they actually spoke Italian back to me!! I'd like to think that my Italian is better (maybe a bit) but I think it was mostly because we were staying outside of the snooty tourist area.  I loved it!  I enjoyed Rome on my first two visits, but on my third I fell head over feet in love with the Eternal City.