Rome: Day 3

Yesterday began with a plethora of fruits, bread and meat from the market (bought the day before). Yum. Then the 3 of us left for the day and began by walking through the Borghese park. From the park we walked to Piazza del Poppolo which is a big square with an obilisque in middle. There are 2 churches on square and 3 streets that veer off of it - middle street goes straight to Piazza Venezia.

Then we found a bike rental place (M and I's favorite way to see a city) at Piazza di Spagna. We biked around to other side of town - other side of Tibre river.

We biked inside the Vatican! It is so crazy to go into another country - especially one that is completely immersed in another country - how unique! We came up on Saint Peters Square which is the square for the Saint Peters Church - where outdoor masses are held. Masses were held yesterday (but we came after the mass). We left the Vatican and biked along Tibre to neighborhood called Trastevere. It is a cute neighborhood with narrow streets and lots of restaurants and shops - at night many people go there because of the vibrant street life. The area is kind of artsy as well. We ate lunch in the neighborhood for very cheap yet amazingly tasty. I got pasta for 5 euro and the boys had a 4 course meal for 10 euro! (Pre-picked selections but still!)

After lunch we biked to Colosseum. But first saw the excavations called Forumromanum. They are pretty much the oldest part of Rome still standing. We went inside the Colosseum and read about Romans and gladiators and walked around. Before we left we said hi to Julius Ceasar. Then we biked to Piazza Navona - to accomodate the groups need for caricature watching and more gelato.

Bikes were subsequently brought back and then M, Z and I visited most unique McDonalds. It had a McCafe and very nice seating (couches and cool tables). Z told us the Travel Channel said it was the most unique McD's. We came back to M's apartment, showered, had some wine then had dinner at Pizzeria Simeto. Dinner was great (once again). Overall Rome is amazing and I am super excited that this is only the beginning!