Ok, this was our last day in Rome. The previous days had really caught up with us now, so a rest and a sleep in was required before breakfast. As usual, down to the café and served by the older daughter this time (7) and we both had the muesli. Then we sat down to read the guest book. Nothing but praise, mostly Americans, but a few Aussies. One pointed entry regarding Vatican soup kitchens pretty much hit the nail on the head.

Then it was back on the metro to go to see the St Maria de Popolo that was closed yesterday. There were 3 ?????paintings that seemed to be the major attraction. This church had explanations around the church in English, so it made it more informative. Back out in the piazza and they had put heaps of staging up overnight. Lucky I took the photos yesterday. Then back down the Via del Corso once more as Zuz saw some nice sandals yesterday and decided to buy them today. One very happy customer later, we walked past the shops up to the Spanish steps where we just sat down, relaxed and did some people watching for who knows how long. Watching the Indians do their thing, we discovered if they drop the rose in your lap, then quickly put the rose straight onto the ground and they soon get the message.

Next we took off back down the street to the lonely planet pizzeria that we had visited twice to find it closed both times. Third time lucky and we were in. We were guided around to a seat by a lady that could only be described as a typical Italian Mama, but of a smaller variety. You would not want to pick a fight with her, that’s for sure. She took our order or could you say ordered us to make a decision (in a good way). The poor little Chinese girl behind us looked a little intimidated. We got our brochette in good time and it was delicious. Soon after that the pizza came from a large pizza oven that could have cooked a whole cow at once. It was sensational. The place filled up real quick, and no wonder. So that was the end of our gastronomic tour of Rome and what a way to end it. The food here has been a terrific part of the whole experience.

We headed to the Trevi fountain to do some more people watching, but by the time we got there, we only had 5 minutes or so. Although we did have time for one last ice cream. Zuz ordered a maxi cone and he asked if we wanted 2 spoons. No thanks buddy, we were going the whole hog for the final fling here. I ordered a maxi cone too. This coconut was the nicest I had ever tasted.

Then up to Republica for a last trip on the metro. Got our tickets at the station as some dude pushed in at the auto ticket machine and proceeded to give us a run down of the whole system and followed the monkey could follow steps to get our tickets to the airport. Of course wanting rewards for his ‘good deed’. Sorry buddy. Maybe if we needed the help.

A quick walk up the road to get our bags, and back to get the 16:00 train to the airport. As usual, our check-in counter was the furthest from the train and the line was huge. It was going to be touch and go. Plane scheduled for a 17:45 take off. After several people had to push in to check-in on time we finally got our boarding passes at 17:00. Then another long line through security and a mad rush to Gate 18 passing all the shops that would have been nice to stroll through, D&G, Ferrari…. The gate said Milan? After a bit more investigation they had moved our flight to the next gate. This was Chaos at it best. We gave them our boarding passes and went down the ramp to a waiting bus, actually 3 waiting buses. One for Milan, one for Vienna and one to god knows where. No markings or anything to tell you that you got on the wrong bus except a diligent driver making sure that all the people that came from ‘his’ gate got on his bus.

In the end, a quick flight and Zuz, me and our bags all made it to Vienna. Maybe that is why Rome is full of churches. It’s full of miracles. It was a miracle that we all ended up at the correct destination and only 10 min late.

So that was our Roman experience. It was wonderful. Our holiday from responsibility. Just Zuzi and me, able to spend time for ourselves, together. We could sleep when we were tired and woke only when the body had got enough sleep. There were nights and mornings where I could not say what time we went to bed or got up to save my life. The way a holiday should be. We walked or arses off and I was surprised how well I coped. Went flat out at all the sights in the first 3-4 days and then as we got into the Italian feeling we slowed down on the last 2 days to soak up the culture and atmosphere. A perfect way to do it in the end. Not too long, not too short.

But I can see why the faithful flock to Rome on their pilgrimages as it is a place with many a holy relic. Although St Peter was buried in one place, but his head was also buried with St Paul in another church.

My take, may be a bit cynical, but it pointed out the greed and opulence of the Catholic Church and makes me wonder if they have lost sight of the bigger picture. J.C. was a poor man who fed thousands, not a gatherer and hoarder of gold, bling and material riches. Enough Said?