Arrivederci Roma!

Sadly, my last day here in Rome, so I wanted to savor one last walk from Testaccio into the center of Rome and back.  Cooler weather--so nice with a gentle breeze.  I walked along Viale Aventino to Circo Massimo and turned left onto Via del Circo Massimo--I’d never walked up this street before and it took me another way to the Vittorio Emanuele II monument (via a view of the Forum) where there’s a museum.  I’d wanted to see the Monet exhibit there. 

The Forum

Feeling pretty proud of myself for discovering a unique route that led me past the Forum, I was stopped in my tracks when the gal at the museum ticket counter said the exhibit begins Oct. 19.  Seriously?  Nothing on the large sign outside the museum indicated a date, so I assumed I’d get to spend some time with Monsieur Monet.  Not to be.

Right?  No date on this Monet exhibit advertisement.  So bummed.  

What I love about Rome is the “chance” encounters you have with art, music, and history here. I like exploring, getting lost, then finding my way again. On a whim I ducked into a courtyard, and found a small peaceful square complete with statues.  And when I entered a church (turned out to be Parricchia S. Maria in Portico in Campitelli), I was amazed at the glorious interior--the main altar gleamed and appeared to feature a decorative box.  The box was also depicted in the painting above the altar.  Interesting.  Haven’t found out the details yet, though.

A quiet spot--just a small square in the midst of a busy city

The box being held in the painting is in the middle of the altar (the white area) 

As I walked, I again shook my head at the traffic--so many cars here.  The little ones (like the Smart) fit crosswise into a parking space.  And now one can download an app and find a nearby “Share n’Go” vehicle to drive.  There are actually several companies here that have this type of car availability.  So if you need a car and don’t have one, check the website, find the nearest car, hop in, and off you go!

See?  These little Smarts are "smart"! 

Download the app and then "share n' go"! This car is electric.

I enjoyed seeing the Tiber one last time, took in the Jewish Ghetto, found a pair of boots for 9,80 euros (about $10) at a great vintage store, and now...off to pack.

Love the Tibur

These memorials are scattered around the Jewish Ghetto. "Here lived...arrested and sent to... ". A humbling memorial.

The Jewish Ghetto is quieter, very unique and interesting.