"Well, there is more to Rome than just the city."

Those were the words of a wise Aunt Karen last night as we got kicked off a bus at midnight because it was the end of the line.  It was midnight.  We were in the suburbs.

After a great dinner at Gioia Mia that a co-worker suggested, the family, with a little limoncello in them ventured for some gelato and the Trevi Fountain at night.  After a few minutes we decided to hop on the bus because it was the last of the night.  We had our choice of the 62 or the 61.  Just as we approached the corner, the 62 stopped at a light.  I knocked on the door but the bus driver refused to let us on.  "I think that is rude," one of my family members said.  Yes, rude by our standards but who knows what their rules are.  We made it to the 61 stop and the bus came.  It was empty when we jumped on.  Over the next 20 minutes the bus got full and we were going, going, going, over a highway, going going......this can't be good I thought.  I didn't want to alarm the Traveling Wilbury's but I was a bit worried that we were going to end up in the burbs and the bus would stop for the night.  Let me tell you folks.  WE ENDED UP IN THE BURBS AND THE BUS STOPPED FOR THE NIGHT!


Kristen tried to have a conversation with the driver but he wanted nothing of it.  It was clear that he was done for the night.  It was also clear that 6 Americans were in the burbs of Roma at midnight and not really looking like any possibility of getting anywhere fast.  As we got off the bus some family members were upset.  "How can he leave us here."  "It's the end of his night and we are ignorant to the Roma bus system.  Shame on us, not him," I said.  Which is true.  When you're in a foreign country you are at their mercy.  Sure it would have been kind of him to help us, but I don't fault him.  His shift was over.  Luckily Aunt Karen found a girl when we got off the bus who helped us figure out we could get to one of the terminals on a night bus.  She said there would be options there.  I figured that when we got there, there would be some options of the Metro or a taxi.

We had to wait for over an hour for the bus.

Nyle, Kristen, and Tommy are sitting on a trailer for the carnival that was by our bus stop.  There was a carni attendant guarding his stuff.  He just sat, near to Dad, and smoked the entire time.  He let us know when the bus was coming, which was very nice of him.

Some family members were concerned that we needed to pay for the bus.  The girl who helped us said not to worry about it, but Rick Steves' says in his book that would could get a ticket.  My point to the family is that we are a) in the burbs at b) midnight with c) little room for error, get on the bus and ask questions later, if necessary.  Don't ask questions you don't want the answer to.  But we made sure we had enough change if necessary.

The bus arrived just on time.  We got on and made it to the terminal.  I made the Wilbury's get off the bus, against some of their wishes, and we tried to figure out the Metro before throwing in the towel and getting in two taxis.  Within 10 minutes we were home.  These are the types of adventures I like on travel and almost expect in a foreign country.  It adds spice to life!

Earlier in the day we made our way to the Colosseum.  I think everyone was very impressed.  It was Nyle's one wish so he says he can go home now.  I'm not letting him and will get him because there is too much culture to see here in Italy!!

Here is Aunt Karen getting into the spirit of Roma and praying with a nun (really she is getting water out of a fountain).

The Traveling Wilbury's make it to the Colosseum. 

Speaking of culture, it is always my wish to never go to an "American" type of restaurant when in a foreign country.  I love to get into the ally ways and find a restaurant with character and charm.  As we left the Colosseum it was hot and people were hungry.  I knew we had to act quick but I was still determined not to eat at the cross streets of Colosseum and Tourist Way.  The two places we tried in the ally were closed-siesta!  Finally I threw in the towel and walked into a place that had "pizza" on their menu board outside.  Upon walking in, this is what I saw on the place mats:

I mean, can you believe it?  Next time you are at my house for dinner, this is what you'll see, I pilfered 8 place mats that I will laminate and make my own.  Did you doubt that I would steal them?

This table is just happiness!!!  My cousin Kristen said it best, "It is fate that we walked in this place."  Ah, I couldn't agree more.  I did barf a little in my mouth because they had "hamburger and french fries" on the menu but the place mats are worth it.  Looking around they had all sorts of music celebrities with painted prints, statues, etc.  I found this rendering of "the Madonna" to be the most significant.  Do you think this is "Janet Jackson" holding the baby Jesus too?

We left and made it to the Forum which is impressive, but the "oranges" from the "orange" tree were not what we expected-dry and bitter. 

After many hours of touring the Colosseum and Forum, the tired travelers made it to the room for a break before dinner and the Great Bus Adventure.  I will leave you with my favorite photo of the day.