Last morning in Firenze. Another gigantic breakfast (whatever weight I lost from hours of walking will be a memory soon). Pleased to leave this particular hotel - very noisy. Then off to the station for our 11.40am train ride to Roma. A very quick ride, only 1.5 hours which is a breeze, especially on Italy's modern trains. Greeted at the platform in Roma with at least 2 men offering us a "taxi". No thanks, we'll take an "official" cab thanks. Found our hotel easily, paid the fare plus the additional magical, mystery charges for luggage, extra people, breathing, etc. Went up to the hotel reception floor, dragged the 2 big heavy cases up the extra 2 sets of stairs, only to be told by the b*tch there that we were part of another building with another lift and more stairs. Why she could not tell us that when we first buzzed in down on the ground floor I do not know (well, yes I do). Mario not happy. His back is better, but he still has a sore arm. The room, once we got to it, is lovely. Big for Rome (teensy for HK). The girls have bunk beds and worked out turns for the top. Then off to explore! What better start than the colosseum. Lots to see on the way. Have forgotten how good Rome is. Something around every corner. Got a taxi back, weather very hot and everyone tired from the walk there too. Braved the receptionist to ask for dinner recommendations. She had changed her tune, not only gave a recommendation but also made the reservation. Great place for dinner. Not far from the hotel (orso 80) but still needed our map to get there. I think I will burn all the maps when we get back home as am over all the navigating! Dinner traditional Italian and (gasp) they even allow you to split a meal for kids. Extras, like, baked crusty pizza like bread, arancini balls and battered zucchini bought out to the table. Lovely atmosphere. Rolled back to our hotel.