This morning I just had a quick coffee with the two guys I met from Colorado. I gave them a quick overview of the things to be aware of and how to use the metro system. They in turn told me about Florence and Venice and gave me some tips for when I'm there.

I bought a day pass for 4 euros. I wish I would have done that the first day because I wouldn't have been so tired of walking.   

My first stop was Castel Sant Angelo. It was quite big. Seems like all important buildings are oversized here. Then, I walked along the Fiume Tevere (Tevere River).   I crossed over a bridge called Ponte Sant' Angelo. I crossed this bridge quickly before but I spent more time here and took pictures of the statues lining the bridge.   I stopped and listened to a cellist while busy locals and tourists passed by.   I walked along the river up to Piatzza del Popolo (The People's Piazza). Here there are several fountains, vendors and entertainers.   I watched a great impression of Michael Jackson's Smooth Criminal, complete with all the perfected dance moves including the Moon Walk.   I walked down one of the side streets and bought 2 apples asrket and further down the street a ham Calzone. It was good but I don't think the lady working there was too happy with me.   Just a weird feeling.   

I made my way back to the metro and visited San Giovanni in Laterano. This was yet another of the hundreds of churches in Rome.   I walked around the side streets quickly then returned to the metro.  

I went to the 'central park' of Rome called Parci della Caffarella. I think I was the only tourist walking around here. I could not believe the number of people.   I saw joggers, cyclists, people walking, kids birthday parties, family picnics, people suntanning, soccer games, friends talking and playing their guitars. I can see why so many people were here. It was a little getaway from the hustle and bussel of the city (and tourists). I must have been here for about 2 hours in all. I strongly recommend a visit if you ever come to Rome.  

I made my way back to my hostel. I went for dinner with the guys from the hostel. I had Suppli' which are like meatballs but they are filled with rice, tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. They are then coated with bread crumbs and deep fried. I know not so healthy but I only had one.   Then I tried a Polpette Di Malanzana, an eggplant meatball done in a similar way except with eggplant and cheese inside with breadcrumbs and deep fried. Lastly for appetizers I had a Fiori Di Zucchina which is zucchini flowers filled with four cheeses and deep fried in a batter. That was tasty too.   I know you're thinking 'what a pig'. I also ate a pizza with prosciutto, tomatoes and Mozzarella. I only ate about three quarters of it. I was full. Geez. I wonder why???

When I returned to the hostel there was another person that joined us from southern Italy. He did not speak English so I had to use my Italian. I think he could understand what I was saying. He did say that Canadians are very friendly.  

I set my alarm, checked my email and went to sleep.   It is a travel day to Genoa tomorrow.   I'll write more from the train!  

Ciao tutti!!