Rome - Day 1

We arrived in Rome late on Nov 10.  We have a very nice apartment through AirBnb - washing machine included.  We unpack and get organized - and suddenly realize it is past midnight.  The rest can wait!
We wake up itching to get out and see Rome - but first we must get the laundry started.  The washing machine is in a small closet out on the balcony.  Praise be - there is a 30 minute cycle instead of the usual 2 1/2 hours we have had in the past in Europe.  There is no dryer as is usual here.  Finally we hang up the first load and get the next started.  It is almost noon and we have not had any breakfast.  We walk out the front door and notice a restaurant our host has recommended right next door.  They are open for lunch.  Why not - we are starving.  We order salad and pizza.  I only finish 1/2 of mine so we decide to take it up to the apt - and so why not change the laundry.  You can see how this day is going!!

Finally we are off to see the sights.  We are right between the Colosseum and the Vittoniano an the Forum.  We have signed up for a tour of the Colosseum for Thursday so decide to go the other direction.  We pass by the Forum.  There are three sections of ruins called Forum.  I'm not sure which we passed - Hopefully I will have more knowledge and better photos after Thursday.

On the other side of these ruins stands Trajan's Column.  As you work your way up the column you can see in intricate bas-refief sculpture the story of Trajan's victorious campaign.

On the next corner is the Vittoriano which was built in 1800's to honor the first king of a united Italy.  Unfortunitaly it has the reputation of being flamboyant and ugly - or sometimes called a wedding cake.

If you go to Rome you can't miss seeing the Trevi Fountain.  Even in November it is crowded.

A short distance away is another fountain - The Fountain of Triton.  He sits in a large clam shell blowing up water.

We next headed for the Quirinale district.  We passed by the Sant' Andrea al Quirinale and as it is a church, had to go in.

Finally we arrived at Palazzo del Quirinale.  This used to be the home of the king of Italy.

As it was getting late we decided to go the grocery store next.  But when we reached the Via Cavour we were blocked.  There was a demonstration in the form of a parade by the Communist party.  We did manage to go around it and get the provissions we need for the next few days.

 These guys were in the parade - but the guy on the right looks pretty sceptical.