yes well this was supposed to be a rest day after naples
but - the allure of rome is too much to ignore and in we go
difference being this time it is evening and we will drive it
ignoring the warnings about roman drivers, streets and parking
it can't be that bad at night - right? - but we're feeling confident
we've got this driving thing down - one drives, the other navigates
google maps is an amazing tool and we apply some local knowledge
basically there are no rules except stay your course and stay focused
with that all other drivers are incredibly forgiving, tolerant and polite
the complication of right hand drive in a left-hand drive car no issue
it takes us just 45 enjoyable minutes from home to the centre of rome
park the vehicle and then take a pleasant stroll towards the heart of it
immediate impressions are that we have definitely avoided the crowds
we cross the tiber river and head directly to our target of piazza navona
upon entering it is clear we are in a special place - described as 'elegant'
the people are milling, the buskers are performing, the artists are selling
and most impressively the fountains are flowing - 3 huge marble fixtures
we go into low gear and just wander fairly aimlessly and soak it all up
stomachs are a-rumbling though so now it's a case of pick a restaurant
there's a number of them along one full length of the piazza - choose!
we succumb to the first beckoning waiter at the central ristorante tucci
the suspicion is that the food will be sub-par and the prices the opposite
but the setting dominates as we take a beer, place an order and enjoy
not fussed about the lady on guitar playing american country tunes
nor the american family on the neighbouring table approving her
and so hard to resist making a comment bemoaning the music here
our meals arrive as the lady moves on and an accordian player arrives
grace jones is covered - i've seen that face before - delightful tune
the food - no need for concern - mushroom risotto and gnocchi
we agree both dishes are superb and well beyond expectations
it's a 50 euro meal including entree and beers so not cheap but...
dusk is now upon us so we check the map and go walkabout
we spot castel sant'angelo across the river and are drawn to it
not sure about the 3 piece rock band in front (floyd/zeppelin)
but the illuminated statues and frontage are a sight to behold
eyes left and we can see st peter's basilica in the distance
and equally we are drawn to that on this beautiful evening
as we get close a yellow ferrari draws level - ironic really
2 famous italian icons now in view and in camera frame
we get right into st peter's square and soak up the ambience
there's quite a few people also taking it in and a few police
quite a treat really and we agree rome by night is magical
and on our easy trip home we agree to do it all again...
