part 2 of the dentist experience kind of cuts into today
though way too hot to consider anything too adventurous
mr dentist also stating that this summer is quite extraordinary
so we wait until late afternoon and then take the c1 for a spin
autostrade - we're feeling ultra-confident now with the roads
so have set the controls for central rome by the tiber river
an easy and direct drive and parking options are a-plenty
walk along the river, across a bridge and into olde rome
we're surprised at how quiet it is and put it down to heat
the locals are not coping - all have gone home and indoors
or maybe it's just the time of day and the rush is yet to hit
either way - good for us - we easily slip into cruise mode
so easy to be seduced by the feeling of this time in this place
walking on ancient streets and being part of the timelessness
we recognise the french flag on their huge and ominous embassy
pass through the piazza of campo de fiori which is starting to buzz
we push on as it's time to check out the iconic pantheon building
our google guide warns us it may be closed by the time we arrive
and once again - kudos to google - what an amazing tourism tool
sure enough the last people are being admitted as we show up
no matter as it's all about the journey and not the destination
we shall return but for tonight it's time for food and relaxation
an alternative route is selected to return to campo de fiori
it's a heady mixture of shops, commuters, tourists and locals
sensing a very healthy co-existence and respect for all here
small and specialist shops dominate and demand attention
one shop fronted by a gent seen painting pinocchio puppets
we select a cafe and watch the stream of street entertainers
most enticing tonight is a troupe of south american musicians
combining their hypnotic music with incredible acrobatic skills
they pull a big crowd and we almost forgive the slow service
but 45 minutes for a couple of beers and a pizza is a bit much
no issue - it seems the apprentices are on duty on this evening
we decide to make tracks and walk back towards the tiber river
across a different bridge hosting a selection of north african vendors
a superb 3 piece band featuring a didgeridoo and twin hang drums
and down riverside there seems to be a permanent night market
it's a beautiful balmy evening with ample photo opportunities
we find our car and then settle in for an exit on now busy roads
but all goes well as we hold our nerve in the streets at night
possibly relaxing a bit early with a wrong exit road selected
a bit of angst then getting back on track to the autostrade
but within an hour of departure we are back in our house
yep - definitely at ease now with rome evening expeditions...
