Rome: Day One

We landed in Rome early in the morning and were supposed to be taken straight to the ship to start our Mediterranean cruise.

The handsome young man who greeted us—too bad I didn’t have my camera available—had dark curly hair framing his face, attractive features la Roger Federrer and a cheerful smile. He apologized for the fact that we wouldn’t be able to board the ship before noon. To compensate for the inconvenience, Princess Cruise had arranged for us and other early birds a complementary guided tour of Rome while our luggage was transferred directly to the ship. Who could ask for a better deal? I forgot the lack of sleep, uncomfortable plane seat and exhaustion of the long trip.

Here are some of my pictures of Rome taken between 9:00 and 10:00 am from the so-comfortable tour bus before driving to Civitavecchia, the closest port to Rome.

Vittorio-Emmanuele Monument.

The Forum.

The famous Piazza d'Hispania with the unending steps and the church on the top. We didn't stop to look at the gorgeous view.

Here approaching St. Peter's Square.

As the bus circled around St Peter's Cathedral, I noticed there was a Sunday Mass celebrated on the piazza. Two large screens on each side allowed the congregation to view every detail.

The Pope would step on the third balcony from the right to give his blessing every Sunday at 10:30 am.

I thought I had a picture of the Colliseum but apparently my camera didn't click fast enough as the bus toured around the famous arena.