No if's, ands or BUTTS

The crew has certainly seen an awful lot of Rome in 3 1/2 days.  There are no if's, ands or .....WAIT A MINUTE!  Hold the presses!  With Gina-cus Maximus now in serious training for the Gladiatorial games at the Flavian Arena, Jim got desperate for a little comfort.  Well you know the Romans always loved all things Greek...apparently so does Jim.  ROMEO'S beware!

Jim being cheeky

For those of you who are history buffs this morning we toured the Capitoline Museum.   So Jim tells me to take a picture of him next to Constantine the Great telling me they have the same profile...a German comes over after I snap the picture and says to Jim, "Zou havza zame profilez, remarkable!".  Nothing like a lawyer who thinks he's an emperor!

family resemblance

 I have no idea what point this attorney is trying to make, maybe the Romeo's can figure it out!

Jim thinks his hand also bears a resemblance to Constantines

 Marcus Aurelius, the largest Equine Statue from antiquity.  It was not melted down because it was thought to be Constantine the Great, lucky mistake for posterity.

Emperor Marcus Aurelius

 Mom enjoying a view of the Forum from the Capitoline Museum.  She couldn't believe she had toured the whole forum, palatine hill and Colosseum yesterday.  Now it was a panoramic view.

Carol reviewing the troops at the Forum

 A lovely mosaic from Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli preserved at the Capitoline.

Dove's drinking water

 This is the Capitoline Museum exterior, the courtyard was designed by Michelangelo.  The Marcus Aurelius is a copy of the original above.  The original is now preserved inside the museum.

Capitoline Exterior

 After all that walking again it was time for refreshment.  You know there are some reviews in these travel guides that are overly exaggerated as to the quality, service and such at many restaurants.  That is not the case with the Cul de Sac off the Piazza Navona.  It receives great reviews over and over.  I must say they deserve it.  The Wine list was exhaustive, the cheeses fantastic and the service outstanding.  We had a great time.  If your ever near the Piazza Navona this is the place for wine and cheese!!!!!!!!!!

 Our server opening a bottle of Montafalco from Umbria.

The red wine is stored above the tables

The Whites in the treasure chest!

 Mother and Son celebrating La Dulce Vita in Eternal Rome.  Hi Dad!

Cin-Cin

 After our wine we went for a walk to the Ars Pace area on the river to IL GELATO by Claudio Torce.   After a great wine and cheese what better way to continue the celebration of Sunday than with a Gelato!  Afterwards we strolled the Via del Corso, Rome's main shopping street that becomes a giant outdoor mall on Sunday.  Rosemary asked if they closed the Street...er not exactly but good luck driving through the crowds!

Strolling on the Corso

strolling toward the Piazza Del Popolo to see the 8 & 9th Caravaggio of the trip!!

Mom and Rosemary enjoying the Subway, NOT!

 For supper we went to a little place on the Via Milano 47 off the Via Nationale not too far from the hotel. It is called Matermatuta.  A hip kinda place with a cool vibe and modern look.  A new twist on traditional Roman Food.  Very, Very good.  We had a private room with leather banquets.  Very comfortable, we contemplated another bottle of wine from Tuscany but I had to get home to pack, we leave for Florence first thing in the morning.  Rosemary wants Jack to know she is having the time of her life!!!!  She would miss ya Jack but she is just having toooooo much fun and hoping Nancy is showing this blog to Jack!.  She may may stay and quilt something for B16 (Pope Benedict XVI).

Dinner