Angela, from Canada.

7/21/08

For our last morning in Rome we had to get some shopping done for Bobby's many, many siblings. We got up early only to find out that very few shops open before 10 or 11. What a nice life the Romans lead! We decided to make the touristy decision to toss coins in the Trevi Fountain. Supposedly if you do so it will insure your return to Rome. Unfortunately, my first toss missed but I was able to get my next two coins in. Bobby has interpreted this to mean that the next time I try to come I won't quite make it but I will the next two times after that.

We returned to our apartment to pick up our bags, return our key and get our deposit back from Francesco. Side Note: Francesco, although soft-spoken and seemingly shy, apparently had no problem chatting up girls because during out weeklong stay he had at least three different overnight visitors. One, we only saw the heels sitting in the hallway. The second was let in on our way to dinner after Francesco had given us each a glass of wine in what seemed like an attempt to make us stay out late. The third, introduced herself to Bobby as "Angela, from Canada" on his way to the bathroom one morning. It was very funny and each morning we would leave his place giggling over that morning's awkward encounter with our host's one-night stands.

We then hopped the train from Rome to Florence. We were both exhausted as Rome had really taken a lot out of us from the walking, heat, and sheer quantity of sights to see. I think Bobby was mildly disapointed that he didn't see everything he wanted to but we really had a wonderful time. The city was absolutely beautiful and it seemed like you could explore it for years and years and still stumble upon a new church, and interesting antiquities market, another delicious delicacy or beautiful view. I know that for both of us it will be a constant attempt for the rest of our lives to return to this city. For now we will simply have to rely on the many pictures and stories we have gathered to continue to remind us of the Roman way of life and the way we felt while living there.