Last day and trip wrap up

It was pointed out to me that I just stopped posting and left things hanging. So...

On my last day Terry and I headed to the Napoleon museum. Smallish museum, but well done (and free). Had no idea how big the Napoleon family was and how involved they were in the history in Italy. (No pictures).

Then we went to the Stadio di Domiziano archeological site. This was the first built in the 1st century and was paved over in the 15th century and is now Piazza Navona. A very busy tourist piazza. We stopped and shared a pizza and bottle of wine and watched the action.

Model of stadium

Excavated stairs

The afternoon was spent drinking wine in a square near our hotel in Trastevere. For dinner we went back to our favorite little spot, Cajo e Gajo.

Organized myself for my departure on November 5. Happy with my decision to go home early (still so as I write this a week later). Left early Thursday morning (and Terry, who had a great last day on his own). Uneventful trip to the airport, although the train was packed with those going to work, had to stand part way in the doorway - awkward with luggage, but I wasn't the only one. Eventually got a seat as the train emptied. The lady across from me had not validated her ticket, but lucky for her she did not get fined (€50). The was a fire last spring at FCO, the airport is a mess. 9 hour economy flight to Philadelphia. Not as bad as I had expected. Home via Seattle the next day. And I ended up being 'that' traveller - I have a cold. Thanks to Bela for picking me up at the airport. Picked up Einstein from the kennel Saturday morning. So happy to see my girl!

So in the end FANTASTIC trip. 10 weeks definitely long enough for me, serious travel fatigue by the end (no, I don't expect any sympathy, not the worst problem to have).

Some thoughts about my trip:
Favorite city: Stockholm
Favorite moment: Reaching the summit of Mount Maglic (thank you Samer)
Coolest experience: meeting my Swedish relatives
Funniest moment: 'Sauna' in Bad Radkersburg
Best meal: tough one, had a handful of great meals, but have to go with -  Swedish meatballs
Favorite natural spot: Plitvice Lakes National Park
Gelato: Florence; Perché No (honey and sesame), Gelateria dei Neri (cioccolato messicano)
Regret: not buying boots in San Marino (they were beautiful, but too expensive)

Heading back for the German Christmas Markets river cruise next week with Leah, won't be blogging, but will post pictures on Facebook and instagram.

Thanks to all who 'traveled' along with me.
Brenda

Flavian amphitheatre

Late, but thought I'd post it.
It was another nice day in Rome and we were are off to tour the Colosseum. When we first arrived in Rome this is the first thing I wanted to see. It is quite the structure. Terry had booked us in a tour, as it's the only way to gain access to the basement and the third level. Lots of information gained about the construction and how the amphitheatre was used. One of the things that amazed, and horrified, me was the number of animals killed during the 'games'.

After lunch we walked through the palatine hill and themforum.

Vatican Museum

As Terry said 'we didn't burst into flames'. We were there for a few hours. Just a couple of pictures.

A few pope mobiles.

Rome

Busy city.

Civita di Bacnoregio and Orvieto

2 great towns.

The hill that Civita di Bacnoregio is on is slowly crumbling away and taking the town with it.

Orvieto

Not sure what this town has against trumpets?

Assisi

After our epic drive yesterday we opted for a closer destination today: Assisi.

The short drive was fine, except at one point Terry did have grandpa on his tail, but at the first opportunity grandpa left us in the dust. Italian drivers are as crazy as they say.

We first toured the Basilica Papale San Francesco D'Assisi. Terry got us the audio tour. It was good, but took us through each fresco in the upper basilica. A bit too much, by the time got to the last chapel I was done. We walked the streets and made our way to the castle. Great views over the town and valleys.

You know I can't resist...

San Marino

We were off to San Marino. It is a 2 1/2 hours drive. A little foggy here when we left, but man the fog as we climbed through the mountains! Could not see a thing. The switchbacks on the road were so tight the GPS just showed a blob for the route. Still foggy when we finally made it to San Marino, so no views, but some great foggy pictures. Spent the afternoon walking through the towers, grabbed some lunch and began the long drive home. Best thing heard today (parents to their child) "No running in the castle".

First drive in Umbria

Destination - Piana di Castellucio do Norcia.

The drive was interesting. Curvey, somewhat narrow roads. The drive was beautiful as we climbed up and up. The higher we went more the colours of the foliage changed. As we crested the hill, the view that greeted us surprised me. Not sure what I expected, but it sure wasn't this.

We walked around the little town. And then decided to grab a bite to eat. There was a gentleman grilling meat panni's from a little truck, and they smelled fantastic. So we ordered a couple and enjoyed them with a cold beer (not a huge fan of Italian beer). 

Then off we went. Next destination - Ponte delle Torri at Spoleto. Great drive down the other side, incredible views. Once we got to Spoleto we followed the GPS which took us right into the old town. I wasn't really enjoying it, Terry was loving it. I was worried about getting caught going the wrong way on the tiny streets. In the end we made it to our destination without incident.

Into town to explore, and have gelato.

They have some tunnels underground with escalators for getting from the lower part of town. Pretty cool, but the sensation was bizzare.

Back in Todi, had a little rest and went for dinner. A great little restaurant. Terry had a wild boar stew and I had scaloppini, both with awesome roasted potatoes, a nice wine and yummy desserts. Great day!