Descended from various Goths, Visigoths and Vandals as we are, our sights are now set on Imperial Rome.  For too long the boot of Rome has rested on our necks, and now is our deliverance.  First off, how to get there. From Siena both the train and the bus will have us within the walls in a few hours, riding in air conditioned comfort. Since the bus stop is close and the price is less we opt for the motor coach.  But first we need another suitcase.  It seems that six people traveling for two weeks can accumulate quite a bit of loot: a tapestry here, a jewel there, assorted glassware (we especially liked the terra cotta cups our yogurt came in), and we had reached the point where our luggage would not suffice.  Fortunately luggage along with leather goods are inexpensive in Tuscany, probably sold as a loss leader so everyone loads up on the ceramics and fabrics they sell.  Twenty Six euros later we’re ready to go.

As usual on this trip the day is steamy, and just a short walk to the bus stop breaks a sweat. The bus arrives only a few minutes late; we stow our luggage, show our tickets and settle into the cool and comfortable bus.  The ride from Siena is through beautiful countryside with wheat and corn fields, vineyards and olive groves.  Hilltop villages are scattered along the way, and taller peaks of the Appenines sit in the background.  The scenery is mostly rural until the outskirts of Rome and then a short way through typical outer suburbs and we reach the bus station.

As we exited the bus we were greeted by our beloved Isa Marotta, who lived with us for a year as an exchange student.  Her Aunt lives in Rome and Isa’s family had come for a visit and to meet us for the first time.  Isa is now a student at the University in Trieste majoring in English and French literature.  Melissa worries that she looks too thin, but she seems good and we set off in two taxis for our apartment in Rome at the Piazza dei Mercanti in Trastevere.  A short and terrifying ride later we are at the apartment, and this one is a real gem; built some time in the late medieval period as the home of a wealthy merchant it has tile and hardwood floors and is filled with antique books and furniture; blessedly it is also air conditioned.

Once settled in we set out for lunch, but at this hour there are few places open.  We find a shaded place and sit down, to be greeted by a waiter who seems scripted out an old Laurel and Hardy comedy.  A nearby drunk prattles on in broken English that the place seems run by the Mafioso, while the fatter member of the waiter team tells him in animated Italian to keep quiet.  Food is not so good, except for the Caprese salad, but we need sustenance and it suffices.  After our meal we get back to the apartment for a rest.  Tonight is dinner with Isa’s family at a popular pizza spot near her Aunt’s house.

Rest time over, Isa’s aunt and mother, along with her brother Giuseppe pick us up in two cars and we set out for pizza.  The restaurant is crowded and noisy and the pizza is delicious.  After eating too much we walk around the corner and finish our meal with cooling gelato; I opt for a sampling of ficci (fig) and pistachio and both are fantastic.  On our ride back to the apartment we take a nighttime tour of Rome, including a stop at St. Peter’s cathedral and a view from the Palatine hill out over the lights of the city.  We’re finally home by about 1:30, but the city is still very much awake- alas we are not, and collapse into bed.