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Day 13: June 29, 2024
This morning we loaded the bus with our suitcases and headed back to the Colleseum to meet local guides Letizia and Chiara. We toured inside and learned about how the Colosseum’s construction began in AD72 and that it could hold between 50,000 and 80,000 spectators, having an average audience of some 65,000 people. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles, animal hunts, executions, re-enactments of famous battles, and dramas based on classical mythology.
I made sure to remind the group that this is also where the iconic performance of “What Dreams Are Made Of” in the Lizzie McGuire movie took place ;)
The last part of our tour was the Roman Foro, a rectangular square surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of the city. For centuries the Forum was the center of day-to-day life in Rome, the site of triumphal processions and elections, the venue for public speeches, criminal trials, and gladiatorial matches.
After we said Ciao to Chiara and Letizia, we walked over to the Trevi Fountain and had time for lunch and gelato. It might not be the most impressive of fountains but it definitely is one of the most famous ones. It was completed in 1762 and designed by Nicola Salvi. I think most of us want to come back to Rome because everyone tossed a coin into the fountain. Did you know it was to be done with you right hand over your left shoulder and into the fountain? It has worked for me over the years!
Our final stop were the Spanish steps by the Spanish Square (138 steps!) and from there we we walked back to the bus.
We had pizza for dinner tonight and celebrated Irving’s birthday! What a great day.