After the Vatican visit returned to the area around Rome Termini Station only to rediscover the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica. It is the most important sanctuary to the Blessed Mother in the Western World. The Basilica was built after the Blessed Mother appeared in a dream to the then Pope requesting its construction. Let’s take a peek..
From here to the Coliseum where 80,000 patrons could be seated for gladiator events. The area continues to be under construction and renovation, however, in the evening it sparkles.
Then walking back to the hotel came across this restaurant. Perhaps gov ron should return to his roots and apply.
Always thinking of the right move for you ronnie baby!
Then return to the hotel after a long, mistaken google maps walking adventure..
Bracciano is a beautiful small town with only a castle to visit. Also, had a cellular data misadventure as my wonderful Mint service transitioned from international plan to mint wallet. In this change I needed wifi to convert and Italian access to wifi is challenging, and most especially I found in Bracciano.
That said…
Bracciano sits on a beautiful volcanic lake, and the castle while lovely, only took a half hour to visit for 10 euros. The Castle is from the 15th century and was a military as well as civilian residence. Was surprised to find frescos in the Castle.
The residence area..
Returned to Rome after my visit stopping for lasagne at a local restaurant.
Then on to Vatican Square..
Note the pigeon on the Saint’s head in the picture on the right.
Wonder if the bird is looking for a blessing?
What another beautiful day in Rome! Enjoy. See you tomorrow in Tivoli.
Enjoyed the Italian scenery of the train ride to Fracasti. Remains of medieval walls litter the agricultural fields. Was surprised to see many prickly pear trees along the route. These are mainly in Arizona.
The ride was a quick 30 minutes from Rome with the train station at the foot of the town.
Saint Padre Pio was a parish priest in the town. There is a park near the train station with his statute. Also, pictures of the church where he was the priest.
Carnival preparation was in full gear in Fracasti. Looked like a good time.
After that explored a few stores, sat on a park bench, and even managed to find a $/ variety store. Also found a wonderful home goods store but suitcase limitations prevailed, and I held myself back.
The Dollar/Variety Store
In the city park there was a water theater. Frascati is renowned for its wine, in particular white wine.
There were many small cafes and restaurants throughout the City as well as a museum, however, due to time constraints I did not partake..
The weather was a balmy 50, and the sun shone brightly, am hopeful this is an indication of what is to come?
Arrived at the Hotel Donatello at 1030 after a prompt 825 plane arrival. The property was older, and the area iffy, however, having stayed in cheapie hotels, and hostels throughout the world I was okay with this. I know how to handle myself, and still pray though no longer have any religious affiliation. And after all, a room is only for sleep. However, later I learned several other Gate 1’ers abandoned the place, and found other accommodations. That said, the room was clean with helpful and pleasant staff. The entire trip was $600 for 5 days in Rome including flight so I was grateful.
Gate 1 runs sales on many of their adventures, and this independent excursion was a last minute deal. Love Gate 1, and get no remuneration from this endorsement. The add-on’s were transport back and forth to the hotel, ($80), and a 12 hour trek to Pompeii, ($159), which included lunch and tickets to the site with tour guide. Less than $1000 total for a solo.
While I thought I had brought all the correct electrical cords, I realized I had not. After an hour deciphering electric cords, (as the EU is on a different current system with challenging wall outlets), I further realized I had lost my cellphone cord during plane departure. Was referred to the local store across the street, and the merchant assisted. While he wanted cash, he took the card. Throughout my journeys worldwide find more and more merchants refusing cards due to their costs, so obtain currency in the airport or ATMs. Getting $150 EU was pricey so watched my spending throughout the trek. Check with your local bank as some cancel ATM conversion charges. I found this quite by accident as TD Bank does this. Also, the hotel provided a continental breakfast, and having a second croissant at lunch, (saved from breakfast), is sufficient when traveling. Who wants to stop to eat with so little time, and so much to see?
Once charger concerns were resolved was on my way to Frascati. Since I have been to Rome several times I found suggestions from Rick Steves as to where to journey. He recommended three towns a short train ride from Rome – Frascati, Tivoli, and Bracciano.
Rome Termini Train Station
Used Trainline to purchase tickets ahead of time, however won’t do this again despite the recommendations. It is just as easy to get them at the machine the day of, or from the nasty train station attendants. Realized I had booked the trip during a full moon, or something was wrong with these people and many other Italians. Asked someone about this and they said – that’s the way they are. Enlist a millenial when needing help. They always came through. Maybe I reminded them of their grandma? Another idea,,, try the Say Hi AP, and let me know how it goes. They never let me get that far but luckily other patrons took pity on me and helped when they noticed mistreatment. After all their economy is largely based on tourism, and we are funding the Ukranian War which I mentioned to someone who got really nasty. Europeans follow American news closer than most Americans, and perhaps they are upset that we may not continue funding the Ukraine War…? Joe will get it done!
Termini Station had a Mall, and shall we say a wide array of foods… $10 was the cost for a bowl of soup.
The trains are easy, clean, cheap, and efficient. Make sure you install their APs. Buy sufficient cell phone data for the trek as nowhere in Rome do they have wifi connections, unlike in the States. And Google Maps is a travesty in Italy. Took many half hour walks when later I found I was only moments from my destination. Get a map for back up.
My hotel was near the Rome Termini Station and there are several stations throughout Rome. When in doubt ask a police man or woman for directions or assist. Never saw so many female police officers. All know a little English. When in the train station do not ask security staff for directions or assist. They wear jackets plastered with Security on them. They are rude and if you ask for help it’s ugly.
As an aside, toilettes cost one euro. The toilets in the train station are very modern, and I couldn’t figure how to put the money in the slot. Had to slide in after a paying customer as I was in dire straights. I can’t imagine what a family of 4 pays on a daily basis. There are free toilettes, as they call them, at Lidl Grocery store, McDonald’s, and the Rome Airport where I snapped this picture. You can also pay by using your phone. But regardless still pricey, so plan ahead. See how lucky we are in America? Free toilets! Next time a trumper rages that the US is in decline, remind them of this.
Young Retiree Needs a Life 