Palatine Hill, Forum, Bird shit and more sandwiches: Roma Day 8

We got up got ready to head out.

Grabbed coffee and pasties on the way to the train/bus bus/train combo after eating some leftover pizza.  Three people wanted the same two donut pastries.  The compromise was that Isla would wait to go to another place, she took a bite of Neil's now but would owe him a bite when she got hers.   The train was messed up again and we had to do the combo with the train then bus.  Jen shared her space with some dude with a sweaty back.  She thoroughly enjoyed the extra 10 degrees on what was already slated to be the hottest day here - 102.  

Palatine Hill and the Forum are easily my two favorite places here.  It's where the rich of ancient Rome lived and the place for the every day common people to conduct their business.  They are both amazing sites and I could spend hours there.  It was pretty fucking hot though.  If I had more time, I would tell you what most of it is - but I do not, and there is less storytelling in this one than there are pictures.  So enjoy them and don't complain, it's free!

Duncan was pretending to take a shit - with rocks, that he later used for bowling.  I don't know why.

The Forum from Palatine Hill

The Forum...

This is where they cremated Cesar.

We were the only ones to go higer for the view - it was probably around 98 at this point - it was hot AF.  We hit the bathrooms and got our towels and hats wet and filled up our water bottles before meeting them to leave.

Bus ride back, waiting, bird shit on Jane's had and then caught my shoulder and backpack and arm.   I ask for a wipe and  Jess is like just let it dry and it comes off. In my kindest, gentlest voice, I said, "Give me a fucking wipe now!"  I can only imagine if she had birdshit on her and I denied her a wipe - it would have been a catastrophe.

Stopped at the grocery store on the way back - Jane wanted one of my sandwiches as well.  I also wanted to try bresaola - which is an air dried salted beef which takes 2-3 months to cure and it is from the Lombardy region.

We headed out for a walk in the evening and over to the Pantheon - we missed tickets so we would have to go there tomorrow.  While I give Malcolm credit for trying, they were back at it again - Isla continually kept at it and he had had enough.  They have all had quite enough of her behavior (not that they are better - well, Duncan is) and it is starting to really wear on everyone.  There is not enough kid time or activity for them to be doing - running and jumping on shit, and I have a feeling this would happen in major cities, rather than the rural trips we usually take.

The Pantheon

Castel Sant Angelo

AS Roma graffiti...

Lazio graffiti...

There was, of course, gelato...

Dogs!  All I really want is Dogs!  Two at a time I want Dogs!  In the evening it's Dogs!  I like the way that they walk!  And it's chill to hear them bark!  And I can always make them smile!  With a scratch and a .... I'm out of ideas.

Random shit:  IYKYK