Day 11-12 Rome

Day 11 Woke up early to grab a little something to eat before my jogging tour at 8am. There were 4 people in the group and 2 of them were with the hotel, and one was just along for the run. I was the only one actually getting the tour. Ran past circo massimo into the park and back around. We got back to the hotel and the 40 min tour had taken half the time, so we continued through the Jewish ghetto up the stairs to piazza campidoglio and then back. I have to admit it was a pretty light run, I wasn't even out of breath but had a long day of walking after so it was perfect. Went back to the hotel for an amazing free breakfast and then the very long day of walking started. We knew this was going to be a long day. It was the palintino/roman forum/colosseum day. My dad was very excited to see the colosseum, that was one of the big things he wanted to see. He even bought an overlay book of ancient Rome that shows you what they think things looked like in ancient times. Took an extended rest for lunch because I knew my dad was tired (because I sure was). Went to dinner at Alle tratte de trastevere. I seem to pick these restaurants (by reviews) that end up being down these alleyways away from the tourist areas and they haven't failed yet. Appetizer was bruschetta but it came with 2 pieces of what looked like falafel but was actually made of eggplant with bread crumbs and then deep fried. Really good. My dad got the carbonara and I had a sausage/red pepper pizza. Then we split the obligatory tiramisu. My dad mentioned that he thought rome should have some fireworks for the americans that are here. I said what an american thing to say. So every country should have something for july 4th? Too funny! Now to crash for the night, my feet are killing me! 

Day 12  Last full day in Rome. Actually rained this morning, first bad weather since we started the trip. Cooled the temp off a little bit. Today was catch up day, trying to see things that we've missed. Took the metro to piazza di popolo and from there took the steps up above the piazza (part of the gardens of villa borghese). Walked down to the Spanish steps. It actually wasn't as crazy and crowded as I remembered. You could actually see the steps this time. On to piazza barberini and  repubblica. Tried to hit the capuccin crypts (per jess's suggestion) but they were closed when we walked by, even after stalling a bit for lunch at a pizzeria. My dad has been tired the last few days so we called it quits for today and took the metro back. He will not drink enough water. I drank one huge bottle and half of his in 24 hr and he still has some left! I've started just handing him water throughout the day to get him to drink. Ate dinner at Antica Trattoria Da Carlone. Had pasta with pancetta, pepper and cheese and veal saltimbocca. Another great restaurant in a hidden alley. Now off to Venice tomorrow morning by train.