62. Traveling day back to the USA

Woke up so early was afraid I would oversleep

Waited outside for the airport shuttle with my bags in a heap.

Rome Fuimico is not a very large airport terminal

So I checked my bags and self in without a lull.

Flew on British Airways to London for a 4 hour wait,

Used all my Euros up on coffee a'lait.

Had to switch terminals, catch another bus tram.

Got to American Airlines, found my seat and sat next to a Romanian.

She didn't speak any English, so throughout the ride I translated for her,

What kind of dinner or drink would she like, and how to fill out the immigration transfer.

An eight hour flight and I didn't sleep,  but watched three films in six hour time.

Arrived at O'Hara and waited for one hour in the international lines.

Couldn't find my son, but contacted him by airport pager, he didn't call

Got on Skype and found him at the international terminal down the hall.

Somehow for the past hour, we missed each other,

But got together at last, with my son and his daughters.

So relieved and exhausted to see a familiar face and sites.

I kept forgetting where I was and would answer in Italian bites.

Now to begin another phase in my life.

And will take everything in with patience and strife.

I learned so much about myself and this world as it is.

I appreciated everything that has happened and am accepting what life has to give.

61. Wrapping up Rome

The last day to see the sites, I am tired as ever.

Catch bus number 59 to the Tiber River.

Meet a British couple that steer me in the right direction

To find the Trevi Fountain, to throw my coins in for inspiration.

I turned a corner on a cobble stone street, I heard rushing water and it suddenly appeared.

 There are so many art students and tourist that are sitting everywhere

I thought of the movie "Dolce Vida" 

And, reminded myself that I much once again see it.

Around the corner is the Piazza della Minerva, it's so small,

Centered in the plaza is an elephant supporting an Egyptian obelisk rising so tall.

There are about six Egyptian obelisk stolen during Roman times

Situated in several places you will find.

The Pantheon wasn't too far to walk

When I arrived, silence inside is a must, do not talk.

The Pantheon is a temple to the Gods within

Preserved since lst century AD, designed by Emperor Hadrian.

It is a musolem for emperors and rulers past.

The pillars and dome are gigantic, reminders of what has last.

Walking out from the Pantheon a demonstration is taking place

About an environmental issue and a legal case.

I was told to go to Piazza Navona, known as the centro storico

That has be inhabited since 2,000 years ago.

It hasn't changed too much over the years,

Still a haven for cafes, performers, musicians and artist launching their careers.

Two fountains adorn the Piazza, Bernini's Fontana dei Fiumi

And the muscle bound Moor in the Fontana del Moori.

Listened to music from street performers as they sing
And taking in all the joy they bring.

Watching all the people relax at the cafe

And people watching during the day.
A stop to Campo di'Fiori market to find,
One of the most liveliest and roughest areas during Medieval times.

Its still reflects that noisy atmoshere,
Of vendors yelling their arms and selling their wares in the air.
The fruit is superb, the flowers brilliant,

I eat my oranges on the edge of the hooded statue in the centre.

This marked the spot for the regular executions,
And the burning at the stake of philosopher Bruno for his revelations
That the earth moved around the sun!

I walk along the Tiber River of the lovely canopy trees
Reflecting on how fast the world changes all around me.

The island in the river was once where the Jewish slaves were brought
But now the island is home to a hospital and healing synagogue.

The narrow streets around Piazza di Spagna is one of the most exclusive areas in Rome

 

The fountain Barcaccia sunk into the pavement at the foot of the steps

Due to low water pressure, designed by Pietro.

Drawing tourists to elegant shops, cafes around Via Condotti.
In the early 1800's this was the place to be seen
From artists, composers, writers,  aristocrats & queens.
People rest and eat lunch on the Spanish steps built in the 17th century
Still  busy with students, artists and tourists visiting today.

A day well done, but time to catch the bus.
One last time of being crowded and squashed.
Arrive at the main terminal and cross the street to get by bags.
Thank God, they are still there and no time to lag.
Have to catch a bus tram to the airport hotel
Because my plane leaves too early to catch the shuttle.
Arrive in one hour and now to catch a taxi to the hotel
A nice dinner, a few skype phone calls...
Then to bed!