Where is Rick Steves?

Today I woke up early and went to take the tour of the Coliseum. I was one of the first there, so it was very quiet while I walked around. It is hard to comprehend how big this thing actually is, they have the entire floor ripped off and so much work being done to it. There was an interesting special exhibit on mystery cults as well.

From there I walked over to the Roman Forum to get a closer look at everything I had seen from afar. Well I tried to get in right after the Coliseum and the cops said “not until 11”. I waited it out reading my Rick Steve’s guidebook and when I checked at 11, they told me 12:30. Watching the Italian Police is quite amazing. There were over 15 at my entry way and not one did anything. They hung around, smoked, and told a younger fatter one to go get coffee. They then told the nearest souvenior vendor to shut down (no idea why.)

I had enough of this waiting and went to see the Pantheon. Big and Dome like, and full of Xian art. Poor Zeus and his comrades. At about this time I realized I had left my guide book somewhere, and tried retracing from the Pantheon to Santa Maria Sopra Minerva to the cop stop. It is gone for good, i hope someone else finds it as interesting as I did. The Lonely Planet is my only guide left.

I finally made it into the forum, snapped lots of pictures, and spent a good amount of time there. Oh and I also saw the other side of the Temple to Romulus the Divine.

I took part of today looking for a bar called “Bar Vezioo,” it is Rome’s famous commie bar. There was a little sign that I believe said it moved, so I am still looking. I walked through the Jewish neighborhood, then up to Campo Di Fiori. Oh, I almost forgot! I ate at this trendy business like lunch place called La Bain. All I could eat Italian cuisine. Best meal thus far. And they played the kewlest music, Wagner, yann Tiersen, and Cyndi Lauper!!!!

I also made it over to see the Ecstacy of St. Theresa. The look in her eyes is just plain scanadalous.