Escape to Trastevere!

On Monday June 23 I decided to brave the 90 degree heat in Rome and venture into Trastevere, across the Tevere River, on public trasportation! LOL The first bus was air conditioned but it didn't work and so I sat there feeling like a boiled potato. I had to transfer to an electric tram to get across the river and of course they are working on part of the road so the bus had to go up further and drop us off so we had to walk back in the blazing sun. Fortunately the tram was frigid with air conditioning that worked but it only takes a few minutes to get across the river.

After I got off I walked up to the next bridge which is Ponte Sisto because I'd read there were some ceramic stores etc. in the area, NOT!!! I did take a photo of a monument of some sort called Al Hombra. After that I just continued to walk around Trastevere looking for gift shops, it was like wading through pea soup. The humidity was about 65%. On the walk I took a few photos of a rooftop garden, a wall with flowers and graffiti and a Trastevere bar with beautiful flowers. I also stopped for a look-see and photos of the famous church there Santa Maria in Trastevere and the fountain in the piazza in front of it.

I finally found the gift shop I was looking for, Marmi Gifts, items made from marble and chose two small vases made from marble.

After that I rushed to take the tram back over the river finally getting to a nice cold air conditioned bus and a seat for the ride back home! Nothing is easy in Rome and especially when it is hot and humid out!

Santa Croce in Jerusalem Garden/June 2008, Rome, Italy

On several mornings a week this shop is open with fresh garden veggies and fruits from the monks' garden at Santa Croce in Jerusalem, in Rome, Italy. Everything is so fresh and the colors are nice and bright. I managed a beautiful little watermelon, dark dark purple eggplant, zucchini, huge cherries, fresh rosemary, brilliant beet greens, a huge yellow bell pepper and a handful of nice flat green beans. After the shopping I took a walk through the garden. It was my first time there and since it is in my neighborhood figured I should take a look. They charge Five Euros but it's an interesting garden to visit, at least once!

Santa Croce is the basilica which holds relics of the Holy Cross, splinters of the wood from the cross Jesus died on, a few of the thorns from the crown of thorns, a few pebbles from the pillar where Jesus was scourged, a nail (yes!), and even Doubting Thomas' finger bone. Well I'm not sure I believe all of this but they have them there as well as the cross bar from the cross of the Good Thief. Interesting place to visit. Supposedly, items I believe, were acquired at Calvary by St. Helena, Constantine's mother, and she brought them to Rome.

The only other amphitheatre in Rome (besides the Coliseum) surrounds the garden (or what remains of the amphitheatre). It's called the Amphitheatre Castrense. The church and the monastery have belonged to the Cistercian monks since 1561.

I think I like the garden and the shop the best!!! I also found out after I took these pictures that picture-taking is forbidden!

Along the Appian Way/June 2008

When my cousin and her family were here we took a walk along the Appian Way (also known as Appia Antica) the ancient road in the Rome, Italy, area. There are many beautiful villas (unseen from the roads of course) and ancient ruins. It's a nice walk and no traffic except for cars who have permits to use the road to get to their houses. We happened upon an artist painting a picture while walking. It was a beautiful day with the picturesque Roman blue sky!

A Walk Along Appia Antica/Rome, Italy/June 2008

A Walk Along the Appian Way/June 2008

The Pope Saying Mass/June 2008

This is just a continuation of the photos taken during the Festa dei Popoli and of the Pope saying mass at San Giovanni in Laterano.

Festa dei Popoli, May 2008

This festival was held in front of the Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano in Rome, Italy. It appeared to have booths from many countries with information about the country and items for sale. At lunch time there were many booths from different countries with interesting food. I opted for Senegalese chicken with veggies and a maize meal. Very good! There were clowns making animals from balloons, face painting, music and more! Just another "happening" in Rome!

A few weeks later the Pope said a mass in front of the same basilica and I've posted those photos as well!