Final Day in Rome

As usual Roman and Mabret spent the morning with Katie doing school work. They have worked hard the entire trip. Nonetheless, some days are easier than others, but Katie is always patient and kind. Bob and I are blessed that she is their Sensei (teacher) rather than either of us on those days when one of the boys struggle with getting down to work.

For the final day in Rome the boys had the choice of how they wanted to spend the day. 

They chose.... map reading with Mabret leading the way to Camp de' Fiori.

Campo de' Fiori means field of flowers in English. In the Middle Ages the piazza was actually an open meadow.  In the 1600's, the square was the site of many executions.  A monument to Giordano Bruno, a philosopher, who was burnt alive for heresey stands in the middle of the square. His statue stands defiantly facing the Vatican who denouced all his work and placed it on the Index of Forbidden Books. The monument stands in the exact spot of his death and reminds us all of the importance of freedom of thought!

The Campo de' Fiori is currently a large open air market with tons of Italian delights. The boys had fun with a couple of euros buying fruit, pasta and cheese. I could have stayed all day shopping, tasting and planning a great meal. We purchased only what we could eat or take with us to Spain.

 

Lunch included one of Mabret's favorites, pasta with claims. Roman however enjoyed the more avian side of the piazza. The pigeons. He claims to be their Master and they, Roman's warriors!

The day ended with a sudden downpour and the boys chance to negotiate a better price for the much sought after laser pens. I gave them only 5euros and sent them out to try and negotiate with the many hawkers. Amist the hawkers are many true artists, magicians, performs and scams artists. The trick is to discover the difference.

 

   

Can you figure out how he is levitating?

Peace out and Good bye Rome!

Kids in Rome

 

     Roman's favorite car! 

Tuesday Feburary 11, 2014 was kids day in Rome. No old buildings, no art, no fountains. So we started the long walk from our apartment near Piazza Navona north to the Explora IL Museo De Bambini Di Roma.  A children's museum similar to the Please Touch Museum in Philadelphia and others in Pittsburg and Chicago. The boys were excited and not the least put off by the small size of the facility or the majority of younger activities. Upon entry, at ages ten and almost nine, I did not think they could keep themselves busy for the tickets time of one hour and forty five minutes. Nonetheless, and one and forty five minutes later we were the last to leave and then spent an additional 20 minutes outside on the fun mini zip line. 

The boys both said the most fun was the zip line outside, but I saw lots of bright eyes and laughs while playing with the construction equipment, computers and hydro exhibits.

Next stop was a wonderful lunch on Via Flaminio which had the best sauce on the margiteria pizza. Everyone approved. The check was intersting as we had to guess as to the items ordered bit worth every penny .... Ah euro!

     Mabret loves the pasta with claims.p

Last stop Borghese Gardens for some open space and a four person bike ride, IL Velocipede.

Peace out from Rome!