People We Have Met

Today's highlight was an excellent guided tour of Domus Romane, a huge Roman villa excavation from the 1-4th century which has only been excavated in the last five years. Using a mix of ancient ruins and laser light technology we were given a great insight into what life was like for the upper classes in the early centuries A.D. 
Alas we were not able to take photos.

Instead I am introducing you to some people we have met.

Saint Lawrence was martyred in AD 258 by being roasted on a grill. He is famously quoted as saying 'I'm well done, turn me over'

Goffredo  Mameli composed the words to the Italian national anthem in 1847 when he was 20 years old.  Known as Il Canto degli Italiani, it officially became the national anthem in November 2012.

Tommaso Minardi was a professor of drawing for 30 years. He has works in several churches and galleries including a self portrait in the Uffizzi in Florence.

The roasted chestnut seller is still near the Spanish Steps but chestnuts did not seem so appealing in 30 degree heat.

Romans still roam the streets but they don't all dress like this!

Kel made a new friend in our piazza, Antonio the piano accordion player. He spent 3 Euros on a CD of Antonio's music.

Meditation at its best, near Castel Sant' Angelo.

The garbage collectors are of great interest. These small trucks constantly run around the city collecting rubbish and even sweeping up cigarette butts with their stick brooms. We have an interesting list of rules for putting out the garbage. For example on Wednesdays and Saturdays we must put our glass, plastics and metals in a plastic bag and put them at our gate for collection between 7 and 8.30 am. Food and organic waste is collected three times a week.