Up for a leisurely breakfast, then off to the train station. Board my first of 3 trains and before I know it, I’m in Rome. Take the metro to the Spanish Steps, which are ridiculously crowded, then walk to the hotel. Unload my things in the room, then head out for a late lunch and exploring the neighborhood. The hotel is situated exactly between the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain (which is also so crowded I don’t even try to get close). For a radius of at least 10 blocks in all directions is a major shopping district – that’s something I haven’t experienced yet on this trip! Lots of sidewalk cafes and lots of tourists.
I head back to the room for a little siesta and text with the boys. They’re supposed to arrive around 9, so I make a dinner reservation for a little after. I end up meeting them at the restaurant – so nice to see their smiling faces again! We have a long and fun dinner, with both sides of the table sharing experiences since we were last together. Michael has a little too much of a good thing: seabass carpaccio with shaved black truffles, pasta with truffles and pizza with porcini mushrooms, sausage and truffle oil.
We head back to the room, the boys with their suitcases, and then I cajole them into going to the Trevi Fountain (a midnight run or 6:30 am, just to be able to see and enjoy it). It’s really nice out and not too many people at the Fountain. We have fun throwing our coins in and head back to rest up for the big day.