Part 2 Jim’s Rome in A Day on Bici

​After the best night’s sleep ever and a delicious breakfast prepared to order by Javier (an immigrant to Rome from San Salvador) (big shout out to Arch Rome Suites) we are ready to continue on Jim’s Rome in a Day Bike Tour by Bici!

Tour begins with a five floor descent on the long winding marble staircase of our lovely hotel - a much more difficult feat than you might imagine.  Some cursing was involved by at least one member of our party who will remain unnamed.  We headed to the Trevi Fountain hoping to beat the crowds.  We do.  In previous visits I have been underwhelmed by the site.  This is mainly because of the constant bumping into people and trying to glimpse it through the throngs.  Even though we weren’t the only early birds it was relatively empty.  Thus we were duly overwhelmed by its glistening beauty and history.  




Then onto the Spanish Steps with Bernini’s ugly boat to Piazza Popolo where we were serenaded by a very talented guitarist.   






We rolled through the shady Villa Borghese watching the locals strolling with their families and dogs.  Then onto the Coppede neighborhood to see the elaborate palazzos surrounding the whimsical frog fountain.   




Then onto Tiburtina Station to catch the train to Foligno.  We arrive and it appears that a train is leaving in about fifteen. We try to buy tickets on the automated machine only to discover Foligno isn’t even on the menu choices.  After some panic we realize we were on a machine only for the high speed trains so we move to the Trenitalia machine and are able to quickly purchase the tickets for ourselves and our bikes.  Then we had to figure out how to get to our track.  The directional signs were confusing and many stairs and escalators were involved.  Then a frantic run to the elevators where we realize only one bike at a time can fit.  So we are all on different elevators with none of us knowing what floor to get off on.  So we become separated and eventually everyone narrows in on the right spot finding their own ways to get there. Phew!  



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