Then we took a bus to the Palatine Hill, the area next to the forum where the wealthier Romans lived in extensive homes. This isn't as popular as the Colosseum and Forum, but we really liked it's labyrinth of rooms, stairs, gardens and tunnels.
The views over the Forum from the Palatine Hill were extraordinary.
The large building across the way is only one side of a massive 312AD building, the Basilica of Constantine, which housed courts, and was the largest building in the world at the time. 
In the lower right is the temple of the vestal virgins. Eight year old girls were selected to tend the flame in the temple and perform other temple ceremonies for 30 years, after which time they could marry. In return they lived in luxury, and had good seats at the Colosseum.
The views over the Forum from the Palatine Hill were extraordinary.The large building across the way is only one side of a massive 312AD building, the Basilica of Constantine, which housed courts, and was the largest building in the world at the time. In the lower right is the temple of the vestal virgins. Eight year old girls were selected to tend the flame in the temple and perform other temple ceremonies for 30 years, after which time they could marry. In return they lived in luxury, and had good seats at the Colosseum.After lunch, we walked to some more our favorite spots one last time.
The next morning, we took a last walk through to the Turtle Fountain and Tiber Island, then rode the tram, then train to the airport (moving pretty quickly through the train station, and ready for a rumble). Since we actually did toss coins into the Trevi fountains (over our backs, the proper way, not like all the other tourists we saw), we look forward to returning to Rome in a few years, hopefully to the same apartment view we love so much.
This is a pretty nice Italy Guides website on Rome, with virtual panoramic views. That website has free audio guides, as does Rick Steves, including London.
This is a pretty nice Italy Guides website on Rome, with virtual panoramic views. That website has free audio guides, as does Rick Steves, including London.So that concludes our Great Britain and Rome trip. The is the first big vacation we've had with no children along, and in part, was to reward Debbie for taking such good care of my mother while she lived out her last six months in our home. I will be eternally grateful, as will my family, to her for her loving service, not only to mom, but to us. While we've loved our vacations with the kids more than anything, it's nice to know that we still get along so well when it's just us.
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