Alison and Alison and the art of re-tyrement

Cycling adventures in retirement

Day 21 Rome

No cycling

Walking 8 miles

Having arrived in Rome we were keen to get our Testamonia (Latin) or Testamoniums (English). I am sure someone will help us out with the correct grammar.

Bicycles cannot cope with the Roman roads.
We arrive in St Peter’s square. Who better to take our photo than two priests from Devon.
We wandered passed a modern bronze statue in St Peter’s of a hooded pilgrim who is revealed to be an angel.

How to jump the queues at St Peter’s? Walk or cycle a few hundred miles, wave a Credenziale at every official you meet and you are whisked through. No queuing.

We had a fabulous welcome from the team on the desk. All those people waiting to ask questions were pushed aside and we were given celebrity status plus our Testamoniums(a). It was a special moment.

This afternoon we visited the Basilica of San Clemente. It is being renovated and the present church is almost hidden through chipboard and scaffolding.

But descend to the lowest floor and you see a 1st century pagan Mithraic temple, deep below 8th and 11th century churches.

We are becoming very modern Millies using technology to get around Rome. Apps and maps to find our way, but Alison draws the line at tap and go on public transport. A tangible ticket from a Tabaachi is required. This has the added bonus of more Italian practice. Always interesting.

We are off again tomorrow. Where to? Venice eventually, but the bets are on for the best route. Needless to say our team of advisers disagree. As we are becoming so experienced with the tech perhaps we will find our own route.

We will let you know.

Good night.

alisonmiddleditch

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