10. Roma - Villa Borghese & Via Veneto

We spent our last day in Roma, walking in the sunshine around Villa Borghese.  Memories of our first visit in 1998 centred around the Temple of Diana and the tortoises in the park's pond.  We must have had stars in our eyes back then.

Bluebells, irises and citrus in the garden of the old villa - no longer open to the public.

The large gravelled Piazza di Sienna, perhaps for equestrian, perhaps for chariot racing.

Rutted, break-ankle paths.

The electric boosted chariot Paul selected to pedal us around the park.

I had a steaeing wheel on my side too, but no matter how much I 'drove', I had no control - it wasn't connected to anything.  Paul had ultimate control.  I had to keep pedalling though!

We found the Temple of Diana. It seemed much smaller than we remembered.

An old lumpy lady posed for Paul's camera.

We found the lake too, complete with rowing boats.

And there were turtles too, although not the healthy young families of them we remember from 17 years ago. This guy looked good though.

Leaving Villa Borghese we walked under one of the few remaining sections of the ancient defensive walls and into the famous via Veneto.

The first place we came to was Harry's Bar.  Do you remember it from the great Italian classic 'La Dolce Vita'?

Although this was very much the big end of town, a coffee here was €1.50 whereas in the Villa Borghese park it was a rip-off €3.50.  A bit like Australian petrol pricing - who understands it?

The American Embassy is a beautiful building and on the best street, of course.

Some cyclamen in a restaraunt window.

The Hard Rock Cafe is opposite the American Embassy. 

And as we walked home we passed the Eco Store.  Naturally I was interested.  Maybe a 3D printer?

Perhaps a 100% bamboo wireless mouse?

Or can you see yourself with a 100% bamboo keyboard?

In preparation for an early departure in the morning (9.00 am is early for us!) we cleaned the little apartment at 7.00 pm and went out for dinner at 8.00 pm.

All of 62 steps from our front door is the charming Salotto Caronte Bistrot.  Great atmosphere, comfy chairs and good food.  Facebook-Salotto Caronte.

Ten days in Roma and we will be glad to move on. 

As Australians we are spoilt for stable government and the civic organisation it brings.  And while we might sometimes think we live in a nanny state, there is something to be said for safe walking footpaths, the requirement for everyone to obey the road rules, intolerance of littering  and of a willingness to contribute (taxes) to achieve a common good.

Looking forward to Milan.