Day Six: Back in the “Eternal City”
We arrived in the City yesterday afternoon and to be honest this trip has been a bit of a DIY project. Everything planned by us, online and booking.com and blind faith. The Flixbus dropped us off at the bus station and because we had been here on the way to
Siena we knew where the taxi stand was. Fifteen euros later we were standing outside a residential condo building. This BnB like many in Rome is located one one floor of the building. Access was made by following instructions given to me on ‘whatsapp’. A ‘no-contact’ book-in! The rest of the afternoon was spent exploring the neghbourhood and what an empty one it was. A Sunday in the middle of the vacation period as well the fact that all restaurants shut down from 2.30pm to 7pm meant that a trip to the ubiquitous MiniMart for a bag of chips and bottles of water was the only thing before the next days b’fast.
Up at eight not knowing what the DIY BnB would provide for b’fast – we found out – not much. A small, plump Filipino lady asked what we wanted. Took a look around saw nothing asked “Tea and Toast?” That’s what turned up a few minutes later in the room.
Starting out to explore the ‘hood’ and on the way to find the Hopon Hopoff bus stop for tomorrow we passed more residentials and Cafes (mentally logged for future stops) finally getting to the River Tiber and a magnificent Bridge next to the Castel San’Angelo. We found the bus stop and then discovered, as Google Maps described it – “a street of upscale shopping and eateries”. Walking around was fun; the weather perfect for strolling and the Cafes were needed. Feeling a drop of rain we purchased an umbrella which is guaranteed to stave off the rain for the next two days. We did see the effects of ‘over-tourism as the line up to get into the Vatican was building.
Strolling back to the BnB a strange sight – to us North Americans – a Gas Station in the sidewalk. H&S would have a workout inspecting/approving this one in Canada. Passing the same 
Cafe we had coffee at earlier an urge for a Pizza slice came over us. Much too much food but great taste.
Pretty much a very casual day but that’s what we came for – casual.