We arrived in Rome by train yesterday afternoon.  Like most large, European cities, a car is less than worthless while you are here.  It’s an expensive noose around your neck that you have to find a rare and expensive place to park.  Public transportation is easier, cheaper, and readily available.  That being said, we left the car and most of our gear locked up at Camp Darby, near Pisa, and took the 2 1/2 hour train ride to Roma Termini, then the Metro to our apartment.  We always try to find a place close to a Metro stop.  It allows you to get away from the noisy tourist areas and live like the locals, yet, have easy access to the sites you came for. From the outset, I must say, I have never been a huge fan of Rome.  As European cities go, I find it interesting but busy and intense.  A little bit of Rome goes a long way with me.  We haven’t been here in quite a few years and the last time we were here was in August.  Hot does not adequately describe Rome in August.  Anyway, the weather here is just about perfect right now.  Mid 80’s and sunny.  Having an apartment instead of a hotel also makes a huge difference.   We stopped at the supermarket on the way home today and prepared a lovely home-made dinner of pasta, sausage and white wine.  Jean is in the kitchen, right now, making a pot of chicken vegetable soup for when the kids arrive tomorrow.  Just being able to do normal things after a day of sightseeing gives you a whole new perspective and lets you relax.  Not only is eating every meal in a restaurant expensive, it’s just not that good.  Suffice to say, Rome is a wonderful city and everyone should visit at least once.  Lance and Anais will arrive in the morning and we can’t wait to see them and explore the city with them. We ventured out this morning and jumped on a bus to see where it might take us.  We got off at Piazza Venezia and explored the Victor Emmanuel Monument.  After climbing the staircase from hell,, we got an elevator ride on to the top to enjoy a fantastic panoramic view of the city.  It truly was a terrific view but, my legs will let me know if it was worth it in the morning.  We walked on to Trevi Fountain, which, unfortunately is being renovated, the on to the Spanish Steps before catching a Metro home to the apartment.  We had a great day, and tonight we are just relaxing with a glass of wine.