We went out later that afternoon for a treat then pizza. By dinner, we were literally falling asleep at the table.
Our room at the Flower Garden Hotel is on the small side, but is very clean and has comfortable beds, air conditioning, and a great shower.
Due to COVID, breakfast was delivered to our room instead of in the dining room downstairs which suited us fine.
Elena at the front desk has been a huge help with directions and suggestions for using public transportation. The hotel is just 100 meters or so from the main bus and train station. This proved to be very useful as we traveled everywhere by bus and metro.
Mercato di Testaccio
On our first morning, we took the metro to Testaccio to go to the covered market there. I'd seen the market listed in a number of food tours for its rich history, authenticity, and relative lack of tourists. There are shops of all types selling things from vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories to prepared foods like paninis and pizzas to shops selling produce, meats, fish, and cheese.
My favorite was the cheese shop. I didn't take photos, but you can read more about it here Lina e Enzo's Cheese Shop, Box 80.
We bought a sample of mozzarella di bufala, pecorino Romano, and prosciutto. Then sat on a bench outside and sampled our samples. The mozzarella di bufala was so good, we went back for more.
Glass by Marco
Devin was drawn into a shop with wooden bowls and works of glass; jewelry, stained glass, and mosaics. We chatted some with Marco who said he'd studied Tiffany glass.
Marco showed us his kiln and even said he'd be willing to teach Devin some glass and mozaic techniques in the mornings before the market got busy.
The timing may or may not work, but we were delighted to find him and by his offer.
This is a glass pendant with gilded gold by Marco that caught Devin's eye.
Bunker Skatepark
After lunch, we went back to the hotel for a 'riposo.' Afterward, we took a city bus to Bunker Skatepark. It's about 40 minutes away by bus, in the suburbs.
This was more of an adventure than it sounds. Finding the right bus, buying the tickets, knowing where to get off, and how to get back all presented their own learning curves.
We need 5 euros and a Green Pass/Proof of Vaccination to get into the privately owned skatepark.
After about an hour of skating, Devin introduced himself to an Italian guy skating there. He pointed to himself and said, "Devin." Then pointed to him. It took a few times before the guy caught on and shared his name.
They skated a bit together before we finally left for home. We got home by dusk, and it seemed like a perfect first day in Rome.
3 Little Life Lessons
- Traveling challenges your comfort zone.
- Finding something familiar in the unfamiliar increases tolerance.
- Seeing without understanding is both frustrating and a seed from which curiosity grows.
What a great adventure! The Mercato sounds delicious and I love that Devin was able to communicate, even if just his name, & tah dah a new skateboard buddy! - Gail
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