Only what you can carry

I'm not new to flying. Most of you know that. It still amazes me how the big companies can stuff a huge jet choker-block full of people plus all their shit and still get off the ground. The AC flight(787) from TO to ROME had no available seats or overhead baggage room.  I'm always somewhat surprised when the pilot rolls and it actually leaves the ground.

 It was mostly black out over the Atlantic. Around the time we were over Iceland the moon start to appear, purple which the horizon doing the same. I watch the Disaster Artist on the flight over but what was going on outside the window was more interesting.

 

We landed in Rome, took about 40 to get through Customs, get my bag, figure out the trains and get rolling into down. Nic found us a hotel near the Colosseum.  We got checked in, got sorted and then went for lunch at a place nearby. I had my first pizza in Rome and first ever Italian beer.  

Back at the hotel sleep was demanded but not granted. We forced ourselves to stay awake and shift time zones by doing a random walk. The Trevi fountain was our destination. I knew Rome was old. But old is everywhere here. Just walking to one site takes you past many others. The city is like one huge outdoor museum. I took pictures, but in most cases I don't even know what I'm looking at.

Rome as been built over other versions of itself since the beginning. Small excavation sites are everywhere near the Colosseum.

I'm not sure if it was a National Holiday today, we arrived in town on the date of a large Marathon run through Rome. We came across the military band doing it's thing.

 

 We made it to the Trevi fountrain (Nicola Salvi, 1762). Toss in a coin and make a wish. The coins go to Romes down and out.

 The Pantheon. We didn't go in. At the time we were trying to find Gelato for a short break.

 Piazza de Venezia. Sort of the centre of Rome. We headed in and climbed up through the stair cases to reach the terrace. The best views or Rome we to be had. I should like to do this day again but only at night.

All is well after our first day except to say that I'm getting the sense that I packed my huge Osprey bag rather poorly. 2 flannel shirts and 2 pairs of jeans and my spring jacket may be seldom used here. My new hiking shoes are too hot to leave on. The 66 litre back, which you'll understand for a 24 day trip, gets heavy. There is a good chance I'll be donating some of my easier to replace items in favor of more souvenirs and better mobility.

The temperature here today was perfect for a Canadian in shorts and sandals. We'll see how it goes.

Leaving from Water Front St