The Grand Adventure: 24th April Florence then Rome. Easter Sunday

The cart

Up in smoke

Got up and down to the Piazza where the Santa Maria Duomo Cathedral is as they have a big Easter celebration there. There were dancers and flag waving and this huge carriage dragged in front of the Cathedral It took about an hour to prepare the cart during the Easter service. At the conclusion of the service the priest came out and set off the fuse on the cart. There were huge bangs and clouds of smoke as the firework laden carriage went through its routine. It was an incredible sight as there were bangs in particular order and colored smoke at different times. The whole piazza was crowded with people and it was very hard to see but the carriage was high enough for all to see. The display went on for about 15 minutes and at the conclusion there was a huge cheer and the locals all hugged each other. They all carried olive branches as well and were dressed in their best clothing. We were so lucky to be able to observe that special tradition. To celebrate Easter Italians share chocolate eggs, a special dove shaped cake and eat lamb on that day. There were Italian flags flying from building windows everywhere and it had a real sense of a happy time. From there we had to go back, get our bags and head for the train to Rome. We caught a very nice train (Treinitalia) and we even had a hostess give us drinks and nibbles just like on a plane. Two hours later we arrive in Rome. We were only two blocks to our hotel and once again we are in the thick of things. This hotel (Sweet Home) is in a building shared by 6 other hotels and again very nice, comfortable rooms. The owner welcomed us and talked at length about the things we could do and had even mapped out an itinerary for our 3 day stay. We dropped our gear and headed out to have a look around. Every corner you turn there is an ancient church or building. Statues and fountains are everywhere. It is almost too much and you become a wee bit immune to it after a while.

The Trevi Fountain

We went down to the Trevi Fountain and after a few twists and turns and double backing we finally came across it. Along with the 1000 others who were there. Certainly an amazing fountain and like the tradition says, we turned our backs, closed our eyes and tossed a coin over our shoulders. This is to ensure that we will return to Rome another day. Apparently Rod threw a coin in last time he was here and now he’s back so it must work. We wandered back to the hotel and sat down to dinner at 10pm.