Rome, Day 2

After breakfast, we headed out to the Pantheon. On the way there, we passed by the Victor Emmanuel Monument



and Trajan's Column,



and stopped at a coffee shop so the guys could get their morning fix.



The Pantheon was stunning, even with scaffolding:








Next, we went to the Capitoline Museums. Here is a copy of the A.D. 176 statue of Marcus Aurelius that's outside on the square:



Here is the ORIGINAL statue



We got a great view of the Forum from the Tabularium:



And here's a family portrait at the exit to the museum:



For lunch, we wandered back toward the Pantheon, and stopped at Osteria Pizzeria "Agrippa." Decent food, but they charged 3 Euros per soda, and wouldn't provide tap water (they tried to sell us bottled water, but we declined). I had "Strozzapreti con carciofi, guancale e pecorino" (pasta with artichokes, bacon, and pecorino):



John had a pizza diavolo



Beth had a pizza marinara:



and Matt had a pizza capricciosa



After lunch, we stopped by yesterday's gelato place on Via Dei Serpenti. Yesterday, Beth had mango, Matt had peach, I had pear, and John had chocolate. All were delicious, but everyone agreed my pear was the best. Today, Beth and Matt both had pear, I had cherry, and John had chocolate and raspberry. I managed to spill cherry gelato all over my white shirt, but fortunately it came out in the wash.

A quick trip to the grocery store, some time spent at the internet point, then it was time for dinner. Tonight we had the same pasta as yesterday (they looked like rigatoni, but I think the name actually started with a T), salsiccia macinata (a tasty sausage), and breadsticks, with watermelon for dessert.

After dishes and showers, I decided it was time to drag everyone (including me!) away from their electronic entertainment for a while, so we taught the kids to play hearts. They picked it up quickly, and are looking forward to playing again tomorrow night.