Venice to Rome or out of the frying pan and into the fire

We caught the train from Venice to Rome today.

We have a very nice accommodation right by the Vatican, I may convert if the Pope can make the crowds disappear. Rome built a fortified wall around the city, to keep the barbarian hordes at bay, unless needed for attending to the nobles. Well the walls have been scaled and the hordes have overrun the city including us. See below for just a sample of the madness at the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain, which is where Fellini filmed the famous scene from The Dolce Vita, with Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg.Tevi Fountain La Dolce Vita. That was then this is now

Still a fantastic site as evidenced below

The Spanish Steps were somewhat apparent if you could discern marble from the multitude of feet treading the steps, which we dutifully did. Later, as we came back, through the square, the crowd was enormous with various groups singing their country’s song or perhaps some soccer team ditty, in either case, it was a bit out of touch with where they were, very nationalistic.

After ascending the steps Nick and Margeaux were nearly swallowed up by an enormous door but got away just in time before it opened up.

There we are along the Tiber river heading to the Steps.

On our way back to the apartment, we by way of St. Peters Square very quiet refuge after the hectic scenes in town. Police presence is no joke they are armed to the teeth.