Taxi rides NOT for faint of heart

          Sooo...glad we did not rent a vehicle.  You would have to be raised here in Rome to understand the Roman method of driving.  We held our breath a lot while holding each others hands and the "oh shit!" handles that were on each side door in the back seat.  Can't speak to how all taxi drivers are, but the one we had was not for the faint of heart.  Apparently, road signs, painted mediums and posted speed limits are merely guidelines.  This guy drove down the Metro train tracks, down the middle of the medium until deciding last minute whether to go  left or right around the upcoming dividing island in the road.  He told us if you don't drive like this you don't get where you are going here.  In a way it was very exhilarating.  I am sure the driver enjoyed seeing the look of horror on our faces. 

          I got a laugh from one of our Tour Guides when we spoke about how they park everywhere and anywhere.  He told us that people in Rome do not park their vehicles, they abandon them.

          We went to, Café de Paris Ristorante, one of the many outdoor glass enclosed cafe's that are along the streets of Rome for lunch today.  Staff are always well dressed and welcoming.  Food here is always cooked fresh.  Even the soups are hearty, no need for crackers.  Desert was Crème Brulee, magnificent.   While seated we observed several white horses with uniformed riders go by.  They were the Corazzieri (the President's Guards).  There is a big parade/celebration happening tomorrow for "The Festa Della Repubblica" and they are most likely apart of it.  Unfortunately, we leave tomorrow so will miss it.

          Where did the time go?  We have been having so much fun.  It is onto Sicily tomorrow and yet another new adventure.  I am thrilled about seeing Sicily. 

          I've added a few pictures from our walk today from about town.  I hope you enjoy them.  In one you will see me standing by huge tall doors.  These are common here and once opened they go into the entrances of the buildings and hotels.  From what we have seen inside the entrances, they are massive and prestigious. 

          Signing off for now, as we are headed out to see Rome lit up at nighttime and enjoy our last night here in the Eternal City.