After a great night’s sleep, first full night’s sleep in several days, I woke up and had breakfast at my kitchen table with some of what I bought at the market the night before.

I had a lazy morning in the apartment before heading out. I stopped at the nearby train station to buy a one-week ticket for the trains for €24 Euro, figuring I’d use it enough over the week I have here and that it makes it easier to coordinate. So I went the two stops back to the Colosseum, as I wanted to actually go inside.

The lines were massive, so decided to check out the Forum instead. But while over there, I learned that both the Colosseum and Forum were free entry the next day! So decided to do them then, and plan for an early start.

Afterwards, I walked around some more and made my way to the Pantheon. Passing some random yet interesting old pillars and structures along the way. I entered the Pantheon, and man was the inside ever impressive. It’s hard to really explain it, and it certainly doesn’t show up great in pictures. It’s widely considered one of the best preserved of the Ancient Roman buildings, and I certainly understand why. Hard to believe the interior is nearly 2,000 years old. The interior is in fantastic shape, it really should be seen in person. I’d love to see it on a rainy day, with the hole in the ceiling and the floor shape handling the drainage. Definitely worth a visit when in Rome.

Also, my pet peeve for day 2 in Rome occurred while in the Pantheon. There are numerous signs saying no flash photography, but more so there are lots of signs, and even announcements in both Italian and English, requesting “silence please” as it is a sacred place. So they ask for silence or that you whisper. But it was quite loud and talkative in there. It’s not a major thing, but if a historic site requests it, I’d think you would try to comply…

After the Pantheon, I was walking by a nearby church and decided to go in. Turns out, there is a Saint laid to rest there, Saint Camillus. The Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is an ornate marble church that is simply stunning. Pretty great what you can just wander into when walking about Rome.

After that I walked to the Piazza del Popolo where I bought some pizza from a nearby shop and ate it in the square. Note that a “slice” is not an understood unit of measurement when ordering pizza in Italy. I ended up with a bit more than I needed, though it was pretty tasty.

After that I headed to the Modern Art Museum, the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna.

Unfortunately one of the wings was closed, but I still enjoyed perusing the museum. A number of nice pieces, and some works by some of the greats of the early 20th century. Even though there was great work from Klimt, Cezanne, Degas, Van Gogh, and others, there was one massive piece I found quite intriguing. I rarely take photos inside art museums (don’t worry always with the flash off), but I found this piece by Gerardo Dottori from 1934 fascinating, so I wanted to share. Titled Polittico della Rivoluzione fascista.

After the museum I decided to wander further north. This took me into some cool residential neighborhoods, different than others I’d been in yet.

Even here you come across interesting sights along the street, they really are an integral part of Rome. This was slightly below street level.

I was also struck by just how many of the residents use their balconies for plants. I feel like all too often I see great looking unused balconies, so nice to see that’s not the case here, especially on the sunny side of the street.

I kept going and walked through another park further north. Then took the train back home, with another stop at the market. I’ve been surprised how inexpensive the wines are at the local shop down the block from where I’m staying. So I bought a bottle of a Tuscan Rosso that cost all of €1.99. It was actually quite good. Amazing how cheap yet tasty it is. So I went home, and just had an evening in my apartment, with some wine and snacks from the market. With plans to be up early to get to the Colosseum and wait in line for free entry.