We woke up in the beach hotel and went to the breakfast room. It was filled, mostly with German tourists. I think we are the only Americans in the hotel. After breakfast we walked to the train station (not without getting a tiny bit lost) only 10 minutes away. The train took us two stops and there was a guy playing the violin on it.

Ostia Antica was founded around 620 BC (before Christ!!!) as the first colony of Rome. It evolved into a thriving commercial port and maritime gateway during the Roman Republic and Empire, supporting a population of 60,000 to 100,000. It is considered to be one of the most well preserved and largest archeological parks in Italy.

We had downloaded a Rick Steves audio tour which proved very informative and helpful, although I am not a huge fan of his consistently dumb jokes.

I really was taken with the Umbrella Pines, the symbol of Rome. I hadn’t known that these trees produce pignoli/pine nuts.

The road, mostly of big black flat-ish stones takes you through the park. It was truly fascinating. So so old. Literally ancient.

Here you can climb up for a better view:

The bathe house, theater, shops and my favorite, the mill, were all easy to identify with Rick’s help.

We wandered and looked and listened and wandered some more. We grabbed a snack and a coffee at the little shop.

One more shot:

We took the train back to Lido di Ostia and saw this display–so universally beach towny:

Back at the hotel, feet feeling the workout they got on those stones. We got organized and finally went for an early dinner. Tra il Grano e il Mare was a great choice for us. I had a really great mixed seafood grill and Ken spaghetti with clams.

The waiter/young owner had his whole family come in for dinner to celebrate his nephew’s 10th birthday. I talked with them a bit. This kid was so cute!

Allora…

I am writing this from the Leonardo Da Vinci airport.

Sad it’s over; sad to leave Italy, but really looking forward to being home.

Alla prossima/’Til next time…