The Steeple in Trastevere Beckons

On the outskirts of Trastevere, the slender steeple that pierces the sky has attracted us from the first day we arrived. After our marathon walking adventures of the past two days, it seems a good day to hang out in the “hood” and explore. The street is there.  The steeple is there.  They both beckon. We attack the winding cobblestone hill in front of our apartment, working our way upward.  Not to my total surprise, the street gives way and too fast becomes a mass of steps.

We are at the top of the hill, overlooking the Orto Botanico, and the steeple, seen from below, eludes us. We do see a church, but the sign next to it says  Espana.  It does look like Spain, a rich terra cotta with all of the architectural detail painted in bright yellow.  Against the clear blue sky, it is a sight to behold.

An Impromptu Picnic with Rome at our Feet

The road leads only one way and we follow its path, eventually arriving at yet another park that overlooks the city.  We are not on top of one of Rome’s seven hills, but we are definitely on top of something.  Hungry after our climb, with no restaurant in sight, we gather our lunch from various street vendors. Sitting on a park bench we have an impromptu picnic; the city of Rome and the dome of Saint Peter’s Basilica spread before us.

Olives – piled high in a paper cone – are wonderful; the panini is crisp and good. The ubiquitous potato chips — flavored with tomato and basil — are also crisp and perfectly salted. Two miniature fruit tarts are a delicious ending. My Bacardi Breezer is a taste of the islands; Michael is not fond of his beer which is flavored with whiskey.

I am fast becoming fond of Rome’s hills and her parks that dot the landscape in the most unexpected places, and Michael’s nose that forever leads us onward.

…and the “hood” is good…