Today, 24 May, is Papa’s 80th birthday! We had a nice B&B breakfast, then met Audrey’s family at 10:30. We walked toward the Coliseum, stopping at Basilica di Sant’Andrea Della Valle. I went there yesterday, and it is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Rome. I enjoyed it all over again, and the rest of the family took lots of photos.
We parted ways at 1:45, with Audrey’s family meeting a guide at the Coliseum, and Papa and I taking a self guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. We have passed it many times, but never saw the ancient archaeological site up close. Built between the 9th century BC and AD 608, and occupied as early as 1200 BC, it was the center of Roman life for centuries. We enjoyed exploring.
