April 12 - The Colosseum

Today was our tour of the Colosseum and Lyle managed to get us from our hotel to the Colosseum Metro station fairly easily. Our first glimpse of the Colosseum was amazing. It is an awesome architectural structure and although it is now only a ruin of its former glory, it was exciting for us just to be there. Unfortunately, our guide today seemed a little inexperienced and her English was difficult to understand. Nevertheless, Lyle and I were both thrilled to be standing in the midst of so much history.

I found the walking and the steps on the tour today quite strenuous. The pavement was very uneven and some of the walkways were irregular stones. The stairs were very steep. The elevator on the one level was not working and our guide ignored the second elevator completely. She rushed ahead from one interest point to another and my white cane might as well have been invisible.

However, one of our tour members showed an almost overwhelming concern for me. Perhaps she thought Lyle was neglecting me because she insisted on taking my arm in an almost vice-like grip on several downward flights of stairs. I found this very unnerving. I am never sure how to respond to this type of uncalled for assistance.

Now we are back at our hotel and I had to laugh when we read an email from my friend, Jean. She reminded me of the importance of constant hand washing when travelling. Well, after the excursion this morning I scrubbed my hands almost to the elbows. During the morning I had held on to so many dirty and sticky handrails, I was glad I could not see what I was touching.

Tomorrow we catch the train to Sorrrento. I hope the fine weather here continues. From what we read on the internet, we are missing some heavy snow in the forecast back home.