Night at the Opera

This morning we take a stroll on the quieter side of Trastevere, in the vicinity of Santa Cecilia.


 
 
 
We pay our respects to the beautiful sculpture of the saint by Maderno

 
No matter how many times we re-visit places in Rome , there is always something new to discover. This time it is a milestone from the time of Emperor Vespasian, set in the gateway wall
 
 
Coffee is at the cute 'No Name' Café
 
 
We continue on to Isola Tiburina, where a busker is playing Eric Clapton songs on the bridge. Memories are made of this.
In to the Ghetto, past the Turtle Fountain once more, until we reach Palazzo Mattei di Giove. The courtyard is full of  ancient sculpture.
 

 
Campo di Fiori is our next stop, where we pick up salami & vacuum packed guincale to take home, from Norcineria Viola. I do love their distinctive lilac carrier bags.
 
 
Piazza Navona next, which is relatively quiet in the heat of the midday sun.
 


 
Vivi Bistrot is the perfect spot for a pre-lunch drink, especially at the table with the ring side view.
 
 
Our walk to lunch takes us across the Ponte Sant'Angelo. I just love those Bernini Angels.
 


Sorpasso, our lunch destination is slightly trickier to find than we first thought - just can't get the hang of the Roman street numbering, but well worth getting lost for.
We start with a platter of Italian hams - we are so hungry that it is all eaten before we think of a photo. Here is where it is prepared.
 
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The pasta dishes are outstanding.
 
 Orecchiette with broccoli and bacala
 Linguine with Sarawak peppercorns and pecorino
 
 
We could so get used to these long lunches!
Whilst relaxing in the apartment late afternoon there is a sudden heavy downpour that came out of nowhere. Fortunately the streets are soon dry (wet cobblestones are lethal!) and we are able to take our planned passeggiata starting at Circo Massimo with a fine view of the Palatine.
 
We pass the Rose Garden which, although now closed for the season, still has flowers in bloom.
 
 
 In to the Orange Garden with  favourite views over Rome.
 

 
This is a popular spot for wedding photos
 
 
Walking upwards we come to Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta - a peaceful oasis surrounded by cypress trees.
 
 
Time for another 'Rome Ritual' - a peek through the Keyhole.
 
 
Cocktails this evening are in the Art Nouveau Lounge Garden of The Corner Townhouse Hotel.
 

 
 
From here it is a short walk to the Baths of Caracalla where we have tickets for the opera, Madame Butterfly.
We are in the 'cheap' seats but still have a great view of the stage.
 
 
We are not opera fans by any means but are so impressed with the staging and use of lighting effects on the magnificent ruins.
Darkness falls and a full moon hangs over the umbrella pines.
 
 
The first musical notes send a tingle down the spine. As you will have guessed there is an emotional moment - when the wedding party descend slowly through the woods to centre stage.
 
 
 
As we leave we admire the huge illuminated walls of the Baths.
 

 
Even though it is late we still enjoy cheese, salami and wine on the terrace