As the Orange Garden had been so busy at sunset on Thursday evening we decided we would experience it at sunrise instead.
The light was magical, especially as the sun coloured the buildings as it rose higher in the sky.
We were entertained by the antics of the doggies who, with their owners, obviously visited the park on a daily basis for their exercise.
We walked down past Piranesi's wonderful Piazza Cavalieri di Malta, taking the opportunity to peek through the keyhole on the way.
Breakfast this morning was pizza bianca con mortadella from Passi, something we have to have at least once every trip.
We had heard from Paola, the owner of the apartment that the Rose Garden was extraordinarily open for a few days in October so decided to take the tram to Circo Massimo then walk up to the park.
We explored the lower area where the winning flowers were to be found. We especially liked the 'Bambini' rose as we are expecting our new grandchild any day soon.
Lunch today was at the Corner Townhouse, a lovely Art Deco hotel on Viale Aventino. We had wanted to try chef Marco Martini's food for a long time and his lunch menu is an affordable way to experience his cooking.
We skip dessert and go for gelato at Gelateria Torce, one of our favourites.
We stroll back to the apartment through the leafy green Parco della Resistenza.
Our passeggiata this evening starts at the Area Sacra.....
.....before moving on to the Turtle Fountain.....
....then the Jewish Ghetto for a suppli snack with a view.
The suppli was from Franco e Cristina, not the best we have ever had but I'm glad we tried it.
We walk across Ponte Fabricio on to Isola Tiberina, saying hello to Janus on the way.
The island is shaped like the brow of a ship which makes for a lovely circular walk.
The reward at the end is a negroni at Tiberino, a lovely spot to see the sun go down and the moon rise over the river.
Dinner tonight is yet more pizza, this time from Da Remo
