Part 3 finished--
After my guide and I parted, I stayed in the Basilica and toured the treasury of the church. It was okay, but not something I'd do again. It wasn't that special.
Then, it was back to the Grand Melia to meet up with Troy and Marco B, my adventure guides. They had asked everyone to stop by and say hello, and give their order for the welcome dinner that night. That uphill climb back to the hotel was murder! When I mentioned this to Troy and Marco, they said they'd be showing us a shortcut-- d'oh!
But it was okay I missed the shortcut. - still had just enough time to refresh myself in my room, before meeting another tour- from livitaly.com this time. It was a tour of crypts and catacombs. The driver picked me up and I met my guide, ( Franchesco?). The first stop was the catacombs of San Callisto. But we had to wait to join a guided tour, because independent guides are not allowed to guide in the catacombs.
So, my guide and I toured part of the Appian way. This very historic road was a sight to see, and this was first time hearing about "recycling"-- the tradition of using part of old relics in new creations, which is everywhere in Rome. The Appian way is made of parts of stolen marble and rocks from other houses and buildings. Very intriguing. We then toured the catacombs, which was cool, but very humid due to the underground nature. Rather uncomfortable.
We then toured San Clemente-- the "lasagna" church. It is a church on top of two other old buildings-- one the prior church and another some ancient civic buildings, like housing and a money mint. Very awesome! But no pics allowed
The church is pretty itself, but the underground makes this a place to see.
However, nothing was as spectacular as our last stop-- the Capuchin "Bone" crypt. The bones here are overwhelming and a sight I promise you won't ever forget if you go there. But beware faint of heart. It is a LOT of bones-- all real. Nobody is allowed to really talk much in there either-- out of respect. And of course, no pics. Just like San Clemente and the catacombs.
The return to my hotel left me just enough time to rest up for dinner. The welcome dinner was in the hotel restaurant, and I must say-- it was the worst of the meals we had on the trip, at least for me. I ordered veggie lasagna and it was NOT good. I wished I had ordered one of the other dishes, but a lot of the folks at my table weren't really impressed with those other dishes either. Fortunately, the rest of the food on the trip was mainly great!
Troy and Marco had us all getting to know each other, but I was glad the merriment didn't last too long. I was beat and glad to get a good night sleep.
