We almost didn’t go see the Pantheon–time and energy being the main reasons. But dad had enough energy on Saturday afternoon so he and I took a bus to the area and walked around the “piazza” or plazas in the area. We were surprised by the dearth of unique souvenirs  Little did we know that it would only get worse as we traveled up the coast.  Your basic t-shirts and jackets were available, along with cheap Chinese plastic replicas of various monuments.   There was some leather in Rome (Florence is better known for leather works) but nothing remotely reasonable in price.  The quality of the leather did appear high and the t-shirts and jackets were quite nice with a large variety. They ran anywhere from 15 dollars up.

Anyway, on to the fountains and the Pantheon:

We didn’t eat near this particular piazza, although we did share a gelato. It ran about five dollars per scoop at the place we chose (which we were told was one of the oldest/first in the area). This area looked like it might be a bit nicer place to eat than some; the piazzas didn’t have much car traffic (traffic ran along the outer streets, but not right through). I don’t imagine prices were that great. In general at the places we did eat dinner, it cost us about 60 dollars for three people–no wine, but usually a water or soft drink. That price wouldn’t be bad, but for the most part the meals were not of such high quality that 60 dollars was a good value.

The street performers here were only occasional and stayed perfectly frozen until someone put a bit of money in the bucket. Then they might move just an arm or tilt their head in thanks–all in a nearly frozen, statue manner. In Barcelona the street actors lined the Rambas (main shopping street) and instead of standing perfectly still, there were those that did little acts, those that stood still, and some that moved around–making you keep a close eye on your wallet.