Sunday, July 1, 2018 ~ Appian Way & Rome’s Catacombs

At 9:00 this morning we checked out of the hotel in Ostia, Rome that was close to the airport for those flying home.  Six of us began the post trip adventure in Rome.  We rode the bus to the Appian Way trail.  We walked about two miles on this rocky trail.  Cyclists seem to like to speed over the big rocks that I found it difficult to even walk on.

Then we went to the Catacombs.  I have wanted to see them for many years.  We hadn’t seen them when we were in Rome many years ago.  I found it interesting to see where they had put their deceased.

Lodovico took us to an old pharmacy where Carmelite Friars had made medicine, some of which had venomous snake skin in it.  People had to carry around bottles of anti-venom because it was common to be intentionally poisoned when being served dinner among friends.  We were lucky that our guide knew about this place.  Below is some equipment for making medication.  One of the four friars who lives there now told us about the history of the pharmacy.

This is the tile floor of a Catholic church in Rome.

Absolutely delicious lasagna made with Parmigiana Regiano, mozzarella, and béchamel sauce

This bridge was built in about 3 B.C.!