Where to begin? It was only a short break, but a momentous one for Amanda. Going out as herself in wonderful Rome. Even now i pinch myself to make sure it really happened.

This photo was taken just before going to Breakfast on my second day. having arrived late the night before i spent time planning what i would do.

Get up prepare myself and then to breakfast, no flashy clothes and a plan to deal with my miserable attempts at the female voice.

The plan was that I had lost my voice and I would have a map to show where i wanted to go this i would show to the taxi drivers.

So with some trepidation I set of to breakfast. it was a buffet style breakfast, so I helped myself to Fruit and yoghurt, some fruit juice, followed by scrambled eggs and bacon.

Then I heard this voice say "Coffee Madame" it was repeated and then i realised the waiter was addressing me. WOW.

And so the day got better and better.

The hotel ran a shuttle bus in the morning to St. Peter's Basillica so i boarded it and headed off in the adventure.

To be contid.

ps Hope i don't bore you with all that will follow.

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Well when in Rome where else to start but in St. Peter's Square. One can be invisible in a crowd but how to get a photograph.

Well I just signed to a nice Asian couple and the husband took my pic.

Mind you I felt that i was floating or having an out of body experience. it was fantastic.

While I had started out a bit nervous as every minute passed my confidence was growing. Not enough to speak but enough to approach people and by signing ask them to take a pic. I did this several times in the square.

Then i decided I would take a cab to the Piazza Navonna, so the next view is from there.

Now I know the buzz that i have been missing. Once you start i don't think I want to stop.

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Well the taxi driver safely deposited me at the Piazza Navona. Such an interesting place and said to be the most beautiful Piazza in Rome. A lot going on and some gorgeous little bars & restaurants.

Anyway after walking around some I sat down at the main fountain "Fontana dei Fiumi". There were many having their photos taken here. i must have looked a forlorn soul as a lovely American couple who had been taking photographs of each other asked if i wanted them to take a photo. Well of course i did and they duly obliged. The husband took my photo while his wife said that she knew how difficult it was for a woman on her own.

I could have given her a big hug but just smiled sweetly and off they went

So boosted by that encounter I then decided to walk to the Pantheon. It is only a short distance but I was now feeling very comfortable out in Rome.

The buzz was just something else.

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Well the walk to the Pantheon was uneventful, no encounters although lots of tourists.

This portico screens the vast dome only from the inside can its true scale and beauty be appreciated.

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Thanks to a young italian girl i managed to get this photo. She had several goes and was most apologetic And thankfully did not read me. That gave me much more confidence

It was time for lunch and I decided to go back to the hotel by taxi have a light lunch, change and then head back into town.

Had to at least look at some shops.

So into a taxi and back to the hotel.

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