Our trip ends where it began- in the Eternal City. Since I left my wallet here not sure I will leave my heart.

Nonetheless it is amazing to walk down streets that were a highlight of our first real grown up travel – close to 40 years in the past.

Our early morning constitution was somewhat less hectic than our arrival jaunts three weeks ago. However , a number of times we still needed to escape the 30• + heat. The relatively cool seclusion of one of the many churches with their multi foot stone walls were the perfect respite.

In the “chiesa s. luigi dei francesi” we found works by caravaggio – the sinner painter in highlighted in our trip to the Borghese Gallery.

Commissioned by the French Cardinal Matthieu Cointerel , the canvas’s hang in a chapel in the church of the French congregation of San Luigi die Francesi. 

A great experience to enjoy the paintings in the environment for which they were created.

The relative calm of early morning is soon replaced by a stream of people jockeying for position at the Pantheon or looking for another monumental TikToc pose.

But with a little luck and quick reflexes we can still get a memorable picture relatively free of clutter.

Getting a picture of the Trevi Fountain without paying extra to get a close up view was slightly more difficult.

Since we didn’t get close enough to throw a coin we may not be coming back.

But for those yet to visit one last look at a city that has been around for at least 2,000 years and hopefully will be there for as many more.