Sept 28th Aurevoir Rome

It's 0920 and I've finished reading the comments left on the blog. My routine includes turning on the computer, getting on line,and reading the message first as it always brightens my day. My strings linking me home are more palpable now and I can feel the excitement growing inside of me for my return home. Hearing my family's voice in my soul reminds me that, in the end, their presence in my life is capital, necessary, and so appreciated. Laura, my classmate and friend from work, left me a little word. The thought of work has been re-entering into my mind this past week I can't help but smile as I look forward to going back to work and to see the people that hold up the walls of that fortress we call a hospital.
Yesterday was a good walking day---surprise surprise. The sun has been out and warming up Rome like it's the middle of summer. Needless to say, my little backpack with my water bladder has become a huge commodity. I walked for about 5 hours and followed the river until I reached a castle. Castel d'Angelo. Being a pasta lover now, I found an alluring little cafe and ordered a beer and a tasty dish. With my belly full and my energy replenished I marched up the street and perused the outside of this magnificient structure. I came a bit closer and saw that the admission was free---hoorrayyyy---I'd be albe to climb up to the top, like the little crowd up there, and peer out below at the landscape. I only got in trouble once. You see, there are signs that say 'no pictures' (but up until that room you were able to snap at lib)but I came into the room too suddenly and I didn't the sign. I was looking up at the painted lovers on the ceilings and in a moment of inspiration for passion, I reached blindly into my camera case. A cacophony of italian words were hurled my way and I quickly understood that I was about to commit a HUGE error. I released the camera with a sigh, I'd have to carry the little figures in my head and not enjoy them later. Boo hoo hoo.
At 3pm I felt the need for a gelato. So I turned around and made my way back towards the Colosseum to a favorite ice cream parlor where I would satisfy my hunger.
Then, I thought, this is my last galavanting day, what shall I do?
The only thing that was calling my name was the rooftop, some food, and Marcus Aurelius.
Alone, on top of the world, with a view to make any tourist smile with glee, I sat on my terrace and ate my meal, drank my water, and read my book. By 6pm the sun went into hiding and once again, my mood shifted and in I went to read some more, this time after a shower and settled on my bed. I can scarcely believe that I'd be on my bed by 7:30 pm reading but it was what was needed. I left Marcus for a Eric Fottorino, the author of a heartfelt story about his father.
From 9:30 to 11:30pm I rolled around in bed like a chicken on a roasting stake! Tired and unable to sleep and my legs relentlessly needing to move from the heat. I didn't think much of it only that I knew at some point my eyes would close and I would wake up to the day that I leave.
So here it is, my last morning in ROme.

Next lines will be in London.

Gros Merci pour tous vos mots. Dd