Sunday - Ostia Antica

Sunday was a big day.. Helen has been corresponding by email and skype with a lady in Rome, V, for almost 3 years. We met her and her husband, C, next to the statue in the middle of the Campo at 8.45. Helen had not met them before. They drove us to Ostia Antica – the ancient port of Rome. It was founded in the 4th century BCE and became a strategically important centre for defence and trade. It was populated by merchants, sailors and slaves and the ruins provide an interesting contrast to Pompei, which was a resort town for the wealthy classes.

V had arranged for us to join a tour which was a bit of a struggle – more for me than Helen - because the guide spoke in Italian. She spoke loudly and clearly and I was surprised at how much I understood. Toward the end Helen and I were wilting – it was hard work concentrating, it was hot and we were hungry. After lunch we went on a boat trip from there along the Tiber. I made no effort to follow the guide – he did not speak as clearly but I still enjoyed myself. We saw birds, very fancy boats, simple boats, fancy houses, simple houses and the mouth of the river.

After the boat trip we went back to V and C’s apartment in Rome, met their children and they gave us a lovely evening meal. Helen and I ate as little as we politely could of each course but there was still too much food for us. C speaks no English, their son speaks a fair bit, as does V. Helen follows Italian politics and was able to talk at length with them about different people and the different parties. That was a good opportunity for her.