Rome… Plane, Trains & Automobiles
A random fact:
the lovely tall trees that are iconic in pictures of Rome are pine trees, stone pines, called parasol trees or umbrella trees because of their unique shape. They’ve been cultivated since ancient times for their pine nuts and are now a common ornamental tree in Mediterranean regions.
Another random fact: having a car Naples or Rome is obviously very difficult with the narrow ancient streets and urban congestion. Many many mini cars and scooters are used and the parking is wild - any possible way to squeeze in and every single car is dented, especially in Naples.
We are calling this trip “Planes Trains and Automobiles” - took the subway to the termini train station and the Leonardo express train to the Rome airport (which is outside the city). Passed our COVID test ( thanks be to God - a very real anxiety of travel these days) at the airport and checked into a hotel on the coast. Our purpose for being here one day is to film the area of Ostia Antica, which is the ancient harbor where the Tiber River that runs through Rome meets the sea.
The oldest inscriptions at Ostia Antica are from the 7th century BC. The oldest buildings are from the 4th and 3rd century BC. It was sacked by pirates and burned in 68 BC. The harbor was improved by numerous emperors and ancient canals were dug that have only been discovered in the last 20 years. Where we are staying, north of the site, there is canal that connects the sea to the Tiber River. Along the canal the fishing boats dock and sell their fresh fish and mend their nets.
We finished our trip with a lovely dinner at a local restaurant and are preparing for our travel day tomorrow. Thankful to God that the goals of the trip related to drone footage of the biblical and Paul sites was successful!
