17th March 2014 - 02:00

I had a lovely dinner on my birthday with Christine and her father Jim. He was kind enough to pay and wouldn't hear of me sharing the bill! So I decided to tip the staff an extra 5 Euros instead, I didn't mind because the service was excellent.

I went exploring yesterday and covered a lot of ground. I saw the Trevi Fountain again (quite by accident!), Castel Sant'Angelo, Ponte Sant'Angelo, Hadrian's Temple, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, a sweet little traditional puppeteer shop (the gem I found), and the Mouth of Truth to say a few.

Nothing was open from 4pm onwards so I went to a nice little bar/restaurant around the corner from the B&B and I shall be eating there tonight.

Today I've seen the Spanish Steps, Piazza di Spagna, and Piazza del Popolo. Needless to say I've done quite a trek on my holiday! It was all worth it though. I had my portrait drawn just above the Spanish Steps, it looks brilliant! I've wanted it done for years and when I get home I'm going to frame it.

I've also picked dad up a present, it's a mini-Colosseum. It's quite heavy but it seems to be good quality.

I've increased my use of Italian today and the locals approve and seem quite impressed. I've even had a few giggles when I get it wrong! I think they seem to like it.