Rome

Much of the time Rome looks like swarms of tourists, but a look beyond reveals a lot of interesting scenes, and characters.

I supported the local arts by giving this fellow €0.50. He was pleased.

I think I found the Jewish Quarter.

Note how these blocks are tapered. They will be hammered in until they're tight and even.

Street cafes are everywhere

This artist was intent

Here's what he was painting. These guys were playing jazz standards, and they were good. Sax is a lead instrument. (Hear that, Philip?)

No water shortage in Rome, apparently. these things just run. They're sure welcome when you're thirsty!

Historically, and to this day, many citizens in Rome have gotten their water from public fountains just like this. Good water was brought from distant sources by aquaducts built at enormous public expense.

It was infrastructure, roads, water supplies and sewers (and of course, armies) which enabled Rome to become a colossus. Public investments, greater than ever in history.

Friendly conversation.

Scenes like this make Rome, and other places in Italy, charming. The people are warm and gregarious. They kiss each other on both cheeks in greeting.