As I have written in the past, a stop at the Trevi Fountain in Rome is almost mandatory in our travel plans. Whether or not the lore is true, we continue to throw our three coins into the fountain to guarantee a return trip to this city which we love so much.
Our last trip was an overnight before boarding a cruise ship. Despite little to no sleep on the plane, we were energized as soon as we landed. Feeling adventuresome we hopped on the train from DaVinci airport to Termini Station and then walked the few blocks to our hotel.
The DaVinci Express train links the airport with Termini Station and costs only €14.00 per person. It can be booked online and paid in advance, which is what we did, or booked when you land. It is the fastest way to get into the city with trains leaving at least three times each hour. Even though some suggest it is overpriced, the convenience of it was worth it for us.
Unlike hotels in North America many of the smaller, older ones in Europe do not have obvious signage or sometimes even frontage so finding the one you booked is a bit like a treasure hunt. This time our room was in the back of an old monastery that was undergoing renovations. Luckily a very nice gentleman at a nearby restaurant was able to direct us.
With less than 24 hours to visit Rome we did a compact walking tour of the area near our hotel and managed to squeeze in the breath taking Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria where Bernini’s renowned sculpture St.Teresa in Ecstasy is housed. It’s always impressive to see art work displayed in the building for which it was created.
Our walk eventually brought us to the Trevi Fountain. It was mid-May, which is still considered slightly off season for Italy, but apparently no one told the tourists. Travel photos, like the one Ken took for the masthead of this article, are designed to showcase the sites. The following photo Ken took from atop the stairs of a nearby church on the same day. This is the true tourist Rome; crowded, hot and noisy. 
The question then begs to be asked, is it ever not busy in Rome? I would suggest that busy comes on a sliding scale and as tourists we have to appreciate that others are as interested and excited to be here as we are. Complaining about the crowds is counterproductive to a great travel experience.
Canadians are accustomed to wide open vistas and plenty of personal space. This is not the case in most any part of Europe. Hotel rooms are smaller, and if you like the historic core, are probably retrofitted into older buildings. Restaurants have little tables and you will rub elbows with the folks next to you. You will have to wait in line for practically everything.
So when you get to the Trevi Fountain you will need to work your way graciously and patiently towards the front of the fountain, your coins clutched in sweaty hands, and wait for your turn to throw those coins over your shoulder into the still water. But it will be worth it!