THE museum in Rome

 We then walked over to the Palazzo Massimo part of the National Museum and actually met Rachel in the lobby as she was getting back from her research, so it was perfect timing.  We all went through this one from top to bottom.  This is mine, John’s and Rachel’s 

 favorite museum in Rome and it is so easy to see why when you look at their ancient art.  It trumps the Capitoline in my mind simply because of the intact painted rooms and the intact mosaics, to say nothing of the beautiful bronzes.  We had a great time and the paintings are great.  We were able to take Rachel back to a restaurant that we found down the

  street that had amazing food.  When we were looking for lunch, I asked a book vendor at the stalls for good food in the area and she pointed us to this osteria.  I let the waiter pick my meal for me and he did pick the best thing in the house which I promptly got all over my shirt.  Also, the whole meal including 

pasta, dessert, drink, and salad was only 12 euros.  So, we went back for dinner, this time the same waiter tried to pick tripe for me, but I’m not that adventurous, so we went with a more tame pork choice.  This experience is why I always believe that guide books are good guides, but nothing can beat a native recommendation or a European waiter at telling you what is good in the neighborhood.