via picnic: First night in Rome

The rain picked up just in time for us to find our apartment, found through VRBO. What we did know was that it was across the street from the Colosseum. What we didn’t have was a map. We found the Colosseum, no problem. Just go to the “Coloseo” stop on the underground metro, duh.
It wasn’t hard, even in the rain, to be awed by the sight of the massive Colosseum. Even in the excitement and hurried business of things, there was a moment in the rain where we all stopped and gazed at it.
Then it was back to the matter at hand: Where’s the place we’re sleeping tonight. We could have succumbed and purchased a map of Rome from one of the many vendors outside the Metro station, and as I write this, I don’t know why we didn’t. But we didn’t.
After walking up a few roadside staircases, we eventually gave up on telepathy and my dad asked a stranger. We were directed to the other side of the Colosseum.

Online reviews of this place were positive, but mentioned 82 steps to the front door of the apartment. I don’t know if I’m impressed by that reviewer or what, but they were exactly right, 82 steps.
Ample room for four people, kitchen, two bathrooms, and views of Roman ruins from the dining room.
We cleaned up, dried off, and were off to see Rome at night.