When I think of our all too brief three days in Rome prior to the cruise, a tumble of memories vie for my attention. The massive colosseum with its disturbing history of savagery. The must-visit Trevi Fountain with its promise of a return to Rome for the mere toss of a coin. The daunting overload of riches in the Vatican Museum. The wild taxi rides dodging darting motor bikes.

But it’s the food memories that make my heart sing. The lady kneading dough and making pasta in the open window of a restaurant. Dining alfresco at a neighborhood restaurant near the hotel with its great pasta and four euro local Chianti. The gelato on an after dinner stroll. And best of all, the sights, smells, and tastes of the market at Campo Dei Fiori with its wheels of Parmesan, and life-altering aged balsamic.

We were there just long enough to get a glimpse of Rome’s glory. I threw my coins in that fountain. Maybe we’ll get to return.