But for the fact that our guide gave both of us a packet of his photographs, which included the one of the Colosseum and which I still have, it would be difficult to remember exactly all that we saw over a period of some three hours. I recall our first stop was in front of a monument to Vittorio Emanuele II, both Dick and I thought it looked much like a wedding cake. We then walked for perhaps a mile, alongside the River Tiber, to reach a bridge from which we could look across to St. Peter's square. A little further upstream came, what was the highlight of the tour for me, the entrance to Castel S. Angelo. At our guide's suggestion, we crossed the river on Ponte Elio from where we could see the castle in all its magnificence.

Continuing in a clockwise direction, our guide pointed out many more imposing edifices which, even with the photographs to help, I cannot recall. Towards the end of the tour we neared the entrance to the Catacombs which our guide informed us were closed while the authorities were investigating what had happened there during the German occupation of the city.

Eventually arriving whence we had departed, we nipped inside the NAAFI to purchase what we could, to give to our helpful guide (I wish I could remember his name), for him and his two bambinos which, despite his protestations, he accepted.

After bidding our guide farewell, it was time for us to seek bodily sustenance for ourselves. The NAAFI was (and maybe still is) an amazing institution. Although it was only a little over a week since Rome was liberated, sausages and mashed potatoes were on the menu. Suffice it to say, despite the warmth of the day, two hungry corporals enjoyed the "bangers" immensely.

As we still had about four hours to go, before returning to Valmontone, we decided to take in a movie being shown at a nearby cinema. Once again we experienced Roman hospitality as we were not charged for admittance. The film, an exciting spy drama with Italian sub-titles, was Journey Into Fear with Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten in the lead roles. During the showing, the roof suddenly opened to expose a darkening sky - it was a first-time experience for me.

The show over, we again returned for more refreshment being served by the friendly people at the NAAFI. Only too soon, the time came to make our way to the "bombed-out building" to climb aboard the waiting Bedford 3-tonner for the journey home. Although, much later, leave to once again visit the Eternal City was granted, for me it was Addio Roma!