The Forum

If one left the Colosseum to the east, you would walk down the Via Sacra, the Sacred Way. Here, on a stone walk leading to the Forum and up Palatine Hill, you see Tom investigating the "Dancing Disney dolls" scam. I think this was the most memorable part of the trip for Tom.

A street vendor had two paper-thin Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls (with legs and feet) dancing in rhythm to a nearby radio. Their feet moved perfectly in step, and "needed" to be renewed periodically by being held close to the radio (supposedly, which "revived" their jive). They looked like the Rockettes.

Some research on Google shows this is a high-end scam in European street markets. Apparently the dolls are affixed to a very, very fine filament wire which carries the current to make them dance. They sold for (I think) several Euros apiece.

I thought Tom was going to get attacked by the vendor, who DID NOT like close inspection!

The Forum
If one left the Colosseum to the east, you would walk down the Via Sacra, the Sacred Way. Here, on a stone walk leading to the Forum and up Palatine Hill, you see Tom investigating the "Dancing Disney dolls" scam. I think this was the most memorable part of the trip for Tom. A street vendor had two paper-thin Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls (with legs and feet) dancing in rhythm to a nearby radio. Their feet moved perfectly in step, and "needed" to be renewed periodically by being held close to the radio (supposedly, which "revived" their jive). They looked like the Rockettes. Some research on Google shows this is a high-end scam in European street markets. Apparently the dolls are affixed to a very, very fine filament wire which carries the current to make them dance. They sold for (I think) several Euros apiece. I thought Tom was going to get attacked by the vendor, who DID NOT like close inspection!
	Adjacent to the Colosseum was the Arch of Constantine (at left), leading to the Palatine Hill. Below is the Arch of Titus, from 81 AD, entering on to the Via Sacra.
Viewed from the Forum, the Palatine Hill loomed like caverns in a cliff. The tall fir trees and high walks created a great sense of the "over lords" looking down on the common weal. I really liked the tall church bell tower, which was visible from many parts of the Forum.
	Looking from the middle of the Forum toward the Vittorio monument and the Campidoglio, you can see what a massive jumble of architectural ruins is incorporated into the Forum.