Once outside in the fresh early evening air, Carter had ambled about the darkened streets with no specific destination in mind. He was surprised by the number of people still out and about, and he strolled along, letting his feet carry him wherever they would. He had not gone very far at all when he rounded a corner and happened upon a magnificent fountain with an imposing statue of some ancient god at its center and horses rising out of the water. A sizable crowd of people was gathered around. Some sat at the water’s edge, admiring the splendid artistry, while others stood nearby, chatting amiably among themselves. Across the way, people sat in the open air of an outdoor café, enjoying the view. It was a pleasant place, and Carter came closer, drawn in by the spectacular sight and the tranquil sound of the water. He stood there for quite a while, simply gazing at the fountain and enjoying it all, before he chanced to look down into the pool and noticed the enormous collection of coins lining the bottom. Just then a young couple came up next to him, and turned and tossed coins over their shoulders into the fountain.Then they kissed and walked away arm in arm.

Wondering exactly where he was, Carter sat at the edge of the fountain and began to open his map. It was just then that he had looked up and noticed a sign across the way that read FONTANA DI TREVI. Carter realized that he had found the Trevi Fountain, one of the many attractions he had read about in the travel guides Sheila had given him. He marveled that he had been so fortunate to stumble upon such a famous site by accident on his very first night in Rome. He had yet to learn of course that in Rome one was liable to come across art and history at any time, on virtually any corner of the city.

When at last he had seen enough of the fountain for that night, Carter responded to the call of his grumbling stomach by walking off in search of someplace to eat dinner. A nearby trattoria presented itself, and after considering the menu posted outside on the window and the pleasing aroma wafting from within, he decided to give it a try.

It had still been a bit early for dinner by Roman standards when Carter stepped into the doorway, and he had found just a few other patrons dining inside. He was greeted at the door by the proprietor, a stocky gentleman, with a pleasant face and a mop of curly gray hair. He wore an unbuttoned black vest, and the sleeves of the white shirt beneath were rolled up, revealing a pair of thick forearms.