Rome: The People's Fountains

All of you have seen pictures of Rome (or visited there), I am sure, and you know that it is famous for, among other things: ruins and restaurants, fashion, food and fountains. Ah, yes, fountains. Not just the Trevi fountain, and the Bernini extravaganzas in front of the Pantheon and in the piazzas and stopping places around town, but the ordinary people’s drinking fountains. These range from a standing pipe with a curved spout to ornate displays of dragons and flowers, books and gargoyles. John discovered that if he plugged the main outflow pipe on the simple downspout style with his thumb, the water spurted out a hole on the top-side. I am sure this is intended to be used as a drinking fountain, but it can also be used to spray passers by (and unsuspecting parents!). John is always thirsty, and it was hot when we were in Rome, so these fountains were a blessing. Take a look: