Via a Roma

They say that all roads lead to Rome…we are back!

We spent Paul’s birthday in Pompeii (yesterday).  I tried very hard not to get saddened by the place.  I can’t stop thinking about the horror of a volcano erupting over your home and burying you alive!  Then I think about how amazing the place is/was.  It was so civilized!  The art was phenomenal! Then I realize that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy the art if the town had not been covered by ash!  It’s so complicated!  It was beautiful day and we got quite a workout.  All the streets and sidewalks are cobblestone-ish or really rocky (think boulders). Lots of climbing and steps…still working on the buns of David!  Unfortunately (Ok, fortunately!), we are also still eating lots of pasta and pizza and drinking wine!  Oh…and pastries for breakfast and gelato! 

Last night we ate dinner at local place that is only open on the weekends.  It is right next door to a big restaurant that had a wedding celebration!  They all looked like they were having a blast!  We walked from our place to the restaurant – starving because we’d only eaten breakfast (a large one) – at 6 or so.  They didn’t open until 8.  So, we walked back to our beautiful home-away-from-home and pre-gamed on some wine and crackers.  We stared out at the Mediterranean Sea and waited until 8.  It was another lovely dinner!!!  Anne and I couldn’t figure out which pastas to order so we each ordered one and switched halfway through!  Holy Yumminess!

Today we drove to Rome.  We dropped off the car and the train station and took the Metro into the city, near the Vatican, where our final nights will be spent.  Gordon booked us a nice little B&B. 

This afternoon we walked completely around the Vatican – we can now say that we have circumnavigated a whole country!  Tomorrow we have a tour through the Vatican.  I look forward to seeing more of Michael Angelo’s work!  I remember the last time I was in the Sistine Chapel… it’s amazing…  BUT I wasn’t thrilled with the wealth that is on display throughout the place…  It really bothered me last time.  We’ll see how Pope Francis is running the joint!

Ciao!