Rome-Day 3

My cousins had been to Rome previously and so on the third day they went to Pompeii and we went to the colosseum and forum.  

We had a pretty interactive tour guide who showed B how they fought.

We didn't take a tour of the forum, but I wish we had because we probably missed a lot of what happened in this place.

 

Day 2

Monday was pretty rainy, but luckily we had booked a golf cart tour (cold, but at least it was covered and we were able to get around without getting too wet.  We started at the Spanish Steps again.  We then went to the biggest park in Rome that has a fascinating history (the golf cart drivers gave us tons of info as we went from place to place).  

    We made a lot of stops and got a ton of information, but I didn't take many photos.  B did take this one of the pantheon.

The golf carts hold a max of 6 people and we had 8, so we had to get two.  I went with the kids while Brian went with my cousins.

It took us to lunch and then out to the catacombs.  B and I didn't want to do that and so we got in the small one and headed back into Rome.  We went to some good viewing points of the Colosseum. 

And to his favorite gelato place.

B and I also went to one of the most beautiful churches (I think the original one built by the Jesuits).  Inside was an optical illusion that made the ceiling look like it had a dome, but it was completely flat.  

And this tiny car was parked outside out airbnb the whole time.  I thought it was a one seater, but we looked inside and I think you could in theory carry one passenger in the back!

 

Italy- Arrival and Day 1 Rome

When we arrived, it was late, we were hungry and our airbnb wasn't ready to be checked into (the host needed to personally meet us).  So, like a full blown comedy, we were dropped off outside the airbnb (with no way to get in) and all our bags.  We rolled them down the street and I walked into a restaurant to see if we could put the bags someplace and eat.  The whole restaurant (small), turned and watched as the host moved several tables to the side to make room for us and our bags.  This random restaurant was probably our favorite of the whole trip.  The owner was fun with B, the food was incredible, and he has his own family brand of wine (which was so good I brought two bottles home).  We ended up going twice while in Rome.

My cousin had found and rented a huge airbnb for all of us, complete with 3 baths, 4 bedrooms and plenty of space for all of us.  The only downside was it was on the 4th floor, which made every long day end with a big climb.

We found a cute little breakfast place in the morning, but they only had 7 tall chairs so my cousins husband sat in a regular chair at a high top.

Spanish Steps.

Camera man.

Gelato stop number one, with interesting flavors.  I am not sure I know what viagra flavor is, nor do I need to.

We all went to a fun cooking class that evening and made fettucini, ravioli and Tiramisu.  

 

And a few more randoms mid November

The dog that thinks she's a human and sits in the front seat with her leg bent hanging over the seat.

Caught in the act decorating for Christmas when I went to run an errand and said no before I left.

Ads who, when our dinner plans fell through the night before we left on a trip and I suggested grilled cheese, made chive butter grilled cheese.

After working the school store at East one night, 2 friends and I went to grab dinner and the man brought out tequila shots (not a regular for me on a random Wednesday night, but sure was fun)

And these two, buddies for so long I love it.