Our Italian Adventure: Arrival in Rome

Once it ruled the Western World, and even the partial, scattered ruins of that awesome empire, of which Rome was the capital, are today among the most overpowering sights on earth. To walk the Roman Forum, to view the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Appian Way—these are among the most memorable, instructive, and illuminating experiences in all of travel. To see evidence of a once-great civilization that no longer exists is a humbling experience that everyone should have.
Thrilling, too, are the sights of Christian Rome, which speak to the long and complex domination by this city of one of the world’s major religions. As a visitor to Rome, you will be constantly reminded of this extraordinary history.

But it’s important to remember that Rome is not just a place of the past, but one that lives and breathes and buzzes with Vespas in the here and now. So take the time to get away from the tourist hordes to explore the intimate piazzas and lesser basilicas in the backstreets of Trastevere and the centro storico. Indulge in eno-gastronomic pursuits and stuff your days with cappuccinos, pizza, trattorias, wine bars, and gelato. Have a picnic in Villa Borghese, take a vigorous walk along the Gianicolo, or nap in the grass against a fallen granite column at the Baths of Caracalla. Rome is so compact, that without even planning too much, you’ll end up enjoying both its monuments and its simpler pleasures.

And we all have arrived, 16 of us, for our family adventure, celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary. We will be staying at the beautiful Hotel de la Minerve, a magnificent roman mansion dating from the 1600s in the historic city center just minutes from the Pantheon, one of Rome's most important and historical buildings, just a short walk to Piazza Navona. Michele, Jeff, William, and Elsbeth arrived first, then we followed by about 30 minutes, and Pat and his family arrived about 2 hours later. We had to go just a few steps to the Pantheon to Piazza de la Ronda and had a quick lunch of pizza and watched the crowds. Then the children all in unison requested gelato. Hilary and Nicole took the kids to Piazza Navona to visit the Gelateria Caffe Pasticceria, one of Rome's most famous gelaterias. Most chose chocolate, of course, but Bella knew she wanted the coffee gelato!! The children all wanted to have their picture made with the elephant and the obelisk which stands in front of the hotel and outside the Church of Santa Maria sopra Minerve. Sculpted by Gian Bernini, it was placed there in 1667. The Egyptian obelisk was found in newly excavations. Michele, Jeff, and I walked to the Church of Sant'Agnese in Agone which houses three beautiful, if very dark, paintings by Caravaggio depicting the death of the apostle Saint Matthew. Walked through the Pantheon on the way back to the hotel. We all met up on the lovely roof garden and exchanged travel stories and the cousins got reacquainted and the sounds of giggles and laughter filled the air. Everyone was delighted to be together and we had a wonderful seafood dinner at a restaurant Ron had found while walking about the area. Great food, good company. Theo and Dorsey watched a movie on his phone and Theo was almost beside himself with fatigue from the trip and between nods he could hardly keep his eyes open. Time for bed for everyone!!