We finally made it to Rome!

So November was so busy and full of travels that it took us all of December to recover.  Our November travels started with a trip to Rome (finally after almost 2 years only 6 hours away) where we met Mom and Dad Granados.

After finding them at the airport - 7 hours earlier than they were supposed to arrive - we enjoyed an afternoon wandering the city and getting our bearings.  Since we stayed only a block or so from the Vatican we started with view down the boulevard, walked past Castel Sant'Angelo and then moved on to the Pantheon.

Our first glance at the Vatican

Castel Sant'Angelo

I have to say that this is one amazing structure.  It looks like it was built or at least refurbished yesterday but in actuality it was built in 27 BC nearly 2000 years ago and has only been minimally refurbished.  It was also a great time to see the Pantheon because it seemed to be nearly empty - or at least not swarming with crowds as I expected.

Pantheon ceiling

We were also blessed with beautiful weather for nearly our whole weekend in Rome starting with a great sunset on Friday night which obviously the photos don't do justice of.

Great view of the Vatican

Mom & Dad G. with the Vatican in the background.

The Vatican after dark on our way back to the hotel.

The next day we started bright and early at the Vatican.  We had a tour of the museums ending with the Basilica.  The whole tour was great but my favorites were obviously the Sistine Chapel (sorry no pics and given that the illegal ones don't do it justice I see why) and the Basilica.  I would love to go back and just lay on the floor and stare at the ceiling of the chapel for days or wander the conclaves of the Basilica - but alas there was more to see.

One of many beautiful halls in the Vatican Museums

In the Courtyard of the Vatican Museums

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Peter's Cathedral

Vatican Guard

We made our way next to Fontana di Trevi, the crowds in the Sistine Chapel and here made up for the smaller crowds at the Pantheon.  Despite that I made the traditional wish in the fountain throwing a coin over my left shoulder.  It is actually quite a peaceful and amazing site hidden in the middle of the city. 

Fontana di Trevi

Fontana di Trevi

After enjoying some gelato fountain side while people watching we made our way to the Spanish steps - although we only saw them from the bottom they are quite the site.  

The Spanish Steps - The widest steps in all of Europe

Then we wandered through Piazza del Popolo before starting our restaurant hopping.  

The "twin" churches of Piazza del Popolo Santa Maria in Montesanto (left, built 1662-75)
and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (right, built 1675-79).

A snack nearby was followed by dinner with Tara, Joe, Claire, and Charlotte near the Rupublic. We were even able to sneak into St. Mary of the Angels and the Martyrs, a small basilica.  All in all a productive day.

The Republic

Fountain by the Republic

The next morning we started at the Forum followed by the Coliseum. (Tip for those who are planning a trip if you buy combo tickets at the Forum you don't have to wait in the ridiculous line for the Coliseum).   we really enjoyed wandering through the Forum, even getting a little lost and hiding from the rain under the trees (luckily the rain didn't last long).  Phil of course was in all his glory looking at the Roman ruins - which we roamed all morning.

The Forum

The Forum

The Forum

The Forum

At the Forum

Inside the Coliseum

Coliseum with a beautiful blue sky after the rain.

After a quick bite outside the Coliseum we were on our way north toward home but not before a stop in Siena to break up the drive - unfortunately due to an unplanned detour which was lovely but ended at a Tamoil 2 hours from Siena we arrived later than we wanted - trying to find your hotel in a ZTL is not always the easiest in the dark, but we managed and enjoyed a nice dinner with a few bottles of wine at a local cafe before calling it a night.  The next day we did a quick spin through Sienna which really deserves a few days and I hope to return to soon.

Piazza del Campo - Siena

The Basilica of San Domenico - Siena

Sienna Hillside

But we were on our way to Pisa. Lunch in Pisa with a stop in the Basilica is really all you need and it was perfect for us because it allowed us to get back home in time for an anniversary dinner at Aeolia's and relax a little before going to work the next day.

Piazza del Duomo - Pisa

Although it only requires a quick stop,
every visit is breathtaking.

Holding up the Tower!

Of course Mom & Dad G. still had lots to do the rest of the week, a day trip to Venice and Verona and of course wondering our little Vicenza.  All in all a good start to a hectic but fabulous month.