Author: Marissa

  • Mid Pleasures and Palaces…

    Mid Pleasures and Palaces…

    …though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there’s no place like home. (John Howard Payne, 1823) First, thank you. To our family, to new friends and old, thank you. You made this trip so much more than we’d hoped; your presence and comments strengthened and encouraged us. Last night, we slept in our own…

  • Bonus Post – Zandvoort, The Netherlands

    Bonus Post – Zandvoort, The Netherlands

    We arrive in Amsterdam 10 minutes after our connecting flight departs. But not before we see the Alps and Mont Blanc. Thick fog delayed our take off from Rome and had us circling in the ‘holding area’ over Amsterdam until we were dizzy. In the airport, we take a number. Four hours later we learn that we’ll…

  • On Rome, The Vatican, and Home

    On Rome, The Vatican, and Home

    Rome is Italy exaggerated. It wields the power to thrill and annoy, delight and disgust, exhilarate and exhaust (like a 9-week vacation). In the last few days here, we explore the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Vatican. This astonishing city compels us to ponder its allure and 2500 year history. We admire the Colosseum’s beautiful ruin, consider the brutality it brandished,…

  • Castel Sant’Angelo

    Castel Sant’Angelo

    No, this isn’t from Castel Sant’Angelo. It’s the curious embellishment on the tomb of Cardinal Cinzio Passeri Aldobrandini in the church of San Pietro in Vincoli, St. Peter in Chains. But, it’s Halloween, so, Happy Halloween. We cross the Tiber river on Ponte Sant’Angelo, a bridge with views to amaze. Ahead is the Castel Sant’Angelo, a huge, cylindrical structure:…

  • Titian, Bassano, Caravaggio, Bernini – The Borghese Gallery

    Titian, Bassano, Caravaggio, Bernini – The Borghese Gallery

    Silvia, the owner of our apartment, was told Monday that no appointments were available to see the Borghese Gallery during our stay. She persistently called back over two days and, success, secured two slots at 1pm on Thursday. (thank you Silvia!) The gallery allows 360 visitors during five, two-hour time slots per day. We arrive at the gallery…

  • Lace Up Your Walking Shoes

    Lace Up Your Walking Shoes

    Here’s our route: The Spanish Steps, to Piazza Di Montecitorio (and Parliament), to the Trevi Fountain, to the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. You may find a patient journalist, a heated interview with some Italian politician, a great place to get a gelato, and a couple taking a mid-walk rest on a bench. View Larger Map

  • Giochi di Strada – Street Games!

    Giochi di Strada – Street Games!

    Ropes and cones block all 6-lanes of the Via dei Fori Imperiali from the Colosseum to Il Vittoriano. Instead of cars, buses, and Vespas – bubble blowers, tug-of-war teams, stilt walking students, and block builders fill traffic lanes. Giochi di Strada, Street Games! The fellow making the giant bubbles entertained kids – of all ages (ahem).

  • Hideaway in Monti

    Hideaway in Monti

    We’re told it’s a challenge to find a room in Rome without mind numbing noise. But our hideaway apartment in Monti (NYT article about Monti) is silent. Silent. It’s a 10 minute walk to the Colosseum. Good restaurants, specialty food, and wine shops are just down the street. It’s a gem. We’re staying in one…

  • We’re In Rome Baby!

    We’re In Rome Baby!

     

  • The Road to Rome

    The Road to Rome

    We don’t want to leave Brigolante. We’re nourished and revived, yet we crave more. This week, we’ve taken time to reminisce, to reflect on highlights of our journey so far. Treviso and The Courage to Feel Welcome. Venice and Redefining Normal. Bologna and Then we sat down for a feast. (with new photos of our friends…