…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…

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,…

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:…

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…

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

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).

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…