Last Day in Rome

On our last half-day, we visited the Pantheon and Piazza Navano before our afternoon flight.  The kids each had a "Mission Rome" book throughout the trip.  They earned points finding historical markers like Marcus Agrippa's name inscribed on the temple or completing tasks like counting the number of columns at the entrance.

The Pantheon has a 27 ft wide uncovered skylight through which rain falls into the interior.  The architects designed the floor to curve so the rainwater could drain out these tiny holes.  The kids had to find a drain hole on the floor for two points.

We almost lost one as he decided he was done with us.

"STOP TAKING PICTURES!!"

We also went to Campo Dei Fiori, to find Forno Campo de' Fiori known to be the best bakery in Rome.  While my family questioned the need for this out of the way stop, they appreciated my research once they took a bite.

We had a smooth trip back to Frankfurt and a few days to explore our temporary home before my parents made their way back to Huntsman Square.

Ancient Rome

On Sunday, we met Carla, a tour guide recommended by Rick Steves.  She introduced us to the city's many layers  - providing context for our Ancient Rome tour.

We walked over to the Roman Forum.  I learned the Renaissance actually caused the current state of the Forum.  When Michelangelo walked through several hundred years ago, the structures still resembled those of Julius Cesar's time.  The Popes and artists of the sixteen century pillaged the marble to create St. Pete's and other buildings.

The kids focused on their balloon animals during the tour.

They also enjoyed playing on the ancient stones.

We rested and enjoyed a snack.

We ended the tour at the Colosseum.

Owen hid from the ghosts of the lions who haunt the stadium.

Rome Food Tour

I organized tours for each day in Rome.  I created a schedule and printed an itinerary for my father.  On our second day, we took a cab to Testaccio, a traditional working class neighborhood known for its butchers, pizza, and pastries.  The food tour included 12 tastings and several historical sights.

We arrived early so Dave and the kids played "Simon Says" on the square.

We started the tour at a  pasticceria that opened in 1934.  Our guide, a Manhattanite living in Rome, offered us a cappuccino and cornetto, the traditional Roman breakfast.  We also sampled a mini tiramisu, a speciality of the chef Maurizo.  Next, we went to a renowned pizzeria.  Typical Roman Pizza is thin crusted and square in shape.  We tried pizza con patate - pizza with potato - and pizza margarita, both delicious.

We tried cured meats and balsamic vinegars at a family owned "salumeria."

Our stomachs rested as we visited a Protestant graveyard, home to Pyramid of Cestius from 18 BC and John Keats' grave.  Keats died of tuberculous in Rome at age 25 and requested the phrase "Here lies One Whose Name was writ in Water" be on his grave stone.  When his friend John Severn died he had "John Keats" placed on his stone.

We walked to Testaccio Market where we bought tomatoes at a family-run vegetable stand.

We used those tomatoes to make bruschetta.  Emily rubs her bread with garlic.

We ate cannolis at THE cannoli place in Rome.  Costanza moved her art from Palermo to start this forno.

We sat down and enjoyed three pasta dishes at Flavio, a restaurant known for its carbonara.

Then we tried trapizzini, pizza dough filled with Roman tripe.

Finally,  Gelato.  We learned how to tell if a place serves REAL gelato.

We returned to our hotel completely stuffed and spent the evening playing our favorite card game.

Yes, My Parents Made it to Germany

Shortly after we returned to Frankfurt in October, I proposed to my parents a ten day trip with four days in Rome for February.  I found $70 round trip tickets to Rome on Ryan Air.  Two days later they agreed to buy the tickets figuring it would only be a $140 loss if they didn't come. Once a week for the following two months Dave and I would discuss it at dinner "Did your parents buy tickets to Germany yet?"  "No, I wonder if they are really going to come." "What's your bet?" "Not likely."

The weekend before they arrived, I spent two nights not-sleeping with Owen as he spiked a 103 fever.  By Tuesday morning, their arrival date, Owen and I were both sick. Wednesday morning, Dave woke up sick.  Instead of exploring Frankfurt, my parents cared for Owen while Dave and I slept  -  all day.  Wednesday night, we packed for Rome though we doubted we would actually go.  Thursday morning, we debated.  Twenty minutes before we had to leave, we decided to just go.  Not a very relaxing start to the trip.  (Then of course, the major highway we take to Hahn Airport closed adding 30 minutes and a lot of panic to our drive.)

We arrived in Rome, found our Bed and Breakfast, and explored our neighborhood.  The next morning, we met our tour guide for the Vatican.  Dave and Owen barely made it up the three dozen stairs.  With his three coats, green complexion, and shivering affect, Dave looked like he belonged in an infirmary.  Ten minutes into the tour, they went back to the hotel.

Picture taking stopped as my thoughts began an endless loop of "Are they okay?" "Why are we here?" "What a mistake" though I did catch Emily posing like the ancient statues.

The Vatican holds my favorite Renaissance Art so I did fall into the moment.  After several hours, Dave realized the medicine he and Owen took had made them sick.   We had hope for a better day after 24hrs with no medicine and a good night sleep.