We started early on Wednesday for a trip that we weren't sure was going to happen. After Joey got back from Switzerland, Joseph came down with an intense cough/chest infection. After some late nights, antibiotics, and an inhaler, he was starting to feel better just as James started to develop a cough. We didn't want to be in an even more foreign (to us) country dealing with breathing issues/bacterial infections. Thankfully, James got some preventative treatment. So with rounds of medicine and inhalers, we left for Edinburgh in the wee hours of the morning for our 6:30am flight to Rome Ciampino Airport.
Our trusty driver Gino picked us up at the airport and helped us navigate the crazy streets of Rome to get us safely to our flat. Our place was perfect for us (http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p293295). Located on the edge of Trastevere, it was easy to head into that neighborhood for meals while also an easy walk to the Vatican and other landmarks. We got a little settled and then headed out to explore our neighborhood.
On our first day, we went into the Santa Maria Basilica. Such a beautiful, old Church!
Thankfully, we brought our theology scholar along to help us look for details in the Churches such as how to tell which pictures were of the Gospel writers.
Our reason for coming to Rome was for Joey to attend a conference and give a paper so on Thursday and Friday he headed off for the day around 8:30am and returned to us close to 6pm. I spent the first morning scouring the internet for an easy, close place to take the boys for lunch where I thought I could find and correctly order something for the boys. I got a little intimidated when I read that most places don't offer pizza for lunch since that was my plan for feeding two boys by myself. Thankfully, we found a sweet cafe where the nice Italian man humored me and spoke English. The boys were still getting over their illnesses so we just went out for lunch, gelato, and a little exploring before heading back to our place.
When Joey got home on Thursday and Friday, we packed up and went out to see some sights. On Thursday night, we went to Piazza Novona. Our sweet friends the Davises who once lived in Italy loved this Piazza so we were excited to see it. So much beauty!! We hit it right around dusk and the lovely sky just added to the wonder.
Our trusty driver Gino picked us up at the airport and helped us navigate the crazy streets of Rome to get us safely to our flat. Our place was perfect for us (http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p293295). Located on the edge of Trastevere, it was easy to head into that neighborhood for meals while also an easy walk to the Vatican and other landmarks. We got a little settled and then headed out to explore our neighborhood.
we passed this quaint garden tucked away from the street
piazza di Santa Maria
This piazza in the heart of Trastevere would be a much visited place during our trip. The boys loved coming here to see the fountain (or to wash off after some gelato).
Thankfully, we brought our theology scholar along to help us look for details in the Churches such as how to tell which pictures were of the Gospel writers.
S.P.Q.R. (from the Latin phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus
meaning the Senate and People of Rome)
our first taste of gelato
On our first night, we let Joey venture out and explore the Italian grocery store nearby since we needed some essentials for the morning. He got supplies for dinner and we made a yummy pancetta artichoke spaghetti to celebrate our first night in Italy.
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Joseph said he was making a heart sign to say he loved Italy and food. |
When Joey got home on Thursday and Friday, we packed up and went out to see some sights. On Thursday night, we went to Piazza Novona. Our sweet friends the Davises who once lived in Italy loved this Piazza so we were excited to see it. So much beauty!! We hit it right around dusk and the lovely sky just added to the wonder.
enjoying the fountain
Pamphilj Palace (currently home to the Brazilian Embassy)
the fountain of the four rivers
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