Friday, June 17, 2011

Ciao, Roma

Italians use "ciao" to say "hello" or "goodbye."  We feel like we just said hello to Rome, and as I'm writing this, it's 10:00 on Friday night, and we're preparing to say goodbye.  We're packing our suitcases one final time, because we're off to the airport early tomorrow morning.

What busy, memorable days the last two have been!  We began Thursday's  adventure in the world's smallest country, Vatican City.  Along with thousands of other visitors, we toured the Vatican Museum, the Sistine Chapel, and the Basilica of St. Peter.  Everywhere we turned we saw a masterpiece, and there were more than a few audible gasps when we first saw the magnificent Sistine Chapel ceiling.

The afternoon brought a tour of the Roman Colosseum and Forum.  Don't think for a moment that the "highlight stops" were the only remarkable things we saw during the day.  It seemed that every time we turned a corner, something else worth remembering for a lifetime appeared. 

Today, we climbed the Capitoline Hill and toured the museum there.  We spent our afternoon in the Trastevere section of the city, across the Tiber River.  We ate delicious meals, shopped, enjoyed cold drinks at lovely cafes, and got our gelato fixes.  Some of us discovered a beautiful basilica, where we spent a few peaceful moments.  Then, most of us took an uphill hike, with a beautiful fountain and a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome as our rewards.

We just returned from a trip to the famous Trevi Fountain. We tossed coins over our shoulders and made wishes, ate more gelato, and returned to our hotel. 
The "Pterodactyl" family at the Roman Colosseum 

Tomorrow morning, we'll begin our journeys back home with you, our families and friends.  We've endured heat, rain, wind, choppy seas, and fatigue.  We've also enjoyed laughter, fellowship, and the opportunity to enjoy experiences that connect us to the culture of the Western world like few others can do.

We miss you, and we'll be home soon.



Your bloggers,
Chris and Chris Joyce

P.S.  Don't forget to keep checking the blog. We're not done yet.

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