Last weekend was probably one of my favorites during my time here in Europe. And, it wasn't really because I was in Rome.
It was because I got to spend time with my family - family that came from the United States, family that is living/studying in Europe, and family that lives in Rome. Yes, we were exploring one of the most beautiful cities on earth. Yes, we had some great food and wine. But, most importantly for me, it was because 3 generations of Salvos/Mitchells/Breens/Mangiacapres were there.
I flew in from Paris.
My cousin Pat who is a lecteur in English at a French university came in from Lille.
My cousin Erin came from Florence along with her mom (my aunt Michelle), my aunt Mary Ann (her first trip to Europe), and my grandpa.
My uncle Joe and cousins Kelsey and Kiera flew in from NY as did my aunt Barbara (via a brief stop in Prague on the way).
Yes, that's 10 of us who came from the states.
Then, when you add in the Rome family, there's another 2 + 2 + 4 + 1, you do the math!
My grandpa is amazing. He's 85 and I'd say he's amazing even for like a 70 year-old. You could just tell he was so happy to be in Rome, using some of his Italian, seeing family, and revisiting the city (even though he'd been many times before). Though he may not move quite as fast as he used to, he is just as sharp and never complains. Really, he's a pretty great travel companion (although I've heard that he snores...)
We were also so lucky to have Francesca with us for most of the weekend. Let's see if I get this right --- she's grandpa's first cousin Anna's daughter. Francesca is so knowledgeable about Roman history and from the Vatican to the Colosseum to the church by her home, she was able to teach us so much.
So, here are some highlights from the weekend we all spent together...
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| Trevi Fountain |
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| Is it left hand, right shoulder? Or, right hand, left shoulder? Pat looks amused with us...this was also before Barb's sweater fell in the fountain. "Ummmm....excuse me, ma'am?" |
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| St. Peter's Basilica |
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| Francesca, giving us a history lesson |
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| Learning about the Colosseum |
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| The whole American crew + Francesca |
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| We went into the Catacombs. Thankfully we had Francesca to translate what the guide was saying since I don't speak or understand Italian. | |
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| Much of the weekend included good food and drink - but, hey, it is family and Italy. What did you really expect? |
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| Rice balls |
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| Fish and zucchini flowers and pasta, of course - delicious! |
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| Pasta a la Norma - in honor of grandma...and, it was great! |
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| Family lunch at a beautiful park - the restaurant used to be Mussolini's private cinema and his former summer home is also on the property (but is currently undergoing renovations). |
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| Family Tree - attempts one and two. Can't believe they were accidentally left at the restaurant. |
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| Yep, Aunt Michelle is afraid of escalators. Who knew?! |
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| Strolling through the Roman Forum. I think Uncle Joe needs a man-purse (hey, they are common in Europe)! |
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