Roman Holiday

Nearly a year ago Pig brought up his big idea: me and him, Rome, at least two overnights. He was that specific. Why Rome, why "without Papi and Ponchi", I don't know. I laughed it off at first, then realized I'd better grab my chance before he starts school and figures out it's uncool to travel anywhere with mom. We got special dispensation from the Eco-Pope to fly within Europe and promised each other we would be on our best behavior.

We ate way more than we should have, way less than I would have if I could (chalk it up to old age, I remember tucking way more away in '97). We hardly exhausted the list of recommended "to-dos" from everyone...but in the end if you can stomach the crowds (ie everyone else but yourself for intruding on this amazing city) you can't go very wrong in Rome.

Melissa's father inviting Felix to come back in 2023 to take her out to dinner (at least this is what the charming guy at Ai Tre Tartufi said)

We hit many of the highlights. St. Peters, Spanish Steps, the eternal Pantheon - where the lighting is always amazing.

Piazza del Popolo at sunset. When Niki and I arrived this was my first view of Rome after emerging from the metro. Still amazing.
We made deposits for our return...

Here we are at the Circus Maximus celebrating Rome's birthday. On this trip I had to explain Romulus and Remus (and she-wolf), Romans, the Goths, and yes, Christianity. I've been putting this one off for a while and have been feeling incredibly guilty for introducing religion after Star Wars to my kid. It was one eye-opening story after the other. The question that finally came after hours and hours of explaining was: what would God do in a black hole??