Jake's Family Visits Rome

It's been a real treat to have Jake and his family visit us on our mission here in Rome.  The timing was perfect:  our mission responsibilities are coming to a close so we had our days freed up to join in all the touring!  We saw all the major sights, and many second tier sites, ate way too much pizza, pasta, and gelato and did some hanging around at the apartment when it was too hot to be outside.  We took a couple of day trips to the beautiful countryside and small villages and old villas.  We had a day for refugee work at the opening of the Friendship Center and then an evening at Baobab Camp, where the kids gave away some of their prized stuffed animals.  At church they went to Primary....there was only one other child in Primary!  It's fun to share this experience together.  Thanks for coming Jake and Mel!

What 'word' do you see?

I think Italy likes me....and I'm in the right profession as well.

I've had a Birthday, shout 'Hooray!'

Definitely one year old, and possibly wiser too.  But for sure I had a very happy 62nd birthday!  According to society, I am officially retirement age.  Social security eligible.  Weird.  Fine.  I can deal with it.  The party lasted 2 days and we had a blast.  We went to Talamone, which is a 2 hour drive north of Rome.  We found a hotel we really like called Cap d'Uomo.  It's the new 'Dressen'.  We got upgraded to a Junior Suite for my birthday.  Not really for that reason, but that's the way I look at it!  We had perfect weather.  We snorkeled and swam, read on the deck, and even wrapped up in blankets and watched the sunset.  We ate dinner on our terrace.  All the photos should speak for themselves.

Then on a free day in Rome we took the opportunity to go to a free museum, called the Wall Museum.  There is a section of the ancient wall that is still in fabulous shape.  The museum has some history and also allows you to walk on the wall.  Great outing.

And lastly, we were here in Rome for Italian National Day, June 2nd.  We didn't get in the thick of the festivities but we did see a 'fly over' which left the Italian National colors.  And Tom is demonstrating what one might call a 'bump on a log'....

Oh, and I wanted to add a couple of photos from a long while ago, just didn't want them to get lost. 

Where the gladiators trained, just across the street from the Colosseum

Only allowed to access by knees.  This is what Luther hated about the Catholic Church.  You paid your 'indulgences' and climbed penitently up the stairs on your knees to receive forgiveness.  This church is next to San Giovanni Basilica in Rome.

Tom and I chose to walk the adjacent stairs that you can climb with your feet!  And it was free, but I guess our sins are not forgiven... maybe next time.

Just a cool corner we happened upon in Milan.  Around the corner is the restaurant Rossopomodoro, which we discovered quite by accident and is now our new favorite.