Pre-Moon!

I wish I could come up with the perfect way to explain our trip, but I simply don't think I could do it justice. I'll work on it. In the mean time, we are having an absolutely spectacular trip, Italy is soooo wonderful, and each stop is better than the last. And, success! Pete is really starting to unwind. Here are the photos! (Rome and Siena. We're currently in Cortona, off to Civita and Orvieto tomorrow. I'll post those soon! Attraversiamo!)

Dinner at the same restaurant in Piazza Navona where Pete and I drank wine with Robert (right) until the wee hours on the very first day we met. This was our first night in Italy, and a perfect way to kick off our pre-moon.

Sitting at the Fontana di Quattro Fiumi (fountain of four rivers) in the Piazza Navona

Spectacular ceilings in the Vatican Museum. And proof of oodles of tourists.

Pete on our rooftop terrace at our apartment in Rome. You can see the dome of San Pietro in the distance (left). We had a glass of wine up there each night before wandering out for dinner and the Roman nightlife. They are party animals!!

Our street, Via Giulia. By the way, there were banners posted all along the street announcing the celebration of the street's 500th anniversary. Yes, 5-0-0. Tends to put things in perspective, doesn't it?

I have oodles of photos of details like this from the trip so far (so many in fact, that today when I told Pete, "I brought my camera!" he replied, "of course you did"), but didn't want to bore you all. Italian cities are covered with details like this - small altars, mostly of the Madonna carved into alcoves or fountains or just stuck into rock walls along these streets. So beautiful. As a girl whose formative years didn't include much in terms of organized religion (Pete calls me his Hawaiian Heathen), I am constantly amazed and impressed by the intensity of Catholicism. THe older folks highly devoted, and going to church each day. The younger generation a bit more relaxed, but still attending every Sunday. Actually, on a similarly impressive note, the "neighborhood churches" you can wander into - not just the world famous numbers - are incredible structures, with soaring ceilings, gold inlay, the whole nine yards. The whole experience is kind of awe inspiring.

Photos from the Roman Forum and the Palentine Hill. This was our third day in Rome. I finally wore sensible shoes. Yes, I know.

The history here is kind of spectacular. Romans with spears and stuff used to wander around here! I made the point to touch a chunk of marble pillar lying around because maybe a Caesar touched it too!!! Although at that time, the marble column probably wasn't lying on the ground....

Pete standing under a sign announcing that this was the Augustus residence.

Now here we are at the Coliseum. Doesn't matter how many times I see it, it always takes my breath away. But! I had never been inside before! Total treat to wander around inside.

Those are the pits where they kept the gladiators and the animals that the gladiators were either supposed to fight/kill or be eaten by. The wooden floor over the pits could be flooded so the gladiators could have sea battles. You know.

Our view from lunch.

The Pantheon. Another take-your-breath-away wee structure.

Inside of the Pantheon - we were really lucky and while we were visiting, the British Royal Choir was singing inside, yay!

Sunset from our rooftop terrace.

After Rome, off to Siena! The main square is made up of nine of the "old family" houses. The family rivalry is still alive and kicking.

The view from our hotel.

Each of the Sienese families have family flags. Each little street was lined with them! Usually paired with a matching lamp. So cool.

Gelato. Oh the delight.

Amy with well.

The main piazza at sunset.

The cathedral at sunset.

Zebra-y stripes inside the cathedral. Again, we were lucky with timing - apparently the detailed marble floors are kept covered the entire year EXCEPT during September. Yay us. They were pretty neat.