tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7867692988919379202024-03-13T09:03:41.704+01:00Deliberately Searching for CreativityTo Begin... A Year in RomeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-8576073596313432872010-06-12T09:34:00.004+02:002010-06-12T09:59:48.083+02:00Arrivederci!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LVVTxPSSv7UbWQapEOz7Ps-MLccm1MGPBbNsXCEPXSpkakXsVoyZ3zaTSihkHEJze1l8odv5zvuvZLmc62GhUIl1-VegYTsDephcOZqJFQN-MG3ESyvZYAC5QymJSmHN1JiiupDU_ug/s1600/IMG_2840_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 394px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-LVVTxPSSv7UbWQapEOz7Ps-MLccm1MGPBbNsXCEPXSpkakXsVoyZ3zaTSihkHEJze1l8odv5zvuvZLmc62GhUIl1-VegYTsDephcOZqJFQN-MG3ESyvZYAC5QymJSmHN1JiiupDU_ug/s400/IMG_2840_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481790571809135202" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">We have packed the majority of our belongings – suitcases line our living room walls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The kitchen cupboards are relatively bare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our refrigerator only contains memories of meals past…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Too soon, we will be leaving our beloved Roma.</span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Sardegna is our next destination, Porto Cervo on the Smeralda Coast to be exact.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Relaxing beach time tops our list of requirements before we head home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, that, and a bit of exploring of the ancient (1800 – 500 BC!) nuraghi (dwellings and fortress’ of the Nuraghic people).</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Sicilia and Sardegna are similarly sized islands, far too large to explore in just one week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rich with stunning beaches and history on every coast, and inland, we had to reach out to a couple of Sardegna traveled friends for recommendations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>There are a few other adventures I may share (I don’t think I wrote about our dreamy trip to Siracusa, Sicilia back in October [truthfully, my sophomoric writing can’t do Sicilia justice – it’s as much emotion, as an incredibly, beautiful experience – we must go back! And take yourselves to Noto!], fun and funky Barcelona in February, Lucca and San Gimignano in April, so many recipes to share, wonderful meals shared with our generoso e molto gentile famiglia qui in Italia, and we were in Tivoli touring the various Villas last weekend…), but at this point, this may be my last entry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Thank you to those who sent me comments and messages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sorry I wasn’t open to being a bit more public, but this blog was only written for family and personal friends.</o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;">Ah, and I have an interesting observation regarding our time here. When we planned our year here, we hoped we would expand our language skills (I'm still in Italian 101, but my husband has progressed!), enjoy lots of time with our Italian family, travel, eat, drink and be merry. We found, we immersed ourselves into a similar lifestyle as we had at home. Don't get me wrong, we certainly enjoyed every experience, but I wish I would have progressed out of Italian 101, spent additional time with our Italian family, and traveled a wee bit more. Such is life! It guarantees, we'll be back!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>American family and friends – we’ll see you on the other side of the world soon!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Arrivederci e baci-baci!</o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-65946797403157320722010-06-08T09:25:00.017+02:002011-04-03T21:55:48.514+02:00Favorite Shops in Rome! April 2011 Updates Included<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I wouldn’t be me, if I didn’t mention a few worthwhile shops I’ve enjoyed while living in Rome. Many of these shops are within my neighborhood, as we live in the heart of the shopping district. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><b>Update: We have returned to bella Roma for my daughter's Spring Break. There have been a few changes in the last nine months worth writing about. </b></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmAUVtuvyNCKS3opzfG0jhbFDaLTa-7k5pFKXEaLFzFz2gIdGFtmqQJJQHUeLEbqLBhFaf6fAGRnW_iqTRAfCi_lgboNV8G0l7GmRPrXBPyBcbZeZlbTA7G-lsDvELQp3aIKZuEzav2s/s1600/IMG_0320.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmAUVtuvyNCKS3opzfG0jhbFDaLTa-7k5pFKXEaLFzFz2gIdGFtmqQJJQHUeLEbqLBhFaf6fAGRnW_iqTRAfCi_lgboNV8G0l7GmRPrXBPyBcbZeZlbTA7G-lsDvELQp3aIKZuEzav2s/s400/IMG_0320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480310834308981170" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Degli Effetti</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – this is my number one place for buying everything!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Clothes, shoes, bags, hosiery, etc.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Massimo has been in business for over 30 years, is well known in the industry, is well known in Rome and carries primo items.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Givenchy, Alaia, Balmain, Ann Demeulemeester, Commes des Garcon, Rick Owens, Margiela, If Six Were Nine & LGB (not easy to get your hands on these two!), Yohji Yamamoto, Celine, Jil Sander, See by Chloe, Robert Clergerie, etc.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Massimo has a tailor close by who will alter items within 24 hours.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">If you are a serious customer, they will take you to The Apartment.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> My photo isn't great, but it has my favorite shopping partner in it and she's camera shy. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Piazza Capranica, 93 – 06.6790202 (close to the Pantheon)</span></b></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OmhVeYlrqmIg0dLpZQE3P9DDE-Kk6BMMq-qt9G8buqkzdIj33tYSAhqA1glxsyiTVSVmz4h3EtWYhps7kR1zlJ5FHgNTjcfCfVOd2hCbQTxY2InVoaRuM2mhO1WCDo_-NQG4gl7TgRQ/s1600/IMG_0328.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2OmhVeYlrqmIg0dLpZQE3P9DDE-Kk6BMMq-qt9G8buqkzdIj33tYSAhqA1glxsyiTVSVmz4h3EtWYhps7kR1zlJ5FHgNTjcfCfVOd2hCbQTxY2InVoaRuM2mhO1WCDo_-NQG4gl7TgRQ/s400/IMG_0328.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480310454238341746" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gente</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – if I can’t find what I’m looking for at Degli Effetti, I’m sure to find it at Gente.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gente has quite a few stores littered throughout Rome, but the one I shop at is right by my apartment because they have such a good mix of high (Givenchy, Balenciaga, Lanvin, Louboutin) and low (J Brand, 3.1 Philip Lim, Diane von Furstenburg, Uggs [for my daughter]).</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The other stores offer a lot more casual wear.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They do have a clearance store on Cola di Rienzo. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via del Babuino, 81 – 06.3207671 (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo)</span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Gente Update: Gente has now expanded to the palazzo next door, there's a walkway through the back of the store, so they have even more high end items to choose from.</span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">VBH </span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">– gorgeous, high quality handbags made out of a variety of materials; leather, snake, crocodile, etc.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Their styles range from classic to trendy, are day-to-day useful and the only thing that is missing - a great, big, fat label or logo plastered on them.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The staff speak many languages, including English, and are as sweet as can be.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is not a brand easily found in America. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via di San Giacomo, 21 – 06.36008834 (between Piazza di Spagna and Piazza del Popolo)</span></b><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVNZ0v0xFpgz5pp7H_EwWVeHPkiC2Wohm7kDAYctWkMk4F7WpFgb49N8dVmXIPgHTijZnXX-xqs37LwS4IQZPZkh51AUGCXvYUrTTWkbsO0mWe73nGs8FWh6LgxWarao9FnIdzczZ29E/s1600/IMG_3687.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifVNZ0v0xFpgz5pp7H_EwWVeHPkiC2Wohm7kDAYctWkMk4F7WpFgb49N8dVmXIPgHTijZnXX-xqs37LwS4IQZPZkh51AUGCXvYUrTTWkbsO0mWe73nGs8FWh6LgxWarao9FnIdzczZ29E/s400/IMG_3687.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480308981065323506" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1vKy9l7NxkGZ3JGDNKoPnTdyGF10T5BGlsCuJz6e7WqY0zNbUqPOQEPSH9UcUWlv95yPzBC8y7VG4-TMxkcU7ncDByJQCCeaTEqKzN13KwaUbZN54Bc0TiZbeq71A7eNsGWvpqenorM/s1600/IMG_3685.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_1vKy9l7NxkGZ3JGDNKoPnTdyGF10T5BGlsCuJz6e7WqY0zNbUqPOQEPSH9UcUWlv95yPzBC8y7VG4-TMxkcU7ncDByJQCCeaTEqKzN13KwaUbZN54Bc0TiZbeq71A7eNsGWvpqenorM/s400/IMG_3685.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480308287389135602" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Corrado Sacchi </span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">– there are as many jewelry stores in Rome, as there are churches!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">And I certainly don’t count myself as an authority.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">However, I’ve had a bit of fun at Corrado Sacchi.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The jewelry is handmade, you are able to order custom pieces (if you have a week to be fit for the wax cast, then another week for the final piece), the historic pieces are a sure way to capture your precious memories of Roma and there are modern designs as well. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via della Palombella, 39-40 – 06.6869223 (close to the Pantheon)</span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BOjT3yywZJia77r77UWcZm1EVMWKhorJ7Y4F25EP9q7O8-RM9CFV6xdjAUWH61It-WQace5ScFFuCNoyB3J0U7NW9TR1N0K-bBlzGbBIJYW5Hm4FDj2S2S_qcVbWHZQboFg4R0wlxJY/s1600/IMG_0387.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3BOjT3yywZJia77r77UWcZm1EVMWKhorJ7Y4F25EP9q7O8-RM9CFV6xdjAUWH61It-WQace5ScFFuCNoyB3J0U7NW9TR1N0K-bBlzGbBIJYW5Hm4FDj2S2S_qcVbWHZQboFg4R0wlxJY/s400/IMG_0387.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480307275497646754" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Society</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – this linen store is very dangerous, but far from formal.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These linens are in washed colors, light and textural to touch with no ironing involved.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Bedding and table linens are available, as are a few men’s cotton items and scarves.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Segolene is from Paris, but speaks English and Italian perfectly.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She’s a doll to consult with - I was able to complete my order online, as I didn’t have exact measurements with me.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Touch everything in this store!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Piazza di Pasquino, 4 – 06.6832480 (just west of Piazza Navona)</span></b></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcdqFnIsiMxZSF1hQChgZXhaZ3UQG4IW5pAGSL0sgSts0hcpxLA-AQtGxDtVV-fgjlhdpMBcc5N1_OrTVK31vGV2nDcvxDjmzV2kLAms7y3aXHhTD25W_g0H-7b9_cRcVD7cA_9fy9jk/s1600/IMG_0040.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpcdqFnIsiMxZSF1hQChgZXhaZ3UQG4IW5pAGSL0sgSts0hcpxLA-AQtGxDtVV-fgjlhdpMBcc5N1_OrTVK31vGV2nDcvxDjmzV2kLAms7y3aXHhTD25W_g0H-7b9_cRcVD7cA_9fy9jk/s400/IMG_0040.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480306902411325090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrn-9oMD3XlFOKcYs1rA6zy6YD4xOTyxzt50YQLkdZ4KyBXi-yElwy25PGLqiW8AvEIALW7N_cQp8ugaATmeRZ519MZCwh4K6PXMJ20B1SF59n0ZwR7_47VPUJ2OmbJcqXhYMeBAYTHc/s1600/IMG_0033.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbrn-9oMD3XlFOKcYs1rA6zy6YD4xOTyxzt50YQLkdZ4KyBXi-yElwy25PGLqiW8AvEIALW7N_cQp8ugaATmeRZ519MZCwh4K6PXMJ20B1SF59n0ZwR7_47VPUJ2OmbJcqXhYMeBAYTHc/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480306511412811314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03mJ7q1HHRNuQmQFD2xKIWGgHSF2OOlzO8geUcVAh2UXvD_cUw_Knc5e2wzw6Yr162r5U6AAmOIpzJ30NNgbr2xdclNCZmsiv0xOeDJDhYmIKU4bvNXJ4DZApKUF613RcY-aqtyYJuTY/s1600/IMG_0037.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03mJ7q1HHRNuQmQFD2xKIWGgHSF2OOlzO8geUcVAh2UXvD_cUw_Knc5e2wzw6Yr162r5U6AAmOIpzJ30NNgbr2xdclNCZmsiv0xOeDJDhYmIKU4bvNXJ4DZApKUF613RcY-aqtyYJuTY/s400/IMG_0037.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480305474402830370" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Cesari </span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">– Mrs. Stefania overlooks every item in this lovely, formal, high-end linen store.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The embroidery on the table linens is done by hand, the towels come in over 60 colorways, the bedding is sumptuous and Mrs. Stefania believes every woman should own at least one piece of her tempting lingerie.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Each week, it’s a treat to see the window displays, which have been beautifully restyled.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There were countless gift bags, filled for lucky recipients, lined up along the back hallway to be delivered during the busy holiday season. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via del Babuino, 195 – 06.3613456 (just south of Piazza del Popolo) </span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tad Concept Store</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – I love how they label this as a concept store.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Reason being, there is a small flower market, café, hair salon, parfumerie, jewelry selection and housewares department.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">However, what brings in the customers is the Chloe, Basso & Brooke, Derek Lam, 3.1 Philip Lim, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Velvet, Roberto del Carlo and Current/Elliott.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I’ve noticed a drop in brands, quality and sizes this season, due to the economy, but their windows are always eye catching. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via del Babuino, 155 – 06.326.95131</span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Tad Update: Tad has closed, as their owner has passed away. A fond farewell to Tad!</span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAMPgr1v1g2u3gIAMa7Lu_UX20U7emS1SLiKx8XIkI7ygiz1aURNboHS5S2tDYCA3hkPJtYk0DLSYsQKk-W1RoiypoF3SocyaQJbbQyKoRy839ofV5aMghyjIoeaB0fuA7P_tZXyNgbs/s1600/IMG_3432.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 318px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAMPgr1v1g2u3gIAMa7Lu_UX20U7emS1SLiKx8XIkI7ygiz1aURNboHS5S2tDYCA3hkPJtYk0DLSYsQKk-W1RoiypoF3SocyaQJbbQyKoRy839ofV5aMghyjIoeaB0fuA7P_tZXyNgbs/s400/IMG_3432.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480304506224173778" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Galassia</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">– another favorite of mine, however, due to their bargain basement. Galassia carries a few of the same designers as Degli Effetti, but not the same items. As items rotate out of season and are not purchased, they go into the basement and are majorly marked down. I’ve found some fabulous buys (we’re talking 80% off!) on Kenzo, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Ann Demeulemeester, and Rick Owens. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via Frattina, 21 – 06.679.7896 (close to Piazza di Spagna) </span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </b></span><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXofIkOWboeE34fIIvwWtZPpKRaq5idyQUmycwiyT_BervIg1dWeAV77j42pML-CFhMqeq6BYQft_iL8WIlp1EZyX4ioAaEsxe3W9-T-9Gxdcu1zNPiXKycZPHKD8k0s3yRBqDu-RmQAI/s1600/IMG_0421.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXofIkOWboeE34fIIvwWtZPpKRaq5idyQUmycwiyT_BervIg1dWeAV77j42pML-CFhMqeq6BYQft_iL8WIlp1EZyX4ioAaEsxe3W9-T-9Gxdcu1zNPiXKycZPHKD8k0s3yRBqDu-RmQAI/s400/IMG_0421.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480303791675036674" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">La Sella</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – is the place to go for leather goods (belts, wallets, cosmetic cases, purses, etc.) if you want a Roma stamp on your items. The quality is fabulous, selection and colors run from classic to trendy (for smaller items) and the prices are amazingly good. Perfect for gift giving! </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via Cuccagna, 16 – 06.68807121 (just south of Piazza Navona)</span></b></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Pc0LeH1paVLshlAp1YWO8kxVfd_f_AePpekaX8NtEOS0qv8L9amYcsfzs22l1kCpi-RFXTus3uMSb_UNGinduAo3AGB7EPeLNOi5a9IyouJXkxa4tzr4Wee486PD04K5-6WIqzuzU4/s1600/IMG_0319.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL9Pc0LeH1paVLshlAp1YWO8kxVfd_f_AePpekaX8NtEOS0qv8L9amYcsfzs22l1kCpi-RFXTus3uMSb_UNGinduAo3AGB7EPeLNOi5a9IyouJXkxa4tzr4Wee486PD04K5-6WIqzuzU4/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480303464680658690" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Capua Cashmere</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – colorful, quality cashmere at a good price for women, men and a tiny children’s selection. You don’t really need cashmere in Rome, but I need it at home! They offer classic sweater styles, hats, scarves and gloves. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via di Campo Marzo, 32 – 06.68801441 (close to Parlamento)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Ripple Made</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – my son’s favorite store to shop. They carry Nike SB, Vans, Cheap Monday, and a variety of skateboard/street clothing brands. Rowena lived in London, travels to NYC, so speaks excellent English, and is able to give my son a heads up on brands not easily found in America. </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via Laurina, 39 – 06.36006166 (close to Piazza del Popolo)</span></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Energie</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> – my daughter’s favorite store to shop and my son likes it too. They carry fun shoes and clothes for teens - a huge selection of Converse All Stars, Adidas, Nike, Superga, Munich, Tigre, and Desiguel (which I like, but buy in Spain where it’s much more inexpensive), North Face, Killah, Paul Frank, Roxy, and Ben Sherman. There are locations sprinkled here and there in Rome, but we shop at: </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Via del Corso, 75 – 06.3211452 (close to Piazza del Popolo)</span></b></span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></b></span></span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-72946448774260670842010-05-28T19:28:00.022+02:002010-05-28T21:22:42.427+02:00Just A Few Churches in Rome<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTq27XFiHYojxn8Id6y2tLdymxKPzBptBMPWKzowQ2XrTpwCQc5uG70Cp60UioYmEpKqfzXRMDYE5FxyxtVLTL7-_Eyn2II6Zdr3SnVQ5fwUW4MJxLh6QNSc8cYHB53-LjYDaThGNOY/s1600/IMG_0332_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 81px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDTq27XFiHYojxn8Id6y2tLdymxKPzBptBMPWKzowQ2XrTpwCQc5uG70Cp60UioYmEpKqfzXRMDYE5FxyxtVLTL7-_Eyn2II6Zdr3SnVQ5fwUW4MJxLh6QNSc8cYHB53-LjYDaThGNOY/s400/IMG_0332_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476402962535293282" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Rome contains over 900 churches filled with art, antiquities, and prior to the mid-1800's, lots of buried faithful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We had to create some criteria, quick, in order to narrow down the churches that would be important for us to see.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl3FjnDRTu-yrexXeFEZELnVLr6XQxNwrdxzenuPFK3Qb1emD_cm4BpJiEpIIS-s9DK4YW0cO523NRKJSvJZyZ2wlyHimHQTRB6bEyz8kZ0E3NukHe-VVkOsVcgmQwHnINEtr0I0DmUM/s1600/IMG_3296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHl3FjnDRTu-yrexXeFEZELnVLr6XQxNwrdxzenuPFK3Qb1emD_cm4BpJiEpIIS-s9DK4YW0cO523NRKJSvJZyZ2wlyHimHQTRB6bEyz8kZ0E3NukHe-VVkOsVcgmQwHnINEtr0I0DmUM/s400/IMG_3296.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476400783247815362" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">Photo of the twin churches in Piazza del Popolo of Santa Maria di Montesanto (on the left) and Santa Maria dei Miracoli (on the right), which just reopened after many years of restoration - haven't checked it out yet, but will very soon!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We wanted to see the oldest churches, those with an amazing story to tell; gorgeous mosaics immediately capture my attention, whether they consist of tiny tiles depicting an event, or in larger stone formations to create a floor; Michelangelo’s work warrants immediate attention and I love to go to sites where San Francesco was.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> I don’t believe I’m able to document all of the churches we’ve been, in all of Europe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, I might be able to provide names for all of the churches we visited while in Rome up until now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let’s see, in alphabetic order…</div><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydP4HqAJiG9FF4p8tXpLKVpdVfS08BUWoFrl0IUqey4FlD3ZSyZKsRCf186B0Uvnyphec_x0SpQeUONm0iGnpmBuheiQmZtmuM-Cc4XfReUOLG9i8Sf5pMfJdbu5m_9lahTbNKPv-MPY/s1600/IMG_3308.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjydP4HqAJiG9FF4p8tXpLKVpdVfS08BUWoFrl0IUqey4FlD3ZSyZKsRCf186B0Uvnyphec_x0SpQeUONm0iGnpmBuheiQmZtmuM-Cc4XfReUOLG9i8Sf5pMfJdbu5m_9lahTbNKPv-MPY/s400/IMG_3308.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476399159955854658" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT_iVXWbD_a4Qp4u8PDU9rrfzgHsrsfrGAhXE6Fduf3eC-8OSMhGPmiLTg54RE_ja6B7xj3zPAQsav7-9i3-g1ebKbhwzQ460HANof6eF_YxNSBNXNTQGW4SBY6S4l2UIKeTgUCwYO-Q/s1600/IMG_3304.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRT_iVXWbD_a4Qp4u8PDU9rrfzgHsrsfrGAhXE6Fduf3eC-8OSMhGPmiLTg54RE_ja6B7xj3zPAQsav7-9i3-g1ebKbhwzQ460HANof6eF_YxNSBNXNTQGW4SBY6S4l2UIKeTgUCwYO-Q/s400/IMG_3304.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476398735597613026" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chiesa del Gesù (1580)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – home of the Jesuit order, the design of this church is a model for churches all over the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGNo7Yo3TriyUzOEk5xEjY3G542yyycEyULIcGRHBfpeihcYb11NLhhKr-kseysiFN4soNn8fREs5_3_7z_7qlpIjcOsLQPaBP-LfjKKPktuJa-JfiXn_E_WYVyT9whz-2YusgXHf6WY/s1600/IMG_3319.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGNo7Yo3TriyUzOEk5xEjY3G542yyycEyULIcGRHBfpeihcYb11NLhhKr-kseysiFN4soNn8fREs5_3_7z_7qlpIjcOsLQPaBP-LfjKKPktuJa-JfiXn_E_WYVyT9whz-2YusgXHf6WY/s400/IMG_3319.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476397927743964210" /></a><br /><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">La Maddalena (1735)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – between my husband’s favorite clothing shop (Cosimo Colonna, Piazza Campo Marzo) and my favorite clothing shop (Degli Effetti, Piazza Capranica).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very baroque and undergoing a lot of interior restoration work.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjNkIlNTmjLJF73sWX2-DQxUWjJJ8stLZcU37b0kHD_k-HmrCoPW6jpcCwZmy3ZTm2EqKLmluthvnEeM4VXNIZ1dcAIYvjjneeqZEB3RknCVe-V5CClQCswvVyRSnRxD51OvsnQcqceA/s1600/IMG_1338.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjNkIlNTmjLJF73sWX2-DQxUWjJJ8stLZcU37b0kHD_k-HmrCoPW6jpcCwZmy3ZTm2EqKLmluthvnEeM4VXNIZ1dcAIYvjjneeqZEB3RknCVe-V5CClQCswvVyRSnRxD51OvsnQcqceA/s400/IMG_1338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476397302932593522" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">3.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Pantheon (118 – 125 AD)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the oldest Christian church and amazing architecture.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nhue6qyionG4VtaRqXkeKP59ScCHMgJB7t7JNTWy5w7btWavQjHbobtSnqtvwzDIeSEbtRgE3WHQba8nnACCRcX9wThtbYnA1B1u-kH_z-Xs9xPkUd8hlSYtrPFO65Rep25VH38q5Rk/s1600/IMG_0906.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Nhue6qyionG4VtaRqXkeKP59ScCHMgJB7t7JNTWy5w7btWavQjHbobtSnqtvwzDIeSEbtRgE3WHQba8nnACCRcX9wThtbYnA1B1u-kH_z-Xs9xPkUd8hlSYtrPFO65Rep25VH38q5Rk/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476395929255164978" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Clemente (2<sup>nd</sup> century) <u>– this is the church EVERYONE who comes to Rome should see FIRST!</u></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As it’s an archeology site, one can venture down and explore two early layers of history – the fresh 1108 church above ground, a 4<sup>th</sup> century basilica and a 1<sup>st</sup> century BC home and Temple.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One is even able to see an exposed acquaduct in action!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pretty amazing, especially for kids. The Colosseum can be seen down the street.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Francesco a Ripa (1603)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – built adjacent to a convent San Francesco stayed in while visiting Rome in the early 13<sup>th</sup> century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Luckily, Father Greg (Santa Susanna) was with us, so we were able to enter the room San Francesco stayed in – a very cool experience!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLDMKS06Blio2iY4WpcXxTJl6n21Lf2_8SaATah5Ikzavo7jo3HzEK6JZPypZXfflZ9WiKFLcxEtP4nFE8sb6RteHV9Wev1Ii2iJQ2ycMYHcmkA0kP3ytZWXpy9CioXtaZUtHfYhw8D0/s1600/IMG_0913.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkLDMKS06Blio2iY4WpcXxTJl6n21Lf2_8SaATah5Ikzavo7jo3HzEK6JZPypZXfflZ9WiKFLcxEtP4nFE8sb6RteHV9Wev1Ii2iJQ2ycMYHcmkA0kP3ytZWXpy9CioXtaZUtHfYhw8D0/s400/IMG_0913.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476395194694212242" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Giovanni in Laterano (314 – 318)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the ORIGINAL Vatican.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Baptistry design (on the right) influenced the majority of future Baptristy’s in all of Europe.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">7.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Lorenzo in Lucina (4<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – had to explore, when following the Ara Pacis trail.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBF0N6acOB3WgI1D83AMYOCdaNhcxWzy2EI_r6lb0qADRRWeVeiTFlrkN9fTTcv1CKHeebGsjLX13sXeMu0lOtiiuLJxa1DDoh57W4vClkakTRhGHvQeFQ5X4eRMqZJcN-vgWpuBJb5U/s1600/IMG_1081.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnBF0N6acOB3WgI1D83AMYOCdaNhcxWzy2EI_r6lb0qADRRWeVeiTFlrkN9fTTcv1CKHeebGsjLX13sXeMu0lOtiiuLJxa1DDoh57W4vClkakTRhGHvQeFQ5X4eRMqZJcN-vgWpuBJb5U/s400/IMG_1081.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476393073835552706" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">8.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Marco (336 AD)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – gorgeous 9<sup>th</sup> century apse mosaic and stone mosaic floors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the mid-1400’s this church was granted to the Venetians, as it’s adjacent to the very grand Palazzo Venezia, which was the Venetian embassy, and at times, a papal residence.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjnZvrStQq42KRNJmzb2Fo8cKOc4Fp5BJH5MnAXwXRl7R9VtzriIbofIkME3qelWkvd6UTGPueRK8WuJIQ2kp1G_7pbtxQ-RwNNlmMxZiLCSVtyBinHN2yRRo8LNyL58A7T1RZmfktas/s1600/IMG_0411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjnZvrStQq42KRNJmzb2Fo8cKOc4Fp5BJH5MnAXwXRl7R9VtzriIbofIkME3qelWkvd6UTGPueRK8WuJIQ2kp1G_7pbtxQ-RwNNlmMxZiLCSVtyBinHN2yRRo8LNyL58A7T1RZmfktas/s400/IMG_0411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476391963239906386" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">9.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Pietro (349 AD)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – which didn’t become the current and permanent Vatican until after 1860, when the papal army was defeated by the Kingdom of Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m not a fan of this church; it’s overwhelming and grotesque, for my taste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Of course, an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Angels and Demons </i>church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The only redeeming feature:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the Pieta by Michelangelo and I can't seem to find a pic, out of my 5,000 photos, it's here somewhere..<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqrCQ9C251LSkVaTBESgKtm2S-5wbA25xIJIQLNjB-woSGxs9XymnjCb-LfaQKzfpPOtxbuzSLepGqBGMmZCQ8Vs1Yew6r3Cn4GkXSgBXNT8DfLLoiiVIfsv8o3m5RbeV__busqnaOUo/s1600/IMG_3336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqrCQ9C251LSkVaTBESgKtm2S-5wbA25xIJIQLNjB-woSGxs9XymnjCb-LfaQKzfpPOtxbuzSLepGqBGMmZCQ8Vs1Yew6r3Cn4GkXSgBXNT8DfLLoiiVIfsv8o3m5RbeV__busqnaOUo/s400/IMG_3336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476388984684388354" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUn0kEtupirtTZaWyYHFqDyLVjXm8bR6CrJcsq9FkT1VYg21ycTU2sVRN2i3dTw1EWuunwm8vEdNOGFrBDc5xZi-dL7ljLEJYFwh9UV-b5wVuCjPO3x0OSJzN8VmwUGECYbPqpMsYyxU/s1600/IMG_3338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIUn0kEtupirtTZaWyYHFqDyLVjXm8bR6CrJcsq9FkT1VYg21ycTU2sVRN2i3dTw1EWuunwm8vEdNOGFrBDc5xZi-dL7ljLEJYFwh9UV-b5wVuCjPO3x0OSJzN8VmwUGECYbPqpMsYyxU/s400/IMG_3338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476388368217812914" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">10.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Pietro in Vincoli (432 – 440 AD)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – however, the foundation beneath this church dates to the Roman Republic era (509 – 27 BC).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This church contains, possibly, the chains that bound Saint Peter in Jerusalem – via one legend after another – the chains have been reunited and placed in this church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We went for the Michelangelo sculpture of Moses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">11.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">San Sebastiano (4<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the church at the entrance to one of the largest catacomb sites.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">12.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Cecilia in Trastevere (4<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the apse mosaic and frescos are beautiful.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">13.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Crisogno (4<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – Honestly, an excuse to eat in Trastevere after touring a historic church.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> We are about to enter the Santa Maria zone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are so many Santa Maria’s of This and That, it’s hard to keep track of them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We won’t see them all…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBlljWMDM9JYMS28Rdhnvdgm-v52hylkVKK8tQNaeJ_XwKWczAuX934O_XSKWonswGHxEQq-EA7JCaUoudRj1W5BS90KxGxSuD4pSrU77nM6mS4Cy2sD5rZCjhugn2u_RcxG3Pw48e40/s1600/IMG_3249.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBlljWMDM9JYMS28Rdhnvdgm-v52hylkVKK8tQNaeJ_XwKWczAuX934O_XSKWonswGHxEQq-EA7JCaUoudRj1W5BS90KxGxSuD4pSrU77nM6mS4Cy2sD5rZCjhugn2u_RcxG3Pw48e40/s400/IMG_3249.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476387467367520274" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">14.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria del Popolo (1099)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – our neighborhood church filled with amazing art, of which I don't have one decent shot. However, I do have a bit of humor (at least for me) of some dead person and a confession booth covering their head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Angels and Demons</i> churches.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">15.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria degli Angeli (1563) </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">– a Michelangelo church, we love the sundial in the floor with the corresponding zodiac signs.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1oCiRHPwJfH2OENwHMUcymSDRrjAzX4PjShdQcVTfCAHoa2K4T0NLR8IY9_YPnaBqHxasieDkDQf4fihRU3K_xJkNJhs5cW309IdX0jIrVhod0ePKqC5AZ4vevfRDHH8XVZVsFYQZzA/s1600/IMG_3268.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq1oCiRHPwJfH2OENwHMUcymSDRrjAzX4PjShdQcVTfCAHoa2K4T0NLR8IY9_YPnaBqHxasieDkDQf4fihRU3K_xJkNJhs5cW309IdX0jIrVhod0ePKqC5AZ4vevfRDHH8XVZVsFYQZzA/s400/IMG_3268.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476382472397009362" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">16.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria della Vittoria (1605)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – right next to Santa Susanna, an <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Angels and Demons</i> church, intimate and full of beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_IK-tttWc4ITEScNzmQM9E9kj1GRnOo1OXEe0MxPEfG74WPVGLlWDAm9IV1Ks-QdFwOy3z1cvRswa1GR9PhgTOcaIzijyTtQDo1GaDQRvV_FSBiZtmGlDrTxTGYIPPmcj8dOn4Nu7UQ/s1600/IMG_0379_2.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_IK-tttWc4ITEScNzmQM9E9kj1GRnOo1OXEe0MxPEfG74WPVGLlWDAm9IV1Ks-QdFwOy3z1cvRswa1GR9PhgTOcaIzijyTtQDo1GaDQRvV_FSBiZtmGlDrTxTGYIPPmcj8dOn4Nu7UQ/s400/IMG_0379_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476381639748275010" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">17.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria in Aracoeli (6<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – just out walking, stopped by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The church of the Capital – where the heads of state attend.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTl0w1GfVNQfWna48VALaiYp0UkjiK5wxJOqZjPWcU_b39BxxM-kEc7keZJnXnOrindiKzOv3BCqPrpvn-X91OfkZtw7-dRT_t0wL25lQb4UgdCge-ZbOTteNQtqBMidw5ZeSZWep-sp4/s1600/IMG_0950.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTl0w1GfVNQfWna48VALaiYp0UkjiK5wxJOqZjPWcU_b39BxxM-kEc7keZJnXnOrindiKzOv3BCqPrpvn-X91OfkZtw7-dRT_t0wL25lQb4UgdCge-ZbOTteNQtqBMidw5ZeSZWep-sp4/s400/IMG_0950.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476381147131319794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaKI3BoIgl2WtfZ8WYwn4trII_9GiLCieygHXeGNVEV2deDxqKeaVLtmkOud9JLVS2reHQESojM9vLM2i4_ttJ96pX_7ODJC6xG7qkaWFoSH3Y0WIdGQ-3amSDOi1mMeyVlIDGJmVbb0/s1600/IMG_0959.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijaKI3BoIgl2WtfZ8WYwn4trII_9GiLCieygHXeGNVEV2deDxqKeaVLtmkOud9JLVS2reHQESojM9vLM2i4_ttJ96pX_7ODJC6xG7qkaWFoSH3Y0WIdGQ-3amSDOi1mMeyVlIDGJmVbb0/s400/IMG_0959.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476380686178160546" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">18.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria in Cosmedin (6<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – for Bocca della Verita, stone mosaic floors and twisted mosaic candlestick (love those!)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Verdana;mso-bidi-font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-list:Ignore">19.</span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Santa Maria in Trastevere (217 – 222)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the history, the mosaics and another excuse to eat in Trastevere!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><br /></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal; ">20.</span>Santa Maria Maggiore (5<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the mosaics are plentiful and breathtaking.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt_R3P0LjPvM-kCoyrVwrnuxuBr3XDzr5unBNSPi7nnoJyrg6qAaeQG9p1rs5KaV8hMFD5IzOpZVblhm2ZBG0SJmiGYKmMq9VraEmaqG9BdI3O90Ee-cqSeoYMY29WAs_Ez4xjdX8pSc/s1600/IMG_1056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEt_R3P0LjPvM-kCoyrVwrnuxuBr3XDzr5unBNSPi7nnoJyrg6qAaeQG9p1rs5KaV8hMFD5IzOpZVblhm2ZBG0SJmiGYKmMq9VraEmaqG9BdI3O90Ee-cqSeoYMY29WAs_Ez4xjdX8pSc/s400/IMG_1056.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476377102091532578" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">21.</span>Santa Sabina (425)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – one of the earliest Crucifixions in history is carved on the original entrance door.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I snuck out there and took a photo. I was caught, but I wasn't arrested. </span>Very cool.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jO5RhBR8SEyamTBRbP3dD4nAkD0kQxd8UnHNxFN_e31cQUeHwege4sterShF-wOXw8cPqRr-wHZ-dRDJkjDGRtHXaUI9lbaMCMgm0Edp2TtH17dCaGkomJvKIRdhk6royxsJsEIIwAI/s1600/IMG_3264.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jO5RhBR8SEyamTBRbP3dD4nAkD0kQxd8UnHNxFN_e31cQUeHwege4sterShF-wOXw8cPqRr-wHZ-dRDJkjDGRtHXaUI9lbaMCMgm0Edp2TtH17dCaGkomJvKIRdhk6royxsJsEIIwAI/s400/IMG_3264.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476375006452485058" /></a><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:0in;margin-right:0in;margin-bottom:0in; margin-left:38.0pt;margin-bottom:.0001pt;text-indent:-20.0pt;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">22.</span>Santa Susanna (4<sup>th</sup> century)</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – this is our chosen parish church, as it is the church for those who speak English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many of our friends attend this church with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Father Greg is a hoot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is the first church where we’ve felt like we were part of a community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’re going to miss Santa Susanna.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-49358045129441102432010-05-25T17:00:00.004+02:002010-05-25T17:11:22.503+02:007 Things We Will Not Miss<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">EVERYTHING about Italia is beautiful, historical and educational.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I can’t begin to express the sadness we already feel in leaving Rome in three and a half weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our life here has been a blessing for us all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, living abroad has a few wee challenges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Here are just a few things we undoubtedly, will not miss. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Vehicle Alarms</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – as we live in the Centro, on the very urban Via del Babuino, our street is lined with the vehicles of lucky locals, who openly praise Jesus if they find a spot to park for the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(There aren’t any underground garages [there are sure to be many a historic ruin below ground that are not allowed to be disturbed] or above ground lots in the Centro.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Every now and then, in the middle of the night, the vibration of a large vehicle driving over the cobblestones affects a parked vehicle and triggers the vehicle alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The alarm wakes our <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">entire</i></b> neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We might as well all get up, have a cappuccino together and talk about soccer or mozzarella deliveries from Campagna while the poor sap figures out it’s his vehicle, finds the alarm key and shuts it off.</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Instant Hot Water Heater </span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;">– instant can mean many things in Italy – it can mean immediately, it can mean in 5 minutes, it can even mean in 20.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So these particular tools are either instant, or they are not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We waste a <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">tremendous</i></b> amount of water, waiting for the hot water to kick on, stay on (this is key) and make it to the various destinations in our apartment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If our neighbors, back home in America, saw the amount of water we wasted, on a daily basis, we’d be shunned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully, the washing machine and dishwasher have internal hot water heaters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Power Adapters</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – Italy, France, Britain… every country has their own power adapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We found a heavy-duty adapter that has interchangeable pieces for each European country, which works great when we remember to pack it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve heard a legend of a two-prong European adapter that is supposed to fit in every country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, we’ve found, that’s just a legend.</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cobblestones</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – the soothing sound of the horses clip clopping over the cobblestones every day, as they pass our apartment, with excited tourists, is rather romantical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cobblestones are beautifully textural, injecting instant charm into every photo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt; text-align:center"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Cobblestones.Chew.Up.Shoes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Wear Vibram soles, and you’re safe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Enough said.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Hard Mattresses</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – Italians believe in an extra, extra firm mattress.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’s just no bounce.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>None.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Whether in a pensione, hotel or apartment – you’re going to experience it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We really should have replaced our mattress the first week we arrived, or at least the second.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Luckily, our kid’s mattresses are softer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I kid you not; I sleep on a bed of pillows.</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Transportation Strikes</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – not always well communicated and sure to throw the entire city into a bad mood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>These strikes rarely affect us, as our kid’s school offers a private bus service (thank you, thank you, thank you!) and my husband and I walk everywhere in the Centro.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A couple times a week, we take a train to meet our son at baseball practice and that’s when we are majorly inconvenienced by strikes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fortunately, we do have the option of using a taxi.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not many Romans have that option.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ooze empathy for the entire Roman population on strike days.</span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Warning:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>if you don’t want to read my rant and rave (I even swear a little) about Tour Groups, you can finish right here.</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" font-weight: normal; font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Tour Groups</span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> – they are a pain in the ass!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My number one frustration in all of Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Tour groups clog the already thin and tiny sidewalks, stop and whip around unexpectedly for photos, and do not understand proper travel etiquette.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Sure, all 20 of you go to the taxi stand, endear yourselves to the locals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Enter the little gelateria or forno demanding a taste of this and that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Gather around the cash machine, trying to take money out in Italian, rather than your mother tongue and make mistake after mistake giggling and showing your fellow tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>By all means, speak slower and louder to the wait staff – that’ll make them understand whatever language you speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Someone needs to create</span> an umbrella use manual – the tour groups are the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></span></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes">In Rome, there ought to be a law - a limit of 10 people in a tour group and each tourist should have to take a test after memorizing an instruction booklet on how to behave, and an oral exam on the use of essential Italian words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If you can’t pass, go to Disney World.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-23405283407866900342010-05-22T15:57:00.018+02:002010-05-22T16:24:50.869+02:00A Few Afternoon Hours<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0pxpoRnT6Wl_7o_x9hRstzl5j9Tts-R9WSUqKeBYtu9EhSe_dKNrqbhbdlPqd0zj91UtZerF9-Wk6CY-BBUh3n_yRGE6tfiPCVQn03rGzeYGVUCe-WXV1f_EkqhncgwZelxeQXAd6pc/s1600/IMG_0379_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy0pxpoRnT6Wl_7o_x9hRstzl5j9Tts-R9WSUqKeBYtu9EhSe_dKNrqbhbdlPqd0zj91UtZerF9-Wk6CY-BBUh3n_yRGE6tfiPCVQn03rGzeYGVUCe-WXV1f_EkqhncgwZelxeQXAd6pc/s400/IMG_0379_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474099140689606850" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn7uNvL2kuu9LA9VgQqh6WBMgM_AdgAPMNlBV7Jp05T0o22fEBLWJ71g35GYn1clwGXYxIOzYXhoP2i9NaiulK-0J18S_4E5Ko4_oEFmWcM_U2SrMxdrUjcw9ULdfM_AQqIzvKeq6K6Y/s1600/IMG_0345_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEn7uNvL2kuu9LA9VgQqh6WBMgM_AdgAPMNlBV7Jp05T0o22fEBLWJ71g35GYn1clwGXYxIOzYXhoP2i9NaiulK-0J18S_4E5Ko4_oEFmWcM_U2SrMxdrUjcw9ULdfM_AQqIzvKeq6K6Y/s400/IMG_0345_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474098941567865314" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9nU33tx9iJK458rjydX5ua9d_53r9xduV2OCxeoOfhkdAdlKMkaEg2hBtucvTjHjpzvzFbUPmFYA_8zLvmdMl6kglSS5RBrxPOPzbMv3hWR8s5kzCP6nBjdSKYx3dgdqSy21v0M5XbY/s1600/IMG_0350.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS9nU33tx9iJK458rjydX5ua9d_53r9xduV2OCxeoOfhkdAdlKMkaEg2hBtucvTjHjpzvzFbUPmFYA_8zLvmdMl6kglSS5RBrxPOPzbMv3hWR8s5kzCP6nBjdSKYx3dgdqSy21v0M5XbY/s400/IMG_0350.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474098545846197090" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK6OjziwKNr_g1fcs48_JB5hZcugrUqG3tOn57X0W-MjYCN783GhiohK_aL28OG1v5PZ4GXufEXFxXZXd7QU6AuVpE965mLyS7bwAIYwC3erCNPYIRjC4IVB6Cb5gf4AuSTyevXAau7I/s1600/IMG_0354_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinK6OjziwKNr_g1fcs48_JB5hZcugrUqG3tOn57X0W-MjYCN783GhiohK_aL28OG1v5PZ4GXufEXFxXZXd7QU6AuVpE965mLyS7bwAIYwC3erCNPYIRjC4IVB6Cb5gf4AuSTyevXAau7I/s400/IMG_0354_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474098267458356194" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">It was sunny and well over 70 and I was in the mood to get out and play.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I decided to walk to Piazza Venezia, pass the Insula, up all 124 steps of the Scala dell’Arce Capitolina and then tour myself through Santa Maria d’Aracoeli – Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quite lovely.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrbnktyFLuTVrav2nGFtMAb4BiOE55XGgAWjqMBFc8vaB-2WV62uCSbtoY-ITqXWIr1lRRXuFxF5T4bOZQWC66QTbkDdhp3XiSQESoNnD_yRj1hQnEMhn-oy5U3zu5sNjEooqr3WvT3-0/s400/IMG_0368.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474097546770035058" /><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj803v9i1LZ-AxLnWflK-IxNfvwRvpWwl-MsR7K7MeOi3xWAY6KQDU9rN9g0Ye-HBe65s0T0lzcQKo2HZGV0-qArYaRoG3ODft7VplFUFsJUQ2Jnro04k5D7-4DwA1lgHTBdy-vjEms0OM/s1600/IMG_0365_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj803v9i1LZ-AxLnWflK-IxNfvwRvpWwl-MsR7K7MeOi3xWAY6KQDU9rN9g0Ye-HBe65s0T0lzcQKo2HZGV0-qArYaRoG3ODft7VplFUFsJUQ2Jnro04k5D7-4DwA1lgHTBdy-vjEms0OM/s400/IMG_0365_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474095255235166802" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYNq0l2cCimudLlCtVCZI17z6cya3HJUYI6u_v0i2tzA8eGacUiBp6E_XJynMLDMaPD5gt4me3SBXuCkocPTKzyovuqaMiKlZWG2mP9bu-bpMVoGRefQk7Hxm5H-d79ZFoBNhAM-h4HQ/s1600/IMG_0371_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWYNq0l2cCimudLlCtVCZI17z6cya3HJUYI6u_v0i2tzA8eGacUiBp6E_XJynMLDMaPD5gt4me3SBXuCkocPTKzyovuqaMiKlZWG2mP9bu-bpMVoGRefQk7Hxm5H-d79ZFoBNhAM-h4HQ/s400/IMG_0371_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474095039617991666" /></a><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">When done, I poked around the Monumento Nazionale Vittorio Emanuelle II.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The tourist office planned this space well.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">They included a nice outdoor bar with food for those of us who appreciate lingering over expansive, historic ruins with a glass of wine in hand.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quite lovely.</span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVizPaCWAevlo1IelXCI_iUiHwGZatVAj_59Mn_v4igvb7G4BwDhaC7tueZDI29EDbL8l3mIZ67gmE_ugMgxoBuhR1GI9Ua6wGP7TUTWKFqojZ_9gyYUd6703PZPm4di0gr1PE8_H-dEs/s1600/IMG_0386.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVizPaCWAevlo1IelXCI_iUiHwGZatVAj_59Mn_v4igvb7G4BwDhaC7tueZDI29EDbL8l3mIZ67gmE_ugMgxoBuhR1GI9Ua6wGP7TUTWKFqojZ_9gyYUd6703PZPm4di0gr1PE8_H-dEs/s400/IMG_0386.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474094782278542578" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I strolled over to Piazza Pasquino and picked up an order of linens from a shop called Society.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Society offers washed linens – the kind that you can iron time and time again, but never quite get all of the wrinkles out, so you finally learn your lesson and never iron them.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My kind of linens!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quite lovely.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_3DXvZyaK4gVa5TAiyl3S9BYGjBEEJ_Xf3yoKZ1JynVv0gI1QY58-mpcTyYaati6WTvAIPEXXjVXfK25F8W2759lt1HIED1wzemWqBKidUQohrycwekyRKLNdrLFj2LkUrYBk8DIWo/s1600/IMG_0388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio5_3DXvZyaK4gVa5TAiyl3S9BYGjBEEJ_Xf3yoKZ1JynVv0gI1QY58-mpcTyYaati6WTvAIPEXXjVXfK25F8W2759lt1HIED1wzemWqBKidUQohrycwekyRKLNdrLFj2LkUrYBk8DIWo/s400/IMG_0388.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474094381459881874" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Next, I wandered through Piazza Navona, where many a tourist was paying an outrageous amount of euro to eat a ho-hum meal (Roman’s don’t eat in Piazza Navona – on a scale of 1 to 10, the food ranks at a 3 – one would only eat there, under duress, for the atmosphere.)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">However, I was hungry!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Hurrying up Via della Scrofa, I arrived at our Al Forno for tonno pizza and ricotta cake, which I happily consumed at Ara Pacis.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quite lovely.</span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu_75fTervUrVvrPMGy50egdhLySoK08lBJNpoF_KeIhGZW9_O87UgxqeorRI3IKqXRRFLWzF56MFq61l5JYH8FFRy9qlvcRH19nOoXgxBSOW6XnVjQKMcZSm50FY2R0Ic_fk6NEaB7o/s1600/IMG_0336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEu_75fTervUrVvrPMGy50egdhLySoK08lBJNpoF_KeIhGZW9_O87UgxqeorRI3IKqXRRFLWzF56MFq61l5JYH8FFRy9qlvcRH19nOoXgxBSOW6XnVjQKMcZSm50FY2R0Ic_fk6NEaB7o/s400/IMG_0336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474094026076838706" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A bit of exercise, new historical-artistic-architectural perspectives, home improvements and nutrition; all rolled into a couple of early afternoon hours.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quite lovely.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8fYrxsgWKl508lJIn3U5Bd9SVkbMprG80tibL6PdM5K-oMrWoBWd6-57legZZ-JTJXUA3Xf8yc23PTaEEbxKSh1bJ4XFlhCtuefuof4h3bKGKbNl2hL9ME1khxx9IyF-6X0inDtL3RM/s1600/IMG_0360.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8fYrxsgWKl508lJIn3U5Bd9SVkbMprG80tibL6PdM5K-oMrWoBWd6-57legZZ-JTJXUA3Xf8yc23PTaEEbxKSh1bJ4XFlhCtuefuof4h3bKGKbNl2hL9ME1khxx9IyF-6X0inDtL3RM/s400/IMG_0360.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5474093669071827858" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-46172738920520992992010-05-19T15:47:00.017+02:002010-05-19T16:34:22.574+02:00Mercati di Traiano - The Trajan Markets<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Once again, I am just a regular Roman tourist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No family, or friends, or friends of friends in town to entertain or provide tours to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No weeklong sojourns are on the horizon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are footloose and fancy free in Rome, Italy for our final four and a half weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pure heaven!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr4b9upbCEVoq2So-dUJHo4XAavZGWWVSFAC0FmRaJXVn4jGAiMV7LxamzrfW2XYTNTMGo9naXYPeQrY8f0Gz4rsQm7rrx-P1edxRqz2BQ5Pp9MKoJacKXEBVKY_AWoOIUiOxTnYLagw/s1600/IMG_0232_2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 353px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOr4b9upbCEVoq2So-dUJHo4XAavZGWWVSFAC0FmRaJXVn4jGAiMV7LxamzrfW2XYTNTMGo9naXYPeQrY8f0Gz4rsQm7rrx-P1edxRqz2BQ5Pp9MKoJacKXEBVKY_AWoOIUiOxTnYLagw/s400/IMG_0232_2.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472987404850935026" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Yesterday, I was lured by the website, In Rome Now, by a showing of William Klein’s photography at the Mercati di Traiana (Trajan Markets).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>William Klein took a lot of photos in Rome from 1956 to 1960 and was known as a self taught “photojournalist” (taking and displaying real photos of real people in real locations), before being a photojournalist was considered cool. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Anyhoo, I thought this was going to be really worthwhile, so I set out for the Mercati.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>I had never been in the Mercati before, so that was a plus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I've walked by many, many times as it’s on Via dei Fori Imperiali – on the way to the Colosseo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s nice to go somewhere new.</o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0z68liPGinREgnDpoUts8Sts8g-zIJodkxJleC1kCZ-QPIhGuAcytfOrYlPaz4SDUTHf7mcD4Gx6pKp_4PRGKFeNgoVvUe77yHvnTyKRiFdQ1526f8lP2pCHscWB2tZFQJZCSwS3k4Q/s1600/IMG_0235.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil0z68liPGinREgnDpoUts8Sts8g-zIJodkxJleC1kCZ-QPIhGuAcytfOrYlPaz4SDUTHf7mcD4Gx6pKp_4PRGKFeNgoVvUe77yHvnTyKRiFdQ1526f8lP2pCHscWB2tZFQJZCSwS3k4Q/s400/IMG_0235.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472986458958502114" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Arriving, I purchased my biglietto, and the attendant told me the exhibit was on the main level and above.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I wandered through the enclosed museum portion of the Mercati, which has a great hall down the middle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This would be a great place for a party! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The individual rooms and floors are brick with their entrances framed in travertine, and there are plenty of skylights and windows.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Most of the rooms are also linked by an archway in the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzmQm7t0UCtbxkKONjbzRLqLciieps0UUEw8bzXDKYUXQGg0gVIKR0i-JyNufazQhu0oCaXLlZabtEulNscip-CjrSkZMNoW86FGrBRUlYUmXoSeAezeaSAdzhPimqeVqaBoq-8lTTas/s1600/IMG_0240.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzmQm7t0UCtbxkKONjbzRLqLciieps0UUEw8bzXDKYUXQGg0gVIKR0i-JyNufazQhu0oCaXLlZabtEulNscip-CjrSkZMNoW86FGrBRUlYUmXoSeAezeaSAdzhPimqeVqaBoq-8lTTas/s400/IMG_0240.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472986056393711394" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">There were several blown up William Klein images in each room, along with the regular museum shards of marble just under 2,000 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, there weren’t THAT many photographs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh, maybe 30.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They were all black and white and yes, captured the essence of Rome during those years (it doesn’t really look all that different, in case you’re wondering.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But the bounty of William Klein’s pictures I was hoping for were missing – there wasn’t one upstairs – so I was a bit disappointed.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbtJX67fNc-ZAnijevX6ttlrI5T1tKx-08ugX30xXU8UrvJQSrzy2CA0ArlaCguNyxNSt-Yshei5Ov3OwjM8HCNO1TKxMQ3w-pDgjUhG2dBSiy478su3hs1At_PHrgLMryULpIiFSCmA/s1600/IMG_0303.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdbtJX67fNc-ZAnijevX6ttlrI5T1tKx-08ugX30xXU8UrvJQSrzy2CA0ArlaCguNyxNSt-Yshei5Ov3OwjM8HCNO1TKxMQ3w-pDgjUhG2dBSiy478su3hs1At_PHrgLMryULpIiFSCmA/s400/IMG_0303.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472985500074900786" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Thankfully, my biglietto gave me access to the entire Mercati, so I decided to suck it up and enjoy myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was sunny and 70.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of the tourists and school kids were across the street, so I had the run of the place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was really quite ideal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And yes, I’m sure that’s just what the administrators of the Mercati planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lure one in with promises of art, but really, one ends up touring the very grand structures of the Mercati. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7gcF_SKtm93OZUXJr7cqCUGm8xocfOENmTIk2naIntafvR_Au8hJPz68aNbdSfVD2PjSnoL1FpM6ycS0bH8WeES1SSQyv1OgRGB1AdiPI5hc96aBXbJkGYuhae8D58n_EDSxlZLUWLU/s1600/IMG_0247.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7gcF_SKtm93OZUXJr7cqCUGm8xocfOENmTIk2naIntafvR_Au8hJPz68aNbdSfVD2PjSnoL1FpM6ycS0bH8WeES1SSQyv1OgRGB1AdiPI5hc96aBXbJkGYuhae8D58n_EDSxlZLUWLU/s400/IMG_0247.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472984965150447154" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaEN0o9p69AQFGLuDig_QwVaaVgDxX1jLtP_BS9xDmnpWx_w4wa8MJaqUFkW4EABYFSzva5hJvkEdGBAQvf2ivVQQJpidDYjNqrDPytwWKIgqt0_4LNDNSfIxwz3pvzRTqVQjqAR4Vwg/s1600/IMG_0291.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaEN0o9p69AQFGLuDig_QwVaaVgDxX1jLtP_BS9xDmnpWx_w4wa8MJaqUFkW4EABYFSzva5hJvkEdGBAQvf2ivVQQJpidDYjNqrDPytwWKIgqt0_4LNDNSfIxwz3pvzRTqVQjqAR4Vwg/s400/IMG_0291.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472984630498236386" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Mercati aren’t as well known as their friends across the street, Foro Romano (The Forum) or Il Vittoriano (Piazza Venezia), but the Mercati used to be one of the wonders of the Classical world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One can walk on pathways inside the Foro Romano, but not within any of the structures themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not so at the Mercati – one may wander on, over and above the entire site.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pretty cool!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V4-Et5elileA_wqvpKLSY-2HDEmlwjkByKMvnimPZSmCXbxlf6bpuvbIbxucNzu_LxGSkKUmOI7muWS821eob0oz6j7Sh4WnZo2LvyhTlyvN1Ihb5FNKXBsa2m0fO897ptnqDBmsH6I/s1600/IMG_0293.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1V4-Et5elileA_wqvpKLSY-2HDEmlwjkByKMvnimPZSmCXbxlf6bpuvbIbxucNzu_LxGSkKUmOI7muWS821eob0oz6j7Sh4WnZo2LvyhTlyvN1Ihb5FNKXBsa2m0fO897ptnqDBmsH6I/s400/IMG_0293.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472982506092605586" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A bit of history:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>built during Marco Ulpio Traiano’s reign as emperor during AD 98 – 117, the Mercati was just like a modern day shopping mall in the Centro of Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Olive oil, spices, wine, silk, fish, linen, fruits, flowers and vegetables were all offered for sale at the Mercati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUMv3oFlR6_hPNsdI7vx9owaoYniuNBsvkLnX7cOk40VEpmJ-fdEPOfduKbVc0btsYSiKup9V0rDl8U1unIPt7FpLVUIYkEXxi4lMDt9oALrEc2ItpmFU2Xu_9Rvdw6b23zRgYvUiFOM/s1600/IMG_0245.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUMv3oFlR6_hPNsdI7vx9owaoYniuNBsvkLnX7cOk40VEpmJ-fdEPOfduKbVc0btsYSiKup9V0rDl8U1unIPt7FpLVUIYkEXxi4lMDt9oALrEc2ItpmFU2Xu_9Rvdw6b23zRgYvUiFOM/s400/IMG_0245.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472981740102464482" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Traiano was considered one of the five generous Roman Emperor’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nerva (96 – 98 AD), adopted Traiano, who adopted Adriano (117 – 138 AD), who adopted Antonio Pio (138 – 161 AD) and who in turn adopted Marco Aurelio (161 – 180 AD).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was no familial claim to rule during these years, so these five Emperor’s felt a true sense of duty to the people and city of Rome, and acted relatively, honorably.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjewHAUSKFJnzxOGfF7yRcJnWSR_rAuB2mptFu3b2s6i0rFkCrktrFbYJbwShtzYab44ndy-4ynU_BmbbuhA3-GcVgLNenpkoO7uGAAwM49A2Aoljb42WIylrYsw2Higt1pOYfKgNaLg/s1600/IMG_0243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjewHAUSKFJnzxOGfF7yRcJnWSR_rAuB2mptFu3b2s6i0rFkCrktrFbYJbwShtzYab44ndy-4ynU_BmbbuhA3-GcVgLNenpkoO7uGAAwM49A2Aoljb42WIylrYsw2Higt1pOYfKgNaLg/s400/IMG_0243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472981250269419394" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Traiano began the Alimenta, a governmental welfare program to help orphans and the poor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He provided corn to those in need, from the Mercati.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He also allowed Christians to worship, in private.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When it came to battle, he was ruthless, extending the boundaries of the Roman Empire from Britain to Syria.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He died in Sicilia, on his way home from his Asian campaign.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjDR0kD-oH_crLq2l2dHcZxFqAjsQW-cEQ1w_5-1i_CEkLIAEmTYXdBsgHHSZ408XCuJSw4TOc9uKkTSVMy-FbqBf9bYZSZdFIiG1FWALq3wpeRCy1B8l-79jDyeWqqOTQIbh8-A6uSs/s1600/IMG_0295.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIjDR0kD-oH_crLq2l2dHcZxFqAjsQW-cEQ1w_5-1i_CEkLIAEmTYXdBsgHHSZ408XCuJSw4TOc9uKkTSVMy-FbqBf9bYZSZdFIiG1FWALq3wpeRCy1B8l-79jDyeWqqOTQIbh8-A6uSs/s400/IMG_0295.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472980621520249042" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1o6yGFKqOtDJVK8lzJx07u1EoGQsNN3BkMm3zRCsFJalpXQPW-hv9AOKxfHSPFTUuc94qvp5gaY_LRbYQxzrl2D3zDHf0kKuEAD5uERMUZSaEBjtpmonUppiMFHRTkpcPVdvUAJcwWA/s1600/IMG_0296.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1o6yGFKqOtDJVK8lzJx07u1EoGQsNN3BkMm3zRCsFJalpXQPW-hv9AOKxfHSPFTUuc94qvp5gaY_LRbYQxzrl2D3zDHf0kKuEAD5uERMUZSaEBjtpmonUppiMFHRTkpcPVdvUAJcwWA/s400/IMG_0296.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472980296346016434" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGTt-BTu9KpnMqPHNTCMhfAqmZ05gcUrL9y6kmJmBTtc2xnFKLnuxylGaa728PR-v0aOTngaMIGNxxcQE0Q3QXpbPyf4X5QWdCpHf-NrwYKSPg5vaMw_EeMxb176mcF3h19Ad9Tw9UVg/s1600/IMG_0275.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRGTt-BTu9KpnMqPHNTCMhfAqmZ05gcUrL9y6kmJmBTtc2xnFKLnuxylGaa728PR-v0aOTngaMIGNxxcQE0Q3QXpbPyf4X5QWdCpHf-NrwYKSPg5vaMw_EeMxb176mcF3h19Ad9Tw9UVg/s400/IMG_0275.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472979935790583314" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">As I wandered about, I was impressed by the soundness of the brick structure, and how much of it is intact; black and white mosaic floors still survive, the Colonna Traiana is one of the most impressive columns in all of Rome and there are grand views all around the site, from the different terraces.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejcUF38_AbKaWBVKipqXxU7ZtYWzJomIBglbB8s8vRk2E3SFbxK72lBsCzLT2pINZItgFXWOkIf6G424RxdyoZWoWM4_j9BRtV1ZIT1LLtq0iCSw4ozCX2gYfwYpy-jGhAAsB5nBmvxE/s1600/IMG_0237.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgejcUF38_AbKaWBVKipqXxU7ZtYWzJomIBglbB8s8vRk2E3SFbxK72lBsCzLT2pINZItgFXWOkIf6G424RxdyoZWoWM4_j9BRtV1ZIT1LLtq0iCSw4ozCX2gYfwYpy-jGhAAsB5nBmvxE/s400/IMG_0237.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472978823613345746" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">All I needed was a table, chair and glass of wine on the balcony overlooking my beloved Roma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pure heaven!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-47162679074987835332010-05-17T13:38:00.004+02:002010-05-17T14:07:08.240+02:00Man Bag Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozwe7wnpE85tCNYLTQtrW6sFLrhgajwXtk9O_v4kGyrPUOkMBagj5rZdIkVBaVtY5QMX2n4aliLaGyjvqHlxBqnfWFyDc-4GbVoc1-VQ9mIoY2pFIG7UQynkQG1iV_TIr7qfOTPHEeU/s1600/IMG_3188.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbozwe7wnpE85tCNYLTQtrW6sFLrhgajwXtk9O_v4kGyrPUOkMBagj5rZdIkVBaVtY5QMX2n4aliLaGyjvqHlxBqnfWFyDc-4GbVoc1-VQ9mIoY2pFIG7UQynkQG1iV_TIr7qfOTPHEeU/s400/IMG_3188.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472207429935899218" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I have to state my love and appreciation for the Man Bag right up front, to be honest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are plenty of men out there who are haters of the Man Bag, as well as their women, and I find it quite baffling.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>My husband wearing a Man Bag has made my life much easier and the load I carry, much lighter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I appreciate the look of a man wearing a Man Bag, whether plain or functional.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And as far as accessories go for men, they sure beat a briefcase or computer bag.</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>We travel a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve become pretty savvy at knowing the basics we need when we travel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>One item we don’t go without are our Dorling Kindersley Eyewitness Travel guidebooks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are so many wonderful guidebooks on the market; however, we’ve found that we gravitate towards the DK books time and time again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, we are from the land of Rick Steeve’s, but we find those books aren’t as thorough for our needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>DK books tend to come with a lot of colorful pictures (I’m a visualist) with the text and due to all of that information, a bit of heft to them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Enter my savior, the Man Bag.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hello husband!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Would you be a love and carry this for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">us</i>?</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Luckily, in Europe, the Man Bag is de rigueur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are so many different body styles, materials, price points and hardware choices to be had.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are inexpensive cotton canvas tote bags, linen satchels, PVC messenger bags, wool field bags, expensive leather crossbody bags, and even a few polyester backpacks (not considered a fashionable statement in Europe).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only tourists wear fanny packs.</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>I would have to admit; I see the basic canvas tote bag as being the most carried by men, which makes total sense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s hot in Europe in the summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Why would a man add a sticky and hot leather bag to his shoulder if he didn’t have to?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And when it’s wet in the winter, a tote bag holds up just fine and launders easily.</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>My husband didn’t go into the land of Man Bags easily, so I knew to choose carefully. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A Manly Man Bag was in order.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I also had in the back of my mind; it would be a bag I may have to adopt, if he truly decided he couldn’t wear one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>His first Man Bag was a classic black leather crossbody bag with brown leather details. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully, he took to it right away and hasn’t looked back!</o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p>Now he happily carries guidebooks, city maps, car keys, sunglasses, and his iPhone without effort or complaint, and he looks stylish doing so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I still carry a fair amount of weight (camera, sunglasses, my iPhone [the camera is great, but not technically advanced to suit me], girly-purse-worthy-essentials, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Man Bag has helped balance our travel load and I am thankful! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;">(Picture taken in Stadio dei Marmi at Stadio Olimpico, Roma after watching a Roma soccer game, September 2009.)</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-32537304616613585442010-05-17T13:26:00.003+02:002010-05-17T13:38:12.537+02:00Sorry for the Disconnect<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHFfwy5UjWQHZdwuYQwMf5UgD8LsnRtelIpN3TRrp2yeErd3kfI_Wk64uaje6sWoEa6l61RbKZz7myi5HNKQ2QXo_vEpejbpnUd3XAA4yEFvIYV6llHRzH29zwK_EQs_ixIVzmZptbT0/s1600/IMG_0203.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvHFfwy5UjWQHZdwuYQwMf5UgD8LsnRtelIpN3TRrp2yeErd3kfI_Wk64uaje6sWoEa6l61RbKZz7myi5HNKQ2QXo_vEpejbpnUd3XAA4yEFvIYV6llHRzH29zwK_EQs_ixIVzmZptbT0/s400/IMG_0203.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472201837929805714" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Our family has been traveling a great deal, and we've had friends and family in town as well. I simply haven't had the time to update this blog. We're wrapping up our time in Rome - we only have 5 weeks left! I have a few stories to share prior to our departure, but don't yet know if I will maintain this blog, or let it go. It was created in an effort to keep my family and friends in the loop of our adventures while abroad, however, it's a full time job!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-58249435950508441582010-02-27T17:51:00.000+01:002010-02-27T17:53:21.078+01:00Machismo Experience - Not the First, Nor the Last<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My son and I were out and about one rainy evening, buying him new shoes and the like. He’s grown so much this last year!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We went into the Levi’s store on Via del Corso, as Levi’s are very popular in Italy and we know their garments are of good quality. That evening, the store was filled with male salespeople. Usually, there are a few female salespeople, but not tonight. Molto testosterone!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luckily, my son found a couple items that fit him well, so we went up to the counter to pay.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Two young gals popped into the store and one of them asked, in Italian, where the Burger King was. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the Italian salespeople said simply, “A piedi Via del Corso, attraversare la Piazza del Popolo, in Piazzale Flaminio.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A look of confusion stalled the girls. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A different salesperson basically repeated the same thing.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Again, confusion on their face’s.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The Italiani had done their job and they were clearly finished.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">“Do you speak English?” I asked the gals.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The gal who spoke Italian said, “Oh yes! Of course!”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Her accent wasn’t Italian, nor was it American, but her English was good.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I asked them if they knew the Via del Corso and they shook their heads no, even though, Levi’s is right on it. So it wasn’t so much as a lack of communication as it was a lack of Roman landmark knowledge. These gals were touriste!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Quickly, my son and I pointed out to Via del Corso, how Piazza del Popolo is at the other end with the tall obelisk, one walks through the arches and is standing in Piazzale Flaminio, where Burger King is located – they couldn’t miss the neon lights.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">One of the gals asked me if it was far.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’ve learned from one of my best friends, who stayed here recently, that I am a liar when it comes to distance. Since we do walk everywhere, everyday, I consider everything in the centro of Rome as being “just down the way.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Last week, I took my friend and her two daughters, to Santa Maria in Cosmedin for a photo op with Bocca della Verita (Mouth of Truth) and to see the famous relic in the church - Santo Valentino’s skull. I told them it was just down the street and around the corner. Honestly, I have no idea the distance, but it’s probably a mile away from our apartment. We’re all young! What’s a bit of a walk?! Well it was enough of a walk, one way, my friend and her daughters have now branded me a liar.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">So when this exhausted tourista asked me if Burger King was far, I smiled and said, “No! It’s just down the way!”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The gals thanked my son and I profusely and out into the rainy night they went, looking for a slice of Americana in a Roma.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Meanwhile, our transaction was complete and our salesperson said icily to us, “Grazie. Arrivederci.”</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I looked at the items folded on the counter. The salesperson looked at the items and smiled then smiled at me. He was not going to give me a bag.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I looked at the bag my son was holding. It was large enough to hold the items we had just purchased along with his new shoes –and- where we’re from, we usually travel with our own shopping bags anyway, so the idea wasn’t foreign to me. However, the fact that he didn’t offer me a bag clearly tipped me off, that I broke one of those many unspoken rules.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My son scooped the items up and put them in his bag and out the door we went.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The rule I broke? Actually, I broke several.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">#1 – Italy is a machismo society - there’s no way around it. I, a woman, upstaged all of these male salespeople in front of two girls. Not only with my perfect English, but my knowledge of Rome. Slap in the face.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">#2 – I am an American. THAT rule I shouldn’t have to explain, because we all know the Ugly American label. Americans who live abroad work very hard at not being labeled as the Ugly American Tourist. Yeah, well my middle name just became Brutta (ugly woman) to these boys.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">#3 – My son (i.e., my treasure [little boys sit right up there with the Pope in Italian’s eyes]) was subjected to my bad behavior. My son demonstrated that he knows the same landmarks and directions I do – his accent is even better than mine. I should have allowed him to give the directions. After all, we do live in a machismo society.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-67324096067028294452010-02-12T13:12:00.012+01:002010-02-12T14:17:11.356+01:00Snow in Rome!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL0kqxWH4Ns9mZZ03l0Xi7bHyC02OH6JFDJs-lx8LNQ6Vf3Qqypc6l83hdF2crAdFo7T6twAbcwzEKDY_2tJafGJnxzX7KW98pbPC6yxIcDFAAe7ATQW091ewBpPiy6eEd4CifS63lX4/s1600-h/IMG_1324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixL0kqxWH4Ns9mZZ03l0Xi7bHyC02OH6JFDJs-lx8LNQ6Vf3Qqypc6l83hdF2crAdFo7T6twAbcwzEKDY_2tJafGJnxzX7KW98pbPC6yxIcDFAAe7ATQW091ewBpPiy6eEd4CifS63lX4/s400/IMG_1324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437338884976502866" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This photo of Via del Babuino was taken from our apartment window. I was in shock! It <b>rarely</b> snows in Rome! I hurriedly threw on my raincoat, scarf, fingerless gloves, boots, grabbed my camera and my husband's rain hat and ran out the door for the Pantheon. When it snows, people go to the Pantheon to take photos of the snow falling through the oculous (hole in the dome). I knew this snow wouldn't last - it had been raining all morning, the flakes were big and fat, and it really wasn't that cold outside.</span></span> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStJnpRDKY2Of-jx-3tEhvV0403mXaH4ZDaMXlJHBTzDSAjvCWkTgYLvnr64eosgIYsxuTi9ftU1IGWbabFjrHlymserbN_R37fWQVcMvQ_Fi1rNqGoGo0gzVq02M_VR2eBGSB6EE_OvA/s1600-h/IMG_1326.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiStJnpRDKY2Of-jx-3tEhvV0403mXaH4ZDaMXlJHBTzDSAjvCWkTgYLvnr64eosgIYsxuTi9ftU1IGWbabFjrHlymserbN_R37fWQVcMvQ_Fi1rNqGoGo0gzVq02M_VR2eBGSB6EE_OvA/s400/IMG_1326.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437336875299973330" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Our edicola had pulled all of the magazines under cover and the employees of Canova Tadolini were hurrying to scrape their sidewalk for lunch customers. I understand the panini's here are well worth the visit - we'll go one day soon</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">. </span><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdebavcPVjwP07Zn2zg9frA4e35rVrQnWdV9echsJEQtXwod30dHVuqXPSbYAngTMF4eaO4p-8_KgHkOz2fAmYPziOXhwmaSvsn1nMfCRjuZyfXuBlld8Ccu_l1GCHqr1f8HpYpBlgzk/s1600-h/IMG_1330.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibdebavcPVjwP07Zn2zg9frA4e35rVrQnWdV9echsJEQtXwod30dHVuqXPSbYAngTMF4eaO4p-8_KgHkOz2fAmYPziOXhwmaSvsn1nMfCRjuZyfXuBlld8Ccu_l1GCHqr1f8HpYpBlgzk/s400/IMG_1330.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437336021635120610" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On my way to the Pantheon, I quickly snapped a photo of Scalinata di Spagna - the Spanish Steps. Typically, these steps are overflowing with tourists, but I'm guessing they were rather slippery with snow.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja78VP0p-mQl0ygb2BzgSQFRB6QC6ylV8j8dY4RvWZuvJfqzt3RoL8kJrzsfPW0YTh4VQvcgTqf6v__ZsEicf4VFUnN0Rqa8YRYir43x_ntrcx1FGouDQEhyGGKZXkO3z-OurW6DOIVGc/s1600-h/IMG_1333.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja78VP0p-mQl0ygb2BzgSQFRB6QC6ylV8j8dY4RvWZuvJfqzt3RoL8kJrzsfPW0YTh4VQvcgTqf6v__ZsEicf4VFUnN0Rqa8YRYir43x_ntrcx1FGouDQEhyGGKZXkO3z-OurW6DOIVGc/s400/IMG_1333.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437335209289096290" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">These poor palms didn't know what was hit them! They looked so festive in front of Roberto Cavalli's shop on Via Borgognona.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlmq6vpcKpOnEsorwPOH7X1Gf4_ntDzooXzwSyQexWOl8N5EOaXxUlpdk6unwc5umO5YXwG27kzUzOXSvukWuxZ5j3oWGwfUJaU6W82JFOptRru-4owov519zzEjFdtSlNs9sPNeHVUI/s1600-h/IMG_1336.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlmq6vpcKpOnEsorwPOH7X1Gf4_ntDzooXzwSyQexWOl8N5EOaXxUlpdk6unwc5umO5YXwG27kzUzOXSvukWuxZ5j3oWGwfUJaU6W82JFOptRru-4owov519zzEjFdtSlNs9sPNeHVUI/s400/IMG_1336.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437334218766590290" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In making my way to the Pantheon, I took a photo of the very quaint Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina, where parts of the Ara Pacis were found underground hundreds of years ago (history and photos can be found in my January 2010 posts). The snow has stopped falling...</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuba1t583_oCVqU_qyvDFhOTz9en_4Zvw7iQ3qrcPH-iFSHgEvVaGPzIhhBZTXD0rWy9qRrcJbLkXShbxrfTOehgybOZKk_MI9HGeoAQfZLy_VC7KpngYgdUAWu2HIl6pdYEhGH01z5w/s1600-h/IMG_1338.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjuba1t583_oCVqU_qyvDFhOTz9en_4Zvw7iQ3qrcPH-iFSHgEvVaGPzIhhBZTXD0rWy9qRrcJbLkXShbxrfTOehgybOZKk_MI9HGeoAQfZLy_VC7KpngYgdUAWu2HIl6pdYEhGH01z5w/s400/IMG_1338.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437332202696586786" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I didn't make it to the oculous in the Pantheon in time for a shot of snow falling through, darn it! However, here's a nice shot of the sun shining in Piazza della Rotonda and on the Pantheon. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH5uiF_xgqfGgewwa7USjQnMQNQB51-o1E2Zc81cIbszwctbDDo90M8C1T1yOMt5UjZv84deNhZSGYiEfMeiWFsaErD0SS4JzFTvdpzceR4yoOsy9XIxs_HX4G61NqCh6L2v0Q5lFIUU/s1600-h/IMG_1340.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAH5uiF_xgqfGgewwa7USjQnMQNQB51-o1E2Zc81cIbszwctbDDo90M8C1T1yOMt5UjZv84deNhZSGYiEfMeiWFsaErD0SS4JzFTvdpzceR4yoOsy9XIxs_HX4G61NqCh6L2v0Q5lFIUU/s400/IMG_1340.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437330464673738642" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Here's pretty proof we all thought spring was on the way - the yellow chain flower sits outside a trattoria in Piazza della Rotonda.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;">This wee bit of snow makes me love my adopted city of Rome all the more. So many who have loved, photographed and written about Rome, had never witnessed this rare event. I truly feel blessed.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-5453504216156210332010-02-11T17:03:00.003+01:002010-02-11T17:19:35.455+01:00Down and Out<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDzkvt7-VrwsrOkjg4O8tL1r3dwT2E7hJ2DUXvVm5ahJtB0FIv4gnBo7a2On9oRM12SXiVKNskvMpN1Zi78IfPc-KsR9sfeo8mtkBp8rrwavVHn46g7FE5V4GSNuGBdMAwJFlIdRthPU/s1600-h/IMG_0033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDzkvt7-VrwsrOkjg4O8tL1r3dwT2E7hJ2DUXvVm5ahJtB0FIv4gnBo7a2On9oRM12SXiVKNskvMpN1Zi78IfPc-KsR9sfeo8mtkBp8rrwavVHn46g7FE5V4GSNuGBdMAwJFlIdRthPU/s400/IMG_0033.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437020625668350514" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Two weeks ago, my son had a sore throat. While I was in New York, his sore throat developed into a cold. When I returned, it had gone into his chest. I've kept him home from school this week and have been taking care of him. Sorry for the lack of posts!</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are heading to Barcelona this Sunday for a week of medieval, Gothic and Gaudi architecture; a little Flamenco; and paella. Hasta pronto! </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Valentine photo taken in front of one of the Stella McCartney windows in the Meatpacking District in New York.)</span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-77497061443315958502010-01-30T12:40:00.004+01:002010-01-30T13:15:52.031+01:00New York!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EE5XML3XbQr6GaC8N9MxiGvm2UuTXe5HltMSSs4MbUmdgqXhPHB1cxOKhhFyD7WsC1xmiFRiFfIbIz0flwFXq3zb4EXvmEpa4jn4BlYfH3FznIGZfjNjUm0dcYP503M_dbG70DcuLvo/s1600-h/IMG_0327.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1EE5XML3XbQr6GaC8N9MxiGvm2UuTXe5HltMSSs4MbUmdgqXhPHB1cxOKhhFyD7WsC1xmiFRiFfIbIz0flwFXq3zb4EXvmEpa4jn4BlYfH3FznIGZfjNjUm0dcYP503M_dbG70DcuLvo/s400/IMG_0327.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432501026050698722" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">It's been over 5 months since I've been in America. I'll be in New York for the <a href="http://www.sanfordsmith.com/show.php?show=outsider"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Outsider Art Fair</span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;"> </span>and a bit of fun. Unfortunately, my children's Auntie Karen, of the <a href="http://www.garde-rail.com/index.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Garde Rail Gallery</span></a> won't be there this year, due to a 1,700 mile move. However, you can certainly purchase work online from Garde Rail, check out their link!</span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">Weather shock will set in immediately - the temperatures are forecasted to be in the 30's - it's been in the 50's here in Rome, which my acclimated body finds cold. My cashmere pieces from the shop <a href="http://www.souchi.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#6600CC;">Souchi</span></a>, in Portland, Oregon, will come in handy. I couldn't survive our very cold Northwest winters without Souchi cashmere! </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">As for culture shock, I'm not expecting much, as there are SO many cultures represented in New York. </span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana, serif;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:verdana;">More than likely, I'll go into architecture shock - not a skyscraper to be found in Rome. Ciao for now! </span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-86372400757166886252010-01-25T13:40:00.014+01:002010-01-25T14:21:53.953+01:00Ara Pacis - Mystery Solved<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Last week, we played turista.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve been to Rome plenty of times before, so are fortunate to have seen the traditional tourist destinations:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Colosseum, Circus Maximus, Baths of Caracalla, Palatine Hill, Forum, Campo de Fiore, Piazza Navona, Piazza Venezia, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna, the Vatican, Saint Peters, and Piazza del Popolo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, in Rome, that’s nothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is so much more to see! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I like to think of Rome as a face full of character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Each year of it’s life, maybe there’s a new wrinkle, or a new spot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After 2,500 years, there are so many wrinkles and spots, one can’t see them all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even most Romans, who were born and raised here, haven’t seen them all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaOxa2m_mFxwPBSsEFVACTbU12N7qzBD6J2BuS8XxVAMcXOoux2-QBCvMu7HRKZvXcQJk3GeSdIseHjE7Rk6igETYvbuWWGJC-SfNqV3f42xqjHJKiqUql-sstg03A9yLWMgo5M9YuYU/s1600-h/IMG_1106.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEaOxa2m_mFxwPBSsEFVACTbU12N7qzBD6J2BuS8XxVAMcXOoux2-QBCvMu7HRKZvXcQJk3GeSdIseHjE7Rk6igETYvbuWWGJC-SfNqV3f42xqjHJKiqUql-sstg03A9yLWMgo5M9YuYU/s400/IMG_1106.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430662706033934994" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprsO11T2UT4hhQh2cZtyuWDmrh4_zFJeJSEbioLo8RVfcQ6sklZspP3mYbksgUn2s5UyfIglWInLlXNUVidwdu9cmVQdcv_JCM4yclFQsfzKybxrKcAT-d8wvPBNRgcRvi2mr7YKaFbw/s1600-h/IMG_1127.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhprsO11T2UT4hhQh2cZtyuWDmrh4_zFJeJSEbioLo8RVfcQ6sklZspP3mYbksgUn2s5UyfIglWInLlXNUVidwdu9cmVQdcv_JCM4yclFQsfzKybxrKcAT-d8wvPBNRgcRvi2mr7YKaFbw/s400/IMG_1127.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430662388817662274" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzJli4LiOPiAU-FoFiyYNZwbucFXi1SfWtnGcrUCt_uMHVmrRLWiL8bQLrMscs-qNVjiHBDiBDigkiNizkr1PmQakaIy-SJbpx9K5FCjFCyAu_qXjUIdNxn2BddO7UWh7B5h1r3zkTi0/s1600-h/IMG_1126.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTzJli4LiOPiAU-FoFiyYNZwbucFXi1SfWtnGcrUCt_uMHVmrRLWiL8bQLrMscs-qNVjiHBDiBDigkiNizkr1PmQakaIy-SJbpx9K5FCjFCyAu_qXjUIdNxn2BddO7UWh7B5h1r3zkTi0/s400/IMG_1126.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430662038471185458" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">One of our favorites from last week is one we really should have seen by now, as it’s our kids’ bus stop – Museo dell’Ara Pacis (Museum of the Altar of Peace) – located in Piazza Augusto Imperatore, along the Lungotevere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This stunning museum was created by Richard Meier (of Getty Museum [Love it there!] fame) and opened in 2006.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t quite understand why architectural critics and right-wing Italians were disappointed by this museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The travertine and glass are architectural elements well established in this neighborhood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>AND, this is Rome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There isn’t a predominant, consistent architecture displayed anywhere in this city!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That’s one of the many reasons why I love Rome.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Okay, we need to cover a bit of history AND solve a mystery first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnW69s5ddq4ILg1KfzoDiLvpLjYBeKMiiDAJ4V0DeDzx7b66CsQL2YOO_qmiz-nYyADALttMpS6F4wr2NgYdT2aHl4otl6l9uqvDxLOU9ADQ1oYr0sjs_3VMnYsCWmcA1Z-me8bCSiEE/s1600-h/IMG_1120.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMnW69s5ddq4ILg1KfzoDiLvpLjYBeKMiiDAJ4V0DeDzx7b66CsQL2YOO_qmiz-nYyADALttMpS6F4wr2NgYdT2aHl4otl6l9uqvDxLOU9ADQ1oYr0sjs_3VMnYsCWmcA1Z-me8bCSiEE/s400/IMG_1120.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430661467088124306" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The actual Ara Pacis monument was commissioned by the Roman Senate on July 4, 13 B.C. and was consecrated on January 30, 9 B.C.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s actually about to celebrate it’s 2019 birthday!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was created to celebrate <i>peace</i> after Emperor Augustus completed the <i>conquest</i> of Hispania (Spain) and Gaul (France). (<i>Those crazy Romans...</i>)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLYKXBhotjvgNB_PgieROdo5uYZ4B3RzJ0u4ymFTKYyf4ZH8aDo0BmXY_EmX3WtNZ0ILq6Fe7CmYvhHtMRXSpdtkO3TxLYN-Ic6bW-D4IgmDOq18L2BcwTucglDCVMAUCKVIp8-6hals/s1600-h/IMG_1123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLYKXBhotjvgNB_PgieROdo5uYZ4B3RzJ0u4ymFTKYyf4ZH8aDo0BmXY_EmX3WtNZ0ILq6Fe7CmYvhHtMRXSpdtkO3TxLYN-Ic6bW-D4IgmDOq18L2BcwTucglDCVMAUCKVIp8-6hals/s400/IMG_1123.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430661065344187394" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We found it very interesting how this monument was sited!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Romans used an ancient tradition of linking the location of the monument via celestial orientation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An Egyptian obelisk in Campo Marzio acted like a sundial. On Augustus' birthday, the tip of the shadow aligned with where the center of the altar was placed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This location turned out to be on Via Flaminia (in the historic center, this road is now called, Via del Corso) at the northern edge of what was known as Campus Martius (which is our backyard).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the photo above, the Pantheon is at the bottom of the photo, Tiber to the left, Augustus’ Mausoleum towards the top, and itty bitty Ara Pacis to the right on the white paved area in the middle.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gqb3ylqjFXGHSLhNByjhho76JI1dX6eNUXUtvs1W81mBZ7hkQ3P_j1qZjq6MDcLrfiiV2SFeAX2GFISW_7phhC0pGxpSvgxieC3TXrrd5Yz46XjqV3BmJP8DqWeJxU7cUI9-O9PS2Vs/s1600-h/IMG_1108.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Gqb3ylqjFXGHSLhNByjhho76JI1dX6eNUXUtvs1W81mBZ7hkQ3P_j1qZjq6MDcLrfiiV2SFeAX2GFISW_7phhC0pGxpSvgxieC3TXrrd5Yz46XjqV3BmJP8DqWeJxU7cUI9-O9PS2Vs/s400/IMG_1108.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430660566097257666" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Over the centuries, this area was regularly flooded by the Tiber River, eventually breaking the monument to pieces and depositing it under four meters of lime deposits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After various invasions, plagues, “new” construction and the like, the monument was forgotten.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXywxF_lG5U1IHOiqEciNEM-gOaaBiUJSvt96UjXgxkL7jMJWmmZxWEvHxdi6DjccEEeMihlydcb7HxuadiZF9YvnhfbplmgAPKmhD8qfV6zh4WcDvwV3-gjnxxgHBYm7AeNNzgJMZRc/s1600-h/IMG_1109.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLXywxF_lG5U1IHOiqEciNEM-gOaaBiUJSvt96UjXgxkL7jMJWmmZxWEvHxdi6DjccEEeMihlydcb7HxuadiZF9YvnhfbplmgAPKmhD8qfV6zh4WcDvwV3-gjnxxgHBYm7AeNNzgJMZRc/s400/IMG_1109.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430660152756123234" /></a><br /><div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Enter the aqueduct work of the 1560’s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Pieces of Ara Pacis were found, although, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">not recognized</b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nine pieces were removed from under San Lorenzo in Lucina, and were placed in the collections and walls of Villa Medici, the Vatican, Uffizi in Firenze, and Louvre in Paris.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKE6x_5RhbV6XMORyFE5ZsQzerckS65fRzAWjirg7zs3Ce9c_zf9_BlLeqTwdVume_OHIC-G5-fjNI0PZphb5AUlnuWV-Dy22unDoGZvRuRdYE4skX9AsFadKU64ksPW25Bhrj7k3SxA/s1600-h/IMG_1112.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKE6x_5RhbV6XMORyFE5ZsQzerckS65fRzAWjirg7zs3Ce9c_zf9_BlLeqTwdVume_OHIC-G5-fjNI0PZphb5AUlnuWV-Dy22unDoGZvRuRdYE4skX9AsFadKU64ksPW25Bhrj7k3SxA/s400/IMG_1112.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430659335556105202" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In 1859, the Peretti Palace underwent structural work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Under the Palace, which Teatro Olimpia adjoined, the base of the altar was found, as were many other fragments, but because removing these pieces would endanger the walls of the Palace and Teatro, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal">and no one knew what they were</b>, many remained buried.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0-JJx5WXsOgb8tVltFzuwVHszb4nZwfsDv_r7NdItdPOOYS4Iiuonrkrw_9gP2a8mxlvIdjp4fduPl6Hi3nLuP8kdI4WmI-J9vuQwfZ3pyW061Py5cNNkf9PZxR1BhnKriPtxb0jWgA/s1600-h/IMG_1113.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju0-JJx5WXsOgb8tVltFzuwVHszb4nZwfsDv_r7NdItdPOOYS4Iiuonrkrw_9gP2a8mxlvIdjp4fduPl6Hi3nLuP8kdI4WmI-J9vuQwfZ3pyW061Py5cNNkf9PZxR1BhnKriPtxb0jWgA/s400/IMG_1113.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430658932127216978" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Finally, in 1903, Friedrich von Duhn (German scholar who headed up the Institute for Classical Architecture for the University of Heidelberg) saw the altar, put the mysterious marble puzzle pieces together, the Ara Pacis had been rediscovered (!) and he immediately petitioned the Ministry of Public Education to begin excavation work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Half of the monument had been examined and 53 fragments had been recovered, when the excavation was halted due to instability of the Peretti Palace.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoqV8-Kz6JMiU5voXw_TO8ns5V909q0XaoNA2gA1sP1UDHawwr3phMP37uBM_nwoLl-xCJnLwXeeZJedfkzuQ5M4rn7H44Sim4C8ykosZ0aUktMAic1rUCHYFjIJ3JqACNiiH-TEvOps/s1600-h/IMG_1118.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfoqV8-Kz6JMiU5voXw_TO8ns5V909q0XaoNA2gA1sP1UDHawwr3phMP37uBM_nwoLl-xCJnLwXeeZJedfkzuQ5M4rn7H44Sim4C8ykosZ0aUktMAic1rUCHYFjIJ3JqACNiiH-TEvOps/s400/IMG_1118.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430658612541465922" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In February of 1937, the Italian Cabinet ordered the excavations to recommence, as it was the 2,000 anniversary of the birth of Augustus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Only the most advanced technology could be used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Drainage ditches were dug and a team of archaeologists injected 70 cubic meters of ground with frozen carbon dioxide (!), which froze the ground to a depth of 33 feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>While the ground was frozen, the archaeologists extracted the balance of known marble pieces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How cool is that?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even with the success of finding so many fragments, there are many large fragments still buried, somewhere under Rome today.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lBI5GPglWWqK9TC0Pvrob3MJ1b5NKq2hS7N-0w9PN9gRT1AR07fbgKCapmJ3mWIvfDclIsunhOjMma5xs02asz2dmHHmg_egoCYGCqB058mAZ7UjGXNQxnX-uzprGUPcafRtWOLCurQ/s1600-h/IMG_1110.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lBI5GPglWWqK9TC0Pvrob3MJ1b5NKq2hS7N-0w9PN9gRT1AR07fbgKCapmJ3mWIvfDclIsunhOjMma5xs02asz2dmHHmg_egoCYGCqB058mAZ7UjGXNQxnX-uzprGUPcafRtWOLCurQ/s400/IMG_1110.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430658124999892098" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">In 1938, Mussolini had a protective building erected in Piazza Augusto Imperatore and had the reconstructed Ara Pacis moved. Enter the brilliant Richard Meier, who redesigned the museum we visited, and a satisfying, ancient mystery is solved!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uEBxRiDvm8w-QD1fYP05NVWeQCIkTDsZo3Zc47Jsf3i1NAdibm8KBsUVFeoXfMUYC4PIcBIfvvmx_DJTZeB6Kmy6djNJiZQ2anD2JtGIkSZRCnlShe5P2XgKWKZknRhj54TvpiRETLQ/s1600-h/IMG_1111.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1uEBxRiDvm8w-QD1fYP05NVWeQCIkTDsZo3Zc47Jsf3i1NAdibm8KBsUVFeoXfMUYC4PIcBIfvvmx_DJTZeB6Kmy6djNJiZQ2anD2JtGIkSZRCnlShe5P2XgKWKZknRhj54TvpiRETLQ/s400/IMG_1111.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430657256133328562" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The entire monument, altar and enclosure, were carved entirely of gleaming white Carrera marble.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The relief sculpture craftsmanship is so detailed, it is believed Greek or Greek-trained artists were the sculptors. Also interesting, there are recognizable faces found in the friezes, which brings an intimacy to this piece.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> However, </span>I’ll let the photos speak for themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-54003672678057154052010-01-18T22:22:00.009+01:002010-01-18T23:09:58.422+01:00Basilica San Clemente<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QABvpOaySPK4IppHHOlU9CQANa2DDTFLsrgzNiFlrPU2bDAuJICyN4A2YEgoOHbKWOKueyZijTPFEwWlPhy9cNKHTvINPAUMnlAIOe5VQvEBkXGSFp45Peo43EE05nnjyLnp8TpC9w/s1600-h/IMG_0906.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin-QABvpOaySPK4IppHHOlU9CQANa2DDTFLsrgzNiFlrPU2bDAuJICyN4A2YEgoOHbKWOKueyZijTPFEwWlPhy9cNKHTvINPAUMnlAIOe5VQvEBkXGSFp45Peo43EE05nnjyLnp8TpC9w/s400/IMG_0906.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428202684313789890" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">San Clemente’s absolutely fascinating excavations draw visitors from all over the world.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Being able to visit a 12</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century basilica is pretty amazing all on it’s own for any American, however, being able to go down into an excavated 4</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century basilica and two 1</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">st</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century B.C. buildings is worth the 5 euro price of admission. I took this photo from this angle to catch the Coliseum in the background to the left.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDzI5WbZnCrOQHQaUgleS24LdmBywcOzzL8nNmytC9x4wct0MdT5G6yVlOdpaSSqKJNvSCQTpWuvNY2u1bLfupKEcGKBS3u4oucI1bOytoT1aacuVishYWHDE6yxX18hu6_Sui82ARgc/s1600-h/IMG_0909.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDzI5WbZnCrOQHQaUgleS24LdmBywcOzzL8nNmytC9x4wct0MdT5G6yVlOdpaSSqKJNvSCQTpWuvNY2u1bLfupKEcGKBS3u4oucI1bOytoT1aacuVishYWHDE6yxX18hu6_Sui82ARgc/s400/IMG_0909.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428201797458611458" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 2px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 2px; font-family:Times;font-size:medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">San Clemente, a minor basilica, is entered off of Via di San Giovanni in Laterano. It was built in 1108, completed in 1123. Let’s just say the curb appeal leaves a lot to be desired. There’s no display of unique external architecture that would capture anyone’s attention to the current church. It’s pretty low-key and very hard to photograph. What is found inside is far from ho-hum and unfortunately, no photos are allowed to be taken, so I borrowed from a few online sites.</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:sans-serif, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:100%;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" line-height: 19px; font-family:sans-serif;font-size:13px;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/Interior_of_San_Clemente%2C_Rome.JPG" style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 43, 184); background-image: none; background-repeat: initial; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; "><img alt="File:Interior of San Clemente, Rome.JPG" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/98/Interior_of_San_Clemente%2C_Rome.JPG/450px-Interior_of_San_Clemente%2C_Rome.JPG" width="450" height="600" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; vertical-align: middle; background-image: url(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/5d/Checker-16x16.png); background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: initial; -webkit-background-clip: initial; -webkit-background-origin: initial; background-color: initial; background-position: initial initial; " /></a></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Upon entering the basilica, you are greeted by three basic naves in a rectangular shape, supported by unmatching columns – some appear to be granite, others Corinthian marble. The floors are a colorful marble, not in a complex design, but then there is a stunning spiral candlestick, striped in a colorful, glittering mosaic, which sits above the 6</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century schola cantorum (choir enclosure) which was moved up from the 4</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century basilica below. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/43/113573586_e33ca18f97.jpg" alt="Apse of San Clemente by trp0." title="" width="500" height="326" class="reflect" style="border-top-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-width: initial; border-color: initial; " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Look left and Gasp! The apse… The apse is covered in a beautiful, intricate gold mosaic, depicting the Triumph of the Cross. The decorative details of animals and plants are amazing. Being a good rule follower, especially since I’m on foreign soil, I didn’t dare take a photo, but I really wanted to!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The sacristy contains the ticket office and stairway down into the excavations. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We walked down into the very well preserved basilica, which historical writings have referenced as it being dedicated to Pope Clement I (who was either the 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> or 3</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">rd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> bishop of Rome after St. Peter) in 392. There we found the second largest collection of Early Medieval frescos in Rome, depicting pieces of stories of Mary, Jesus, St. Clemente, St. Alexis, Pope Leo IV, and empress Theodora – all painted throughout the 5</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> and 9</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> centuries. The paintings that were restored are of good color, but faded. The walls were made up of bricks, old bits and pieces of columns, and other broken, carved pieces of marble. Again, I wish I could have taken a photo! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:12px;"><img alt="Fresco: Legend of Sisinnius" src="http://www.sacred-destinations.com/italy/rome-san-clemente-photos/slides/xti_8981p2.jpg" width="354" height="550" border="0" style="text-decoration: none; border-top-width: 1px; border-right-width: 1px; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-left-width: 1px; border-top-style: solid; border-right-style: solid; border-bottom-style: solid; border-left-style: solid; border-top-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-right-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-bottom-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); border-left-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); " /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" -webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A fascinating painting is the </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Legend of Sisinnius</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, as it contains one of the oldest examples of painted language in classic Latin AND vernacular Italian.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It’s dated at approximately the 11</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (This photo is from www.sacred-destinations.com) </span></span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The largest collection of Early Medieval frescos can be found in the Roman Forum at Santa Maria Antiqua, which isn’t currently open to the public as it’s undergoing extensive excavations (i.e., will open in the next 25 or 50 or 75 years...) </span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christianity became legal in Rome in 313, and many churches were immediately built, but other pagan churches were legal until 391.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p><table border="0" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td width="34%" align="center"><img border="1" src="http://www.archeoroma.com/acquedotti-file/mappa-acquedotti.jpg" width="477" height="523" /><div align="left"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So under this site was previously a large Roman home and Temple of Mithras.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are many legends around whom the home belonged to, the most popular legend being San Clemente.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The home was a series of bricked rooms, with low doorways (these people were short!) connecting each room.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The ancient Roman waterway, still flows through a room in the house – very cool.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (This map is of the ancient Roman aqua ducts. Number 10 is about where San Clemente is located.) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Also legend, Christians would worship secretly during the 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century on this site.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Helvetica, serif;font-size:12px;"><img src="webkit-fake-url://0703B485-9169-46FF-AE36-CA12701111BE/s_clemente_mithras.JPG.jpg" alt="s_clemente_mithras.JPG.jpg" /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Helvetica, serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Then, in the late 2</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">nd</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century, the Temple of Mithras was built on the site.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The Mithras were an all-male fertility cult, originating from Persia in 1</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">st</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century B.C., and they were rivals of Christians from 14 – 313 A.D.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Much of the Temple was destroyed when the 4</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century basilica was built.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">One room remains, which we couldn’t enter.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It contains a marble Mithraism altar, marble chairs, a painting we couldn’t see and supposedly, stars on the ceiling – again, we couldn’t see them, just the altar. (This photo is from www.livius.org)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Due to religious persecution, the Irish Dominican’s were granted San Clemente and San Sisto Vecchio to administer and live out their religious lives.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They continue that mission today.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In 1857, Father Joseph Mullooly began the excavations in San Clemente and within 10 years, the 4</span><sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">th</span></sup><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> century basilica had been excavated.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42Dgucwk6xIjpY0kUnc9aZH52YC8mhQBmp8VhIqdzemVgnIEPBnWV3LMA26ZtOwdd64h869T2QA1oZIEHxCnWU_JzX9jMcHonHklZjSSidN6weq2-OUoqr0jUksTBlybkPMA-tb52d9w/s1600-h/IMG_0924.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj42Dgucwk6xIjpY0kUnc9aZH52YC8mhQBmp8VhIqdzemVgnIEPBnWV3LMA26ZtOwdd64h869T2QA1oZIEHxCnWU_JzX9jMcHonHklZjSSidN6weq2-OUoqr0jUksTBlybkPMA-tb52d9w/s400/IMG_0924.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428195286129109586" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvI2W7T03YHsfq_QgVDWoh-FSfOU55dMtgRNysBnCvCpn4P0Nbh0Zj8CdUaHD_DMJkXw2azzwWdDhd4dMeq0tjvS1y4UiKIF-dxNWJqfCHTk3f6ye0w8Akd0S4aJy8UY_3_nj8pIC-Og/s1600-h/IMG_0913.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigvI2W7T03YHsfq_QgVDWoh-FSfOU55dMtgRNysBnCvCpn4P0Nbh0Zj8CdUaHD_DMJkXw2azzwWdDhd4dMeq0tjvS1y4UiKIF-dxNWJqfCHTk3f6ye0w8Akd0S4aJy8UY_3_nj8pIC-Og/s400/IMG_0913.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428194676330177090" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are countless ancient churches in this neighborhood, as it is the adjoining neighborhood to the first Vatican – Basilica San Giovanni in Laterano (my amateur photos above).</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">All of the Pope’s were crowned here until 1870 and before the Pope’s moved briefly to Avignon, France, in 1309, this also was the papal residence.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We certainly have a lot more exploring to do!</span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-20866661467769175282010-01-17T15:30:00.009+01:002010-01-17T16:33:57.426+01:00Caotica Roma<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrXfN2Dp_W-zEkqywq6xz5opMVpEkiE-_NNctcie9PlyOXKA8T3DueVv_T0Zw1m9kYw0fvN74PXPTG-iqIU7oTCjfwb2AF90DL1P1zHxC_0E2yMjRiVYugH5EIlI80wQ6PeKqVbSNLBo/s1600-h/IMG_6829.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdrXfN2Dp_W-zEkqywq6xz5opMVpEkiE-_NNctcie9PlyOXKA8T3DueVv_T0Zw1m9kYw0fvN74PXPTG-iqIU7oTCjfwb2AF90DL1P1zHxC_0E2yMjRiVYugH5EIlI80wQ6PeKqVbSNLBo/s400/IMG_6829.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427731278745437858" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Make no mistake about it, living in Rome is absolute chaos.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are so many day-to-day interactions that simply, don’t make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Behaviors, sign and body language, how business is conducted, cultural norms – it’s enough to drive Italians and non-Italians mad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But for some weird, freakish reason, I absolutely LOVE it!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobwW63930QGEGsQbtzn1BmM9ShSBuEKuiL6v3DcTmu7KCAFVma897MjR7CGFB-SGKDCkg7jCqKhBoEfxiRq8xs6kMqE5ZHmwY15ExW75g1ilTtxjl0ilOzzDJu4z8mDLuFtv5bpdopII/s1600-h/IMG_6130.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjobwW63930QGEGsQbtzn1BmM9ShSBuEKuiL6v3DcTmu7KCAFVma897MjR7CGFB-SGKDCkg7jCqKhBoEfxiRq8xs6kMqE5ZHmwY15ExW75g1ilTtxjl0ilOzzDJu4z8mDLuFtv5bpdopII/s400/IMG_6130.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427729586433102146" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The other day, I had to buy a computer printer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew exactly where to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’s a Euronics (European chain-store, filled with reasonably priced electronics) store right outside of Piazza del Popolo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I looked at all of the models, confirmed the model I wanted would print for an IBM-compatible and Mac computer, bought the right connector cord (to go wireless would undoubtedly create some massively technical issue I couldn’t solve), and bought my printer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then I realized, I needed paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I asked the cashier for carta.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">She replied, “Photografica?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I replied, “No, non rigata (plain).”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">She shook her head no.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I asked, “Dove (where)?”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">She shrugged her shoulders at me and replied, “Non so, signora.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She didn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">It made no sense to me, whatsoever, that I could buy a printer for my computer, but I couldn’t buy computer paper to go with it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nor did the cashier know where to buy the paper, and if she did, she certainly wasn’t going to tell me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">That, my family and friends, sums up Rome for you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I LOVE it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsunC-NTrnGyjLqRTuN9JrcslWofcFDZT519hspqklfwt1JtQnb8niSDcTMBWUG2PT_2Oeootk8vrGFCgVSbtBGUApgH7PABYsUq1NN5fV7QBoi26JVJ3xqEvI6f8SBRVAKKqLdRg87uQ/s1600-h/IMG_6591.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsunC-NTrnGyjLqRTuN9JrcslWofcFDZT519hspqklfwt1JtQnb8niSDcTMBWUG2PT_2Oeootk8vrGFCgVSbtBGUApgH7PABYsUq1NN5fV7QBoi26JVJ3xqEvI6f8SBRVAKKqLdRg87uQ/s400/IMG_6591.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427728941511613666" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">This kind of scenario plays out each and every day for each and every one of us who lives in and around Rome over the most common, normally mundane, random interactions (bus schedules, auto repair, taxi stands, ATM’s, etc.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve heard whoppers from all walks of life - Roman, Japanese, Italian tourists, Australians, Americans, Spanish, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>After hearing and sharing our experiences, we all agree, it’s absolutely nuts in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I LOVE it!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrS0wCtxiHhHCxNyU12_DYXrYJAuTy0w6xmJte0LX6XUEqTTbuho8vAZoW2lu-XMHPbyz4nZpbrg9d4Gc82AdKSsBPgN2X5kIjoMXEBlwDccMm-KwWll8nx6J0U1P-I3yGbGlInC3hbU/s1600-h/IMG_5753.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxrS0wCtxiHhHCxNyU12_DYXrYJAuTy0w6xmJte0LX6XUEqTTbuho8vAZoW2lu-XMHPbyz4nZpbrg9d4Gc82AdKSsBPgN2X5kIjoMXEBlwDccMm-KwWll8nx6J0U1P-I3yGbGlInC3hbU/s400/IMG_5753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427726738422234258" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">If living in Rome for longer than 90 days, you need a visa, which you must have before arriving in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Within 5 days of your arrival, you must also apply for the permesso di soggiorno, the residential permit, from the police.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>But, before you can apply for your permesso, you have to have a codice fiscale (like a social security card).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Like good citizens, we applied for everything in a timely manner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, only I have received my codice fiscale, no one else in the family has and none of us has received our permesso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We hear we might receive by the time we leave…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I love that things don’t make sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There’s no set of rules to learn and follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The boundaries are like over cooked spaghetti.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There isn’t a pattern.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everything you do, it’s like doing it for the very first time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Imagine!</span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3XM77XKk3judHCXW84U3mHmmJIB_q40kNGEvPlOJDGTEZzVsad0aPFtBvxIUe3n92rGRmJKHfo5oLrlyHdoUXvbpP2to5y6rGHVpf4nDqflw-CNtLlr9mHWD0QXil0iMBOe1VsUS0Wc/s1600-h/IMG_5745.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3XM77XKk3judHCXW84U3mHmmJIB_q40kNGEvPlOJDGTEZzVsad0aPFtBvxIUe3n92rGRmJKHfo5oLrlyHdoUXvbpP2to5y6rGHVpf4nDqflw-CNtLlr9mHWD0QXil0iMBOe1VsUS0Wc/s400/IMG_5745.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427726137333671458" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I had to go to three different markets to find our favorite brand of espresso.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The market closest to us stopped carrying it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We asked when it would be restocked and they said they didn’t know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Another market was out, probably because our neighborhood had wiped them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We found it, in a different neighborhood and bought two cans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who knew when we’d see it again?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Two months later and it has since reappeared at our market.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisddS_WeIZhuRC9IXDes91epgVa09PBGsVyOCt7B-I3GCvaJS2QcYSJDITckfTD6S1E_4nOMGwKV3DGZv2dWcoC75wWL6EKZImf6t_Cu8zAYymmJcrpCRthXzzDM5hYRHQeG42SrbNXgM/s1600-h/IMG_2896.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisddS_WeIZhuRC9IXDes91epgVa09PBGsVyOCt7B-I3GCvaJS2QcYSJDITckfTD6S1E_4nOMGwKV3DGZv2dWcoC75wWL6EKZImf6t_Cu8zAYymmJcrpCRthXzzDM5hYRHQeG42SrbNXgM/s400/IMG_2896.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427723980574401698" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">For Americans, this can be an extremely frustrating experience, because we’re led along our entire lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Everything is planned and laid out for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We rarely have to think.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our service industry smiles and asks us how they can help. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our stores are overflowing with merchandise.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Romans don’t smile without a reason, and I’m okay with that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I smile at all of them all of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sure they think I’m an absolute fool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m just so happy living here, I can’t help myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>If someone smiles back, I know they are American.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSqd4gW-mQP7wvU2FEqb1YfG829H4n0TdEyYh2WrwY5FjMUs2ZiZbXDRsPredf-bnn88LjKxGtNoaRlf0j1uYBEILK6xltHbNTZmA5tSJ6eaiHHhxi4zRMDPzjIZVhimezj-laCzCcaE/s1600-h/IMG_0411.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinSqd4gW-mQP7wvU2FEqb1YfG829H4n0TdEyYh2WrwY5FjMUs2ZiZbXDRsPredf-bnn88LjKxGtNoaRlf0j1uYBEILK6xltHbNTZmA5tSJ6eaiHHhxi4zRMDPzjIZVhimezj-laCzCcaE/s400/IMG_0411.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427722728749406562" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I love walking in the streets of Rome every day and not knowing what all of these very animated and talkative Italians are saying.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I mean, if I concentrated really hard, I could pick up bits and pieces of their conversations, and it would probably help my Italian, but why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>To me, all of these Italian conversations are like beautiful music, in different tones, swirling all around me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrVT_cbIr14YcHCcb01dra4xcf01P-TqaTUSB05irzQjeXUEVy-aslS7A332ynp7Z3s70e2mS5rTjDd0OIAlZ8OKwEB0KfmBiCUlqn_InWkcBrobWodfbP1ObF8krPKjrdF2SMyd6EdM/s1600-h/IMG_5206.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrVT_cbIr14YcHCcb01dra4xcf01P-TqaTUSB05irzQjeXUEVy-aslS7A332ynp7Z3s70e2mS5rTjDd0OIAlZ8OKwEB0KfmBiCUlqn_InWkcBrobWodfbP1ObF8krPKjrdF2SMyd6EdM/s400/IMG_5206.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5427720848940484674" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I love the mild climate, the sunny skies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love hearing the horse and carriages clip-clopping down our cobblestone street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love all of the dogs – Romans love walking their dogs (and they are very good at picking up after them, unlike Parisians.)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love the ancient structures littered throughout our city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love the confusing, winding streets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I love the atmosphere of Rome, which to many, is too crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">There’s a little comfortable niche I’ve carved out, out of all of this chaos, for myself (and family) in Rome and I LOVE it!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-38811259626460960472010-01-15T14:10:00.010+01:002010-01-15T14:52:02.731+01:00Christian Lacroix<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">We arrived in Paris on a sunny and cold Sunday. Monday, museums are closed, so my husband and I decided to do a bit of shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The designers' boutiques in Paris are so sublime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their chicly styled windows beckoned us to come in out of the frigid temperatures and warm ourselves amongst their wares.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So we did.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">One of our very first stops was Christian Lacroix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVkG_QDsMML9SK9CHwxm1eozU-akSWgg9up4Lq7LjzUn3AIc_0buf19EUS2HB5rq8MacyQ_yM3_GGCrWoq_v2yrBteRljsrF4GQF_KszYPim4-IyGamEsops5w2msClMym6-SGptFMCo/s1600-h/IMG_0500.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKVkG_QDsMML9SK9CHwxm1eozU-akSWgg9up4Lq7LjzUn3AIc_0buf19EUS2HB5rq8MacyQ_yM3_GGCrWoq_v2yrBteRljsrF4GQF_KszYPim4-IyGamEsops5w2msClMym6-SGptFMCo/s400/IMG_0500.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426960179252743330" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I LOVE Christian Lacroix.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And where I’m from, you can’t buy Christian Lacroix, unless you shop online for a piece here, or a piece there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I couldn’t just buy a random piece of his clothing online.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It just wouldn’t do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Christian Lacroix is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I knew someday, I would have the opportunity to grace his boutique and I was just going to have to wait it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Unfortunately, I almost waited too long, because his design house went bankrupt (I still CANNOT believe it!) and at the end of January, his boutiques will close.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My husband and I went into his boutique on rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honoré.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was hoping to find a little memento. Something to remember Christian Lacroix by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> Can you believe, </span>I didn’t find a thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Not one item.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, my husband…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband found a few mementos.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UCFq84rHlnpASOyNm_3VP751b0g1tIQdFEQdsO42KNK-ZoJsZAIPu68Tev_dCUB7vllgTIxlxqpBLHghW44xbPTO-ku4d6I6fhGfx0HyAoGtcjd08qg8GagKG6GoCxm0K8UMrUdvs1g/s1600-h/IMG_0876.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UCFq84rHlnpASOyNm_3VP751b0g1tIQdFEQdsO42KNK-ZoJsZAIPu68Tev_dCUB7vllgTIxlxqpBLHghW44xbPTO-ku4d6I6fhGfx0HyAoGtcjd08qg8GagKG6GoCxm0K8UMrUdvs1g/s400/IMG_0876.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426958282875815810" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">One of them turned out to be this gorgeous suit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a black and white glen plaid with a faint barn red pin stripe incorporated into the wool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s beautiful and classic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What made it worth writing about, is the incredibly unique interior of the suit.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43i4cU6evhwiSh6qDMQg2U__tSoL9jLQlNC6LksV3W5EWmO9ZWKjz0cqbZ_FosrgZ_UGRlIyhumdoODvoqSmMHY59lcWlnI81rCbwXS-VQUPjEptJN9vVyw9K6Ex5er8EvCz2ymI4E6U/s1600-h/IMG_0878.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43i4cU6evhwiSh6qDMQg2U__tSoL9jLQlNC6LksV3W5EWmO9ZWKjz0cqbZ_FosrgZ_UGRlIyhumdoODvoqSmMHY59lcWlnI81rCbwXS-VQUPjEptJN9vVyw9K6Ex5er8EvCz2ymI4E6U/s400/IMG_0878.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426957759494571554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuPGxg8g0iEW6dPx9iJJRwdLWuz-Xdjg7qkWI24lJLYmNGUIzRUut-VQSTAfKN7sbPJsz20jltakluJYggPteobDXgRTMnTlwMQoPDkszp7Oxy79RY-kZBqvM41G6IX_g9CdV0YO3T_Y/s1600-h/IMG_0880.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuPGxg8g0iEW6dPx9iJJRwdLWuz-Xdjg7qkWI24lJLYmNGUIzRUut-VQSTAfKN7sbPJsz20jltakluJYggPteobDXgRTMnTlwMQoPDkszp7Oxy79RY-kZBqvM41G6IX_g9CdV0YO3T_Y/s400/IMG_0880.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426956732614995778" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuN2_zaHtRdYR5IU2gWOClOGbM7eLpui56lvW_FR8Fl_P1f6VP10e0XFx4npz-kMyav5tXo93fNff0fwjdjFy_TRB1fCiT8yMno3fFmnDIBHIX-nwtqtX5RgIQznqSNYaXpbo2pK-YXA/s1600-h/IMG_0877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHuN2_zaHtRdYR5IU2gWOClOGbM7eLpui56lvW_FR8Fl_P1f6VP10e0XFx4npz-kMyav5tXo93fNff0fwjdjFy_TRB1fCiT8yMno3fFmnDIBHIX-nwtqtX5RgIQznqSNYaXpbo2pK-YXA/s400/IMG_0877.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426956278155236562" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I'm sorry my amateur photos don't do this jacket justice. The interior has been completely lined, by hand, in silk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And as you can see, there are subtle details that you won’t find in most men’s suits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> I love the red velvet inner pocket, black and white silk piping, little medal medallion over the other inner pocket, and red buttons that act as the exterior button liners. </span>It’s absolutely stunning!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3GL8etmF39DEOY6aokQw31ImSZ4-xIRHcdRN-W7WrfKGaSoj3ZHkk3paZ-DcZ5zeuPp5Qx0tWyFTHLcTmcgPvO0wmwFah-zluH85bYLTdCeqrGvkETbBZXznNDWT4p4k8gE9d4JJ2UU/s1600-h/IMG_0879.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN3GL8etmF39DEOY6aokQw31ImSZ4-xIRHcdRN-W7WrfKGaSoj3ZHkk3paZ-DcZ5zeuPp5Qx0tWyFTHLcTmcgPvO0wmwFah-zluH85bYLTdCeqrGvkETbBZXznNDWT4p4k8gE9d4JJ2UU/s400/IMG_0879.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426955139345891682" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Our sales person told us this Victorian-era scene is from Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, where Christian Lacroix was born; which makes sense scenery-wise, as Arles was part of the Roman Empire for hundreds of years.</span></p><!--StartFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <!--StartFragment--><!--EndFragment--> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80EkTO_3BWevft8BZC_CUOx4HP7pwGOgAP9WSPgJq7cPI5VNnd_RjZZg46rUNMZ2VD76nyFgPL6YCa3r3rrVQE-vge6fUrK1xK3Onc3_2QepyRjkOTvAdtLclSUnB0QZvSU0RtX9eqLE/s1600-h/IMG_0881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80EkTO_3BWevft8BZC_CUOx4HP7pwGOgAP9WSPgJq7cPI5VNnd_RjZZg46rUNMZ2VD76nyFgPL6YCa3r3rrVQE-vge6fUrK1xK3Onc3_2QepyRjkOTvAdtLclSUnB0QZvSU0RtX9eqLE/s400/IMG_0881.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426953591984474786" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">A colorful individual could wear this suit jacket inside out!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband wouldn’t dare attempt that, but one could.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We had their tailor take the pants in a bit, so returned to the shop a couple of times during our week there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They did a fabulous job!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We’re sorry to see Christian Lacroix leave fashion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s a wonderfully creative man, who has left a lovely impression in my husband's closet and our world. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-6508638225626215232010-01-14T14:33:00.005+01:002010-01-14T14:43:38.355+01:00Haircut<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">I’m one of those rare individuals who will cut their own hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t know too many people that will take shears to their hair, which is probably a good thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hair is our greatest accessory, so taking full responsibility for its look is wisely, left to professionals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And yes, that includes me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">I don’t remember when I foolishly thought I had enough skill to chop off a few locks, or where I found the bravery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I must have looked in the mirror, out of sheer desperation, and gingerly nipped off a teensy bit here and there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How that translated into my own hair design over the years is beyond me.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Every now and then, I was asked by family and friends to cut their hair. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My grandmother loved it when I would cut her hair – and she was very particular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I put all grandmothers into two camps.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sweet-gentle-bake-cookies-few-extra-pounds-hugging-kind, which I was lucky enough to have one of (my Nana), and the modern-working-woman-nails-always-done-kiss-on-the-cheek-kind (my grandmother).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Their names even give it away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nana was security and warmth and lots of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Grandmother was elegant and active and cool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She wore Calvin Klein jeans!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And Keds!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">As my grandmother aged, and was stricken with cancer, she didn’t feel well enough to have her hair styled at her salon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So she asked me to cut her hair!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I felt SO honored, and freaking terrified!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>As my grandmother wasn’t the huggy-lovey-dovey type, I knew if I screwed up, she would haughtily let me know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, I did well enough and it became a part of our visits.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">I lived in Portland, Oregon for a little over eight years and absolutely LOVED it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It took me a long time to find the right stylist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Actually, it took me years!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I ended up cutting my own hair, for years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I didn’t trust anyone and I didn’t think I was doing too bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then, I met Wendy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Wendy became my Hairy Godmother.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Wendy and I worked together and she was all about hair and products.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was always doing something cute with her hair – long, straight, short, curly and in between.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Her mother had been a stylist, so Wendy was always trying out different products for different effects.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She was so hair confident.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Wendy would take me into wholesale shops for hair products, accessories and make up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a big, wide world out there and she was going to show it to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She told me straight up, I needed help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Yes, I was doing a pretty good job, but someone else could do much better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>She made a few suggestions, waved her magic wand and next thing I knew, I had a stylist.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">Well, fast forward a few years, and here I am, living in another new city, faced with the same trust dilemma and lack of my Hairy Godmother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And this time, it’s exacerbated by a language barrier.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, I started cutting my own hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Let’s just say the awkward grow out phase wasn’t growing out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It didn’t matter if I wrapped my head in a scarf!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Each and every day became awkward.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana">I totally copped out, went online and found Noi, a salon where the owners and stylists speak English.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Come to find out, many of the English-speaking community who live in Rome, trust Noi with their greatest accessory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> And, Noi is located in Piazza del Popolo, which is in my backyard. Thanks to Massimo, from Napoli, </span>I’m sporting a new Italian ‘do and I like it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-41272059294231720082010-01-09T19:09:00.008+01:002010-01-30T13:12:36.740+01:00Saldi! Venta! Soldes!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pzRzF4Ac2leD9hiYsmQzomLkiVz8-gDx4-XUYLlxkb4zc8n2zd2Bvcn4dwXAghcOZtdVSoAJN3Or3VTZohzgtOPwKd8sNCVe3xn-5xkcKTj5U-n2f9ZD2QtRlKiiKJPUpKTE6n3NX7I/s1600-h/IMG_1101.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0pzRzF4Ac2leD9hiYsmQzomLkiVz8-gDx4-XUYLlxkb4zc8n2zd2Bvcn4dwXAghcOZtdVSoAJN3Or3VTZohzgtOPwKd8sNCVe3xn-5xkcKTj5U-n2f9ZD2QtRlKiiKJPUpKTE6n3NX7I/s400/IMG_1101.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432504564465925362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiktQIm82L-SEkAHHjI375IvcQJNI0XWBeNx3WUln1RMdveAe3dex_l1DXeB2lsDsuInyyYTIolBPjw3VJc25SevYpvWt3oaYBwBQbdcTj5SkBOk-442-JtgMSCjtSvhEA4oMeDvAbkY/s1600-h/IMG_0840.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidiktQIm82L-SEkAHHjI375IvcQJNI0XWBeNx3WUln1RMdveAe3dex_l1DXeB2lsDsuInyyYTIolBPjw3VJc25SevYpvWt3oaYBwBQbdcTj5SkBOk-442-JtgMSCjtSvhEA4oMeDvAbkY/s400/IMG_0840.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426640680900897650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRcc80brYY2VaoYFjtkGhb_kdsJ8GzjnzhpQBnMNNuM874IHpZphy8cDR_29aSv7VA84e2edaC_wkcCmafQCupEi9U1wr8tcV6_DW61HejMT6CS3TzwAY8LbgLxS6LDDkjsD9mbS-KBM/s1600-h/IMG_0501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRcc80brYY2VaoYFjtkGhb_kdsJ8GzjnzhpQBnMNNuM874IHpZphy8cDR_29aSv7VA84e2edaC_wkcCmafQCupEi9U1wr8tcV6_DW61HejMT6CS3TzwAY8LbgLxS6LDDkjsD9mbS-KBM/s400/IMG_0501.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424807012364443746" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVU_sDDWd-IZAe9YnWfXgtTsGP3JoQxJlt3r_F9sD8jhdyqyZ5bS0fChjP2LAwdJrCTXrgj394cCK015ItjDbY3px86Zllh2qrh9etF9oV5-1FzK4mr5-9r4QYnFAsi8GOeidCOwseH0/s1600-h/IMG_0825.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSVU_sDDWd-IZAe9YnWfXgtTsGP3JoQxJlt3r_F9sD8jhdyqyZ5bS0fChjP2LAwdJrCTXrgj394cCK015ItjDbY3px86Zllh2qrh9etF9oV5-1FzK4mr5-9r4QYnFAsi8GOeidCOwseH0/s400/IMG_0825.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424806373546265122" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal">Saldi! Soldes! Venta! Sale! The sale signs have replaced the holiday decorations in Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> A</span>ll Italians, men and women alike, look forward to sale season. It’s time to save some hard-earned euro, add something luxurious to the wardrobe and be fawned over by complete strangers.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now I know most American’s could care less when they see a sign that says Sale, as you see them all the time anyways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, in Italy, sales are rare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They only occur TWICE a year! </p> <p class="MsoNormal">Winter 2010, the 6-weeks Rome has scheduled for sale season are, January 2 to February 13.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 6-week Summer 2010 sale season will be July 3 to August 14. Each region has its own calendar, so sale dates vary a bit from city to city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Typically, discounts range anywhere from 10% to 30% in the beginning, then percentages climb up to 70%, and even 80% by the end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There are discount stores in Rome that buy designer sale merchandise and sell those items at even steeper discounts.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The difficulty of waiting for the two sale seasons, is your size or favorite color may be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The majority of stores don’t have a companion store to send another size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Luckily for me, Italians have small feet, so the small shoes are usually gone, but the larger are usually available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Thankfully, Romans are a pretty tame bunch, so you won’t see the pushing or grabbing that you may read about, in say, London.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You will see added security guards, who are carrying guns(!), who will form orderly lines for entrance into a store (because God knows, a tame Italian will shamelessly cut the line as soon as they think they can get away with it!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">When in Chanel the other day, I waited 20 minutes to enter the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A gorgeous, beautifully dressed Italian woman entered the store, said a few words to the guard and was allowed immediate access.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The two women in front of me, casually dressed (like me) were pissed!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They started arguing with the guard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Finally, after a few minutes of back and forth, appropriate hand gestures, and heavenwardly glances, he yelled, “Basta!” at them (enough).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The gal who assisted me said Chanel will maintain security guards until things return to calma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Smart decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>(Nope, didn’t buy a thing, nor brave enough to take a photo.)</p></div><p class="MsoNormal">And Italians are VERY exact in what they buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They don’t have the same commercialized excess mentality that Americans have and they prefer not to buy anything on credit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The item(s) they buy are the best they can afford, and because of the excellent craftsmanship of Italian made goods, they’ll have that item for years.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Oh, and watching Italians buy clothing is pure entertainment!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Italians try items on, glide out of the dressing room and will twirl about, waiting for everyone in the vicinity to gasp in admiration and offer an opinion (which will only be positive!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Rounds of, “Bella Figura!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Carina!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“Molto chic!” will all be made. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then the person trying on the item will reply, “Non so…” (I don’t know…)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When it’s an item they’ve clearly had their eye on for the last six months, because no Italian enters a store to try something on, unless they are there to buy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s comical!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">You certainly know an American shopper in Italy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’re the ones who walk through a store, inspecting and touching everything, trying to avoid sales staff because we don’t speak the language confidently, take our chosen merchandise into the dressing room and stay in there until decisions are quietly made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ve had many an attendant waiting outside the room, calling over other attendants (hustled over only to coo at me at the nod of my attendant), who end up disappointed when I come out of the room in the same clothes I entered in, handing them the items that I want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">If you’re ever in Italy for sale season, enjoy the prices and the spectacle!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-29505560108531117072010-01-06T20:39:00.005+01:002010-01-06T20:45:14.541+01:00KARL LAGERFELD ! ! ! ! !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbZELJW72BUs61ReUxo4QqvLqiTN7BvSI3SFJ3jux5c92GnP_54Jh3-AB-UKzYIwpV1uJJCSp85Q_hgSC9lf_3HnJ-l9QNPWvsyspqyjCt0B9d5PndX5TcA2Cw4YmqJr0ahgCIyk2gXE/s1600-h/IMG_0232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYbZELJW72BUs61ReUxo4QqvLqiTN7BvSI3SFJ3jux5c92GnP_54Jh3-AB-UKzYIwpV1uJJCSp85Q_hgSC9lf_3HnJ-l9QNPWvsyspqyjCt0B9d5PndX5TcA2Cw4YmqJr0ahgCIyk2gXE/s400/IMG_0232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423714122608800578" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Notice the caps?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t usually type out in caps, unless I’m really excited about something or someone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I don’t quite know who knows Karl and who doesn’t, so allow me to provide a bit of background.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="text-transform:uppercase;font-family:Verdana;">Karl Lagerfeld</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> is a STAR in the clothing design business and has been for OVER 20 YEARS.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So much of what is produced each season, by other designers, are offshoots of what Karl has already designed, produced and sold.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is no greater designer at this time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Period. He can’t be touched.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He designs his own label, Karl Lagerfeld, designs for Fendi, and of course, where he is most famous, has been the genius behind the Chanel label since 1983.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Chanel.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We’re talking the legendary House of Chanel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’re talking Coco and long strands of pearls and No. 5 and little black dresses and oh, so smart tweedy suits.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Karl and I exchanged glances while we were in Paris, and I’m sure he doesn’t remember me, but I’ll remember him for the rest of my life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You see, I really don’t give a damn about the celebrities much of America focuses on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Lady Gaga?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Big whoop!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Bradgelina?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nothing special.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Actually, I can’t really name anyone else – who is America peeping in on these days?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh right, I don’t care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I digress…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Karl is the definition of Celebrity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s stood the test of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In my opinion, he’s relevant and classic.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My husband and I were walking to dinner on Rue des Saints Peres and saw one of those great, big Hummer’s driving our way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Spotting a Hummer in France is very unusual, however, not unheard of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve seen them in the south.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The Hummer turned onto Rue de Verneuil, as did we, as we were on our way to Tan Dinh (a fabulous Vietnamese restaurant!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I was mildly curious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Who would hop out?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A woman in a full-length mink coat and pearls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A child with her nanny?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>An oo-la-la-drop-dead-handsome, French man?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Why, it was Karl!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He hopped out of the Hummer right before our eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On his own, without security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I recognized him, I immediately gasped, out loud, to my husband (no shame), “Oh my God!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s Karl Lagerfeld!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Karl looked at me (thankful I wasn’t wielding a camera to be sure), and I looked at him, then he passed us and disappeared into a doorway across the street.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I, meanwhile, floated all the way to Tan Dinh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m sure my meal was enhanced by the fact that I saw Karl…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I’ve never been that close to celebrity before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nor will I, probably, ever again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Was I wearing or carrying any Chanel (Fendi or Karl Lagerfeld)?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Se la vie!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-3712134409194241342010-01-05T12:23:00.014+01:002010-01-05T13:01:14.968+01:00Only the Beginning of A Love Story... Paris, France<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTbYL-FlZxJLBKNlX6inCsQxLEctylqhNMdXneuuEqZ6rZ7o8aZh8m66_ucOXmQno0z-XMlFLXhlnlgZFdAIwj4ZINyA0L-4eG5PfMgv8cAui-Ck43_BGK8dITfu4X1QfZzkDXAV0cIg/s1600-h/IMG_0726.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTbYL-FlZxJLBKNlX6inCsQxLEctylqhNMdXneuuEqZ6rZ7o8aZh8m66_ucOXmQno0z-XMlFLXhlnlgZFdAIwj4ZINyA0L-4eG5PfMgv8cAui-Ck43_BGK8dITfu4X1QfZzkDXAV0cIg/s400/IMG_0726.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223842558291250" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Be still my heart! I love Paris! I’ve never been to Paris before, I barely speak a word of French, and I had the time of my life!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">For all of the negative press we receive in America about how “we” are treated over here – I gotta tell ya (as my dad would say before he would wind himself up for a lengthy lecture of what HE thought we should be doing with our lives, which was usually spot on) – it’s a load of crap. </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwnWhHNgZ8yFsrZr_hztdYfnObxbYzWksu0gAVm2oGjRf67ER5Y3sfU1yGuZOzFp7As4Tg8BZC3Z4wgjsrPJ5es2LbUJKObAohtR3CspjoVnXztwtxrZ0Kf1KUQOS5-S22D7_P7XmM_8/s1600-h/IMG_0727.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdwnWhHNgZ8yFsrZr_hztdYfnObxbYzWksu0gAVm2oGjRf67ER5Y3sfU1yGuZOzFp7As4Tg8BZC3Z4wgjsrPJ5es2LbUJKObAohtR3CspjoVnXztwtxrZ0Kf1KUQOS5-S22D7_P7XmM_8/s400/IMG_0727.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423223326483565362" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iRnQUK_H3zmQqOGTvhO88s3vzviQLexAEhyn359Y2076JaRgGhEZHPCIVsBxGj_WYk5MfuUNRlv6SWO8i_h6KaA_PQDS7HTqiOyc_ngXbafSWSsRb7d4JwkP1jN5mZXs9AYKowI1Jt8/s1600-h/IMG_0634.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_iRnQUK_H3zmQqOGTvhO88s3vzviQLexAEhyn359Y2076JaRgGhEZHPCIVsBxGj_WYk5MfuUNRlv6SWO8i_h6KaA_PQDS7HTqiOyc_ngXbafSWSsRb7d4JwkP1jN5mZXs9AYKowI1Jt8/s400/IMG_0634.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423222783289130914" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpppgYKlaTQrvriINo6c0OS8UNraV5VYHLfdLrx9DIRZchA0gkf_dx-4cffGUYKDKLd8SgGoJU141VUxRfot7hfTCnyEvkOsjrGU83jzZbPjrUMxP9OaHjpUiEDwAXyBEcwL_nAWl4HmY/s1600-h/IMG_0723.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpppgYKlaTQrvriINo6c0OS8UNraV5VYHLfdLrx9DIRZchA0gkf_dx-4cffGUYKDKLd8SgGoJU141VUxRfot7hfTCnyEvkOsjrGU83jzZbPjrUMxP9OaHjpUiEDwAXyBEcwL_nAWl4HmY/s400/IMG_0723.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423222283567380258" /></a><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX_QTtezI1Wvflov7sdm4CflUk5JFjW_b1NRrxVJf-QtiGr6VT4fsmkQCnwQn5jLSGidrLiuOXPdQTPe0tS2Y_wqk7wv0fLh1Z7QDzFT4aMlTTupuzDqNzSJ6E52UgGdKZ3hjskW1DBA/s1600-h/IMG_0786.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkX_QTtezI1Wvflov7sdm4CflUk5JFjW_b1NRrxVJf-QtiGr6VT4fsmkQCnwQn5jLSGidrLiuOXPdQTPe0tS2Y_wqk7wv0fLh1Z7QDzFT4aMlTTupuzDqNzSJ6E52UgGdKZ3hjskW1DBA/s400/IMG_0786.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423221240453684306" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj7AVYq0yK_q4wQrtRDzyI5yv9fFBZrUecJHw4_IdVI9pJf9vCgw3wgC9a12T5OU64Cf1Epbtj0hmOZ8kTmKIrs92d5XuwvJPBMadjP5IT_ZOAVds2mlXP7lH3yl5z_jp0eTDa48I3Ic/s1600-h/IMG_0777.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcj7AVYq0yK_q4wQrtRDzyI5yv9fFBZrUecJHw4_IdVI9pJf9vCgw3wgC9a12T5OU64Cf1Epbtj0hmOZ8kTmKIrs92d5XuwvJPBMadjP5IT_ZOAVds2mlXP7lH3yl5z_jp0eTDa48I3Ic/s400/IMG_0777.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423220722427826898" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I THINK the spin-doctors in America are jealous of France, jealous of Paris, and just want us to stay home and spend our dollars towards our own economy (a noble, if somewhat, limited suggestion).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They know the food is amazing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> They know the transportation systems are efficient. </span>They know the wine is incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They know the art and architecture surpasses anything found in America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And They know the shopping can’t be duplicated in any American city – including New York – and yes, I consider myself an authority, as I spend more time than I should shopping in New York.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Okay, so a few secrets are out...<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGA9h8BeK2HQkcychHLE72R-Q_VFuIm3dCg8e2n3tySdEv2_JORWHs2qr24NyiI-QyJo9flJF59V2qSA1YOmdi772rIgEhQrkCFXRCNHmKLL29EpJde9Hp4GqPNNv1PnThb6MZHRgg08/s1600-h/IMG_0230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqGA9h8BeK2HQkcychHLE72R-Q_VFuIm3dCg8e2n3tySdEv2_JORWHs2qr24NyiI-QyJo9flJF59V2qSA1YOmdi772rIgEhQrkCFXRCNHmKLL29EpJde9Hp4GqPNNv1PnThb6MZHRgg08/s400/IMG_0230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423219810781446610" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">So get over here!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>French food is touted as being rich.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Again, with the negative press.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>French food can be rich, but it also can be very healthy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fish and seafood is everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Fresh fruits and vegetables are everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many cuisines populate the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My husband and I practically giggled when we sat down and ordered Indian food!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We haven’t eaten Indian food in months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was fabulous!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We also were tickled pink to eat Vietnamese food in an elegant setting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, we’ve also had our fair share of fresh salads and delicious cheeses and fresh baked baguettes and foie gras and, and, and…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Wine, in France, is very affordable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can walk into le supermarché and purchase a lovely wine for under 10 euro (</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-size:medium;">€)</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And our own doctors are giving us the green light to drink a glass each day for our health!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So what are you waiting for?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9fyoq8nIMGng1Vn4qN0RILFkNdo5z35OeyvydNMB4BNcfM1L81rgV3M_-FM1LihT7r6VkzDZOJQtnYmE1IXXRyZEnyVu7fx-M4tqt8cnxPNaZbCYP2SaNDz1LfKEw8w-Ltq_4lRkDFU/s1600-h/IMG_0429.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9fyoq8nIMGng1Vn4qN0RILFkNdo5z35OeyvydNMB4BNcfM1L81rgV3M_-FM1LihT7r6VkzDZOJQtnYmE1IXXRyZEnyVu7fx-M4tqt8cnxPNaZbCYP2SaNDz1LfKEw8w-Ltq_4lRkDFU/s400/IMG_0429.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423219568460963106" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The museums in Paris and around Paris are numerable and just about every art form is represented.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There is a Museum Pass, I’d highly recommend for those that plan to spend time in museums.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A really nice, feature, not having to stand in line, as those lines can be long!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A separate entrance for Museum Pass holders is worth its weight in gold!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The 2-day pass is 32</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">€</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, for 48</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">€</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">, you can purchase a 4-day pass and the 6-day is 64</span><span style="font-family:Helvetica;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;">€</span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:medium;"> </span>= easy entry into over 60 museums in and around Paris.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>www.parismuseumpass.com<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrbJeVIg4vn7VqDlUYcMFY7Zt-aFlqrZSsWg2UaD0hct_xA25cVvQRtqGBDS2q_hIOSPDY3GXqAmrcKIPhbI4Rc0_YyHlbNGctZ3aA06zYM3cNlR7ig7rCP4insJMbGMBlYua775PEvI/s1600-h/IMG_0584.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUrbJeVIg4vn7VqDlUYcMFY7Zt-aFlqrZSsWg2UaD0hct_xA25cVvQRtqGBDS2q_hIOSPDY3GXqAmrcKIPhbI4Rc0_YyHlbNGctZ3aA06zYM3cNlR7ig7rCP4insJMbGMBlYua775PEvI/s400/IMG_0584.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423218953617204834" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We went to the Musée d’Orsay and Musée du Louvre, both, full of breathtaking works of art, that if you’re lucky, you’ll see a piece of now and again when an American art museum collaborates on a collection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My husband and I are both advocates of the Audio Guide.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You learn so many little details, not learned in travel books or websites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Musée d’Orsay had a really good Audio Guide, Musée du Louvre, not so much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>However, so much of the art speaks for itself, no?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNlJ04r1UDkyiaEoL-tSRb4lWk4Yqt557CIPF8x5UvO-HbyrSGSLlZHmdyo3OfYcOkt2BnGEXvdohP6AFHPJRn_9OX4wT7RlsonrFsToCVePOJ6EYmlbz7RUkuUVyn08YWGJTT6IF-7E/s1600-h/IMG_0595.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNlJ04r1UDkyiaEoL-tSRb4lWk4Yqt557CIPF8x5UvO-HbyrSGSLlZHmdyo3OfYcOkt2BnGEXvdohP6AFHPJRn_9OX4wT7RlsonrFsToCVePOJ6EYmlbz7RUkuUVyn08YWGJTT6IF-7E/s400/IMG_0595.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423217901246372050" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The shopping in Paris is incredible!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And affordable (for some things).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Beautiful linens, perfumes and body care products, delicious tea varieties, unique clothing and scarves(!), household items, art and antiques – each neighborhood we walked through had darling shops filled with items not readily available in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And I was so taken by the graphic genius of the French!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Each shop has a darling sign, charming storefront, and cute packaging.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfi5-asis3s_qPoUJVbegIKx7ivujFvQrFWg21M5rC3uUYJC9W2DZKubXGGTW5UyS1mb8CGBqmRYQqpGIDCg5D-2h7OP985HwOxaiBhGbzePtcs00VuPCjRbuXmtvJIqEyYmZD1lVupI/s1600-h/IMG_0625.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfi5-asis3s_qPoUJVbegIKx7ivujFvQrFWg21M5rC3uUYJC9W2DZKubXGGTW5UyS1mb8CGBqmRYQqpGIDCg5D-2h7OP985HwOxaiBhGbzePtcs00VuPCjRbuXmtvJIqEyYmZD1lVupI/s400/IMG_0625.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423216942671672674" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Gardening in Paris is taken very seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Even in the winter, the gardens are perfectly tended and you just know, come spring, they'll be bursting in a riot of color.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Children run and play, there are parks specifically for dogs and the artistry found in sculpture, topiary and ironwork is positively delightful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbg6unFZqyxPviNEBpkgtnFmFsTpYA-aLASbNjFYWOhlaB1U7XjlnHsyI0I7ry7hVa3hFTowqVH85ownjGqlNhIdVpWUmLzHJWXJn53rKHZ5-y2g821Lt5iu2S2pxxKzpxfEch284Fr0/s1600-h/IMG_0713.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlbg6unFZqyxPviNEBpkgtnFmFsTpYA-aLASbNjFYWOhlaB1U7XjlnHsyI0I7ry7hVa3hFTowqVH85ownjGqlNhIdVpWUmLzHJWXJn53rKHZ5-y2g821Lt5iu2S2pxxKzpxfEch284Fr0/s400/IMG_0713.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423215664677917858" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">Churches are less in number than in Rome, and aren’t nearly as old, however, their Gothic architecture is stunning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We went to Mass on New Years Day at Notre-Dame.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It just doesn’t get any better!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Oh, and for those that enjoy royalty sighting while on vacation, Karl Lagerfeld and I exchanged glances AND I met and talked with Ina (The Barefoot Contessa) and Jeffrey Garten – royalty in my book!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Come on over, and enjoy Paris!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-3359197079290981582009-12-22T11:47:00.000+01:002009-12-22T11:49:27.865+01:00Winter Travel Scare<!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our kids completed their mid-term tests - school is out – the winter break is here! Time for our kids to return to the US for a nice, long visit with their dad, family and friends! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We took our kids to Fiumicino Saturday morning. At check in, we discovered from the manager of the USAir counter, that they would only agree to assist our kids as unaccompanied minors as far as Philadelphia – they wouldn’t guarantee the kids would have coverage on their other two flights (out of Philadelphia and Chicago) across the balance of the U.S. Once she found out our daughter was 15, she actually discouraged us from filling out the paperwork. We were surprised, as we had gone online and read the requirements regarding unaccompanied minors. There wasn’t any language despairing between international coverage to domestic. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Our daughter eagerly agreed she could accompany her brother, without an escort to their destination. They were flying business class, so they would be monitored. And since she has traveled between Italy and the US a few times, she’s paid attention in case she was faced with a similar situation.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We reluctantly agreed to allow the kids to fly without an escort. Our kids are experienced in airports, our daughter had mastered the Metro lines and buses in Rome, and she wanted to prove she was responsible enough. We called family in Chicago, to let them know if an issue arrived, we would need assistance. We also have family in Philadelphia (once removed - via our Italian family), if need be.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">In the US, when our kids fly as unaccompanied minors, we escort them through security, to the gate and remain at the gate until the flight takes off. Those are the rules. In Rome, we weren’t even allowed through security. We checked them in, gave them hugs and kisses and away they went.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My husband and I had planned to drive to Gubbio, Italy to see the largest Christmas “tree” in the world. The “tree” consists of a bunch of large colorful lights, hung strategically up the side of the hill behind Gubbio. We slipped and slid our way on foot outside of town to take a few pictures. It’s quite lovely. Gubbio also has a life-sized presepe spread throughout the old town, which is fun to walk through.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As we were eating dinner, we knew the kids were supposed to have landed in Philadelphia, it was an hour past their scheduled landing time and we hadn’t heard from them. We also knew from our own international flights, especially during the holidays, a plane could easily arrive late. However, we kept my husband’s cell phone on the table.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At 9:45 p.m., we received a call from our daughter. Their plane had landed in Pittsburgh, not Philadelphia, to refuel. The weather in Philly had deteriorated and they didn’t know if they were accepting flights. The pilot announced they were waiting for instructions from the USAir flight control. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I told our daughter that they would be fine and they would have to wait until the pilot gave them additional information before we could do anything.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:06, our daughter called to say they were refueling and de-icing and were going to try to go to Philadelphia. We immediately began to worry. It was past 4:00 in the afternoon in Philly, it was only going to become colder and icier.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We left the restaurant, returned to our hotel, hooked up our computer and started looking for customer service telephone numbers, reviewing possible flights, etc.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:23, our daughter called to say they were flying to Charlotte, North Carolina, where the weather was better.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:26, text asking about flights from Charlotte to home. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:47, call, not going to Charlotte, going to Philadelphia.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:50, text flying to Charlotte for sure. Back and forth, back and forth…</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">10:51, call, our daughter told a flight attendant she was 15, her brother is 12 and they were flying solo. The attendant said they would be looked after. We asked if we could talk with the attendant, but our daughter said no, she was too busy.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11:01, call, asking for us to find flights from Charlotte to home.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">During all of these calls and texts, we also were talking and texting with my ex-husband, who was on his computer looking for flights. He was also talking with the kids, joking with them, reassuring them everything would be fine. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We looked at flights from Charlotte to other destinations, where they could link up with flights home – it didn’t look good. Charlotte isn’t exactly a busy hub for flights to the Pacific Northwest. We couldn’t even get them to Las Vegas - I thought every airport had regular flights to Vegas! At this hour, they’d miss the flight to Los Angeles, where my brother lives. We were very frustrated. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11:53, call, refueling and de-icing complete, leaving the gate for take off.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12:05 a.m., sneaked a text to us, still hadn’t taken off for Charlotte.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12:15, text, plane had iced over, staying in Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12:18, call, sitting on the plane, waiting for Customs to accept the flight. A flight from Paris had arrived and was being processed first.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We haven’t family, friends, or any contacts in Pittsburgh. We knew the airline would look after the kids, but utter helplessness set in.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I wanted to try to fly to my kids, but knew the weather wasn’t going to improve. We were in Gubbio, which had about six inches of snow and was completely iced over. We could barely walk down the street without slipping and couldn’t even drive our car. It was awful. My stress level was running very high and I was having to hold back tears. We all started looking at flights out of Pittsburgh and tried calling airlines. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">12:43, call, still waiting for Customs to accept them.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1:22, call, finally going through Customs passport inspection.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">1:56, call, still waiting for baggage to complete Customs inspection.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2:00, call, our daughter was starting to lose it. The reality of her situation had set in and she wasn’t comfortable not having a family member or friend to rely on in Pittsburgh. I had to do a stern pep talk that Mom’s never like to do. Stay strong. You have an attendant looking after you. Don’t worry. USAir wants you to go home and they want you safe. Everyone is doing everything they can. You are going to be fine. Take care of your brother. We love you.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2:25, call, finished Customs inspection and now grouped with 3 other unaccompanied minors. They were all in a staff lounge, in the airport, to spend the night. An attendant was bringing them dinner. A representative was going to talk with the kids about new itineraries. We asked our daughter if we could talk with an adult, but she said no, everyone was going in multiple directions.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">At this point, my husband and I decided to turn off the computer. There wasn’t a flight we could book. We couldn’t talk to any airline – the international offices were closed, it’s not possible to call a 1-800 number from Italy and we couldn’t get through to any airline office in the US by calling direct. There were too many travelers stranded. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">2:45, call, could we schedule a flight out in the morning? We had to tell our daughter, no. It was up to USAir. We would gladly talk to whomever to schedule a flight, but we couldn’t get through to any airline –and- none of us could predict the weather. They were going to have to sit tight, try to relax and try to sleep.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">3:45, call, a USAir representative said the kids would be on 4 flights tomorrow, but they would arrive at their destination. 4 flights…</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">4:20, text, reviewed routes for tomorrow with USAir representative. Down to 2 flights, departing at 6:10 a.m. Thankfully! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">11:00 a.m., we called our daughter, it was 5:00 a.m. in Pittsburgh, and the kids wanted a wake up call. They had slept and were in good spirits. They were going home! Hopefully, this ordeal would be over soon.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And it was – for our family. Our travel-warrior-kids arrived home, safe and sound, with baggage, and remarkably, only 14 hours later than expected. USAir did a fabulous job taking care of our kids – we feel truly blessed. I wish we could have talked to someone, to have a name, to thank them personally. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There are so many people in the U.S. and Europe, stranded. We hope their travel ordeals will be over soon. We wish everyone safe passage to their holiday destinations!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-52186240410210716382009-12-15T19:29:00.010+01:002009-12-17T09:29:42.131+01:00'Tis the Season<div><!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">“What will you shop for while in Rome?” I was asked this question a time or two before we left and I would always reply, “I plan to shop for my husband!”<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I don’t care where you’re from or where you’ve been – the clothing produced in Italy is the finest in all of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Period.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No arguing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This is my blog…<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And shopping for men in Italy is an absolutely, heavenly experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">First of all, Italians know how to dress a window.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have an experienced eye for color combinations, layering of textures, and merchandising multiple brands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Window-shopping is a favorite Italian pastime and a true art form.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVjElgUsDcJ3rJOuUqiussLfjSho0lA5cxnw4iGXH9gNItKhT6lUsQiyZxlgcYPdvn_4Amt6r3NN8XH-brII-qGXfRqqp6_XzEhdjFZ4MAjGOhpb7CRGGZzDxSgoSbr1TXcd4dWj9ufA/s1600-h/IMG_0008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVjElgUsDcJ3rJOuUqiussLfjSho0lA5cxnw4iGXH9gNItKhT6lUsQiyZxlgcYPdvn_4Amt6r3NN8XH-brII-qGXfRqqp6_XzEhdjFZ4MAjGOhpb7CRGGZzDxSgoSbr1TXcd4dWj9ufA/s400/IMG_0008.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415537125892302482" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gXAHTRGAsW6AfmznkxfIRQ2-JS5VOkFqsQXMdHz-93K1v916x0ymp2O8b3qismeLm89kSo86VXnY1SKLLbK7fnnRyRXnfkzLsKeSUbRmtDasVmfC8XQq7DfuUBoJ88rVFYzgjUiZr-U/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9gXAHTRGAsW6AfmznkxfIRQ2-JS5VOkFqsQXMdHz-93K1v916x0ymp2O8b3qismeLm89kSo86VXnY1SKLLbK7fnnRyRXnfkzLsKeSUbRmtDasVmfC8XQq7DfuUBoJ88rVFYzgjUiZr-U/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415536748897098450" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9R1RYFNS4pqre5T9-o2wIRBA_6EEPh_LSvIQ6ysuuZZlX045oUFJK7ZIwIqt1dbr7kZ98_K3Y4qq0HouCX9yK0a9IkoV5hrU_7Z9w7KUWyllKm_znM-AiMsP0JD6lc3-frduFit7wsI/s1600-h/IMG_6854.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX9R1RYFNS4pqre5T9-o2wIRBA_6EEPh_LSvIQ6ysuuZZlX045oUFJK7ZIwIqt1dbr7kZ98_K3Y4qq0HouCX9yK0a9IkoV5hrU_7Z9w7KUWyllKm_znM-AiMsP0JD6lc3-frduFit7wsI/s400/IMG_6854.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415536317754087442" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Our favorite window destination in Rome is Cosimo Colonna.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They understand how to catch a pedestrian’s eye and we always look forward to a destination close by so we can stroll past their latest creations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cosimo Colonna exclusively carries quality Italian brands for men, many not found in the U.S.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sales staff are professional and efficient, and a tailor is always available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’ve only been disappointed twice, when cashmere sweaters weren’t available in my husband’s size. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGr9NDPapcOnOCytZxqugUzcj3EsbX1JTxR1YU5Z5jitu1FbrTMd4SwKPsh0fjYJWbUMXpcPO9NOUowZTZmruQfXhiK82adG1nf3QDM1cS7Jz8kroDY5Cpi2U-Da7UGTFTmqDFb2nL3c/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGr9NDPapcOnOCytZxqugUzcj3EsbX1JTxR1YU5Z5jitu1FbrTMd4SwKPsh0fjYJWbUMXpcPO9NOUowZTZmruQfXhiK82adG1nf3QDM1cS7Jz8kroDY5Cpi2U-Da7UGTFTmqDFb2nL3c/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415534998421174642" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJY7mBMkiKo9X69vcKCC9Uqpd4F8FPyDRTDbAFk6dxRIplsWs-LLA0pW6a_KWyfSvmwVXNxB0w8sg6MfMm2xB90v4ay9erpih6dSFc2a6sGQ-LJBb-7YdW3WxlUIv4NI3DtpybsRWWKs/s1600-h/IMG_0006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUJY7mBMkiKo9X69vcKCC9Uqpd4F8FPyDRTDbAFk6dxRIplsWs-LLA0pW6a_KWyfSvmwVXNxB0w8sg6MfMm2xB90v4ay9erpih6dSFc2a6sGQ-LJBb-7YdW3WxlUIv4NI3DtpybsRWWKs/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415534589460294226" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Right around the corner is a shop where we’ve spent a fair amount of time – Davide Cenci.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The Cenci windows, which have been dressed since 1926, aren’t as beautiful as Cosimo Colonna’s, but they offer eye candy all the same.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cenci carries men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The sales staff are skilled at helping you coordinate from their various departments, if needed, and tailoring is available.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They offer their own line of gorgeous, quality clothing along with other Italian designers and a more inexpensive line – Ralph Lauren (Italians love Ralph Lauren, but we boycott it as it’s all made in China.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Blech!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I haven’t made any purchases at Cenci for myself, but we’ve found some choice items for my husband.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmtFMCCgcTgB7_vQXpSA2RLW4sTsybJ1oK8TGQHNMsig7aYruvAhCbB3gy_dOjFHd6eanyVYeU5J7ZSgEOtum87OV7lBY9lsAAd5-rPiI7EPOjJs4jovSO6Af3FOw7UTD9hlC73c2jGg/s1600-h/IMG_0020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDmtFMCCgcTgB7_vQXpSA2RLW4sTsybJ1oK8TGQHNMsig7aYruvAhCbB3gy_dOjFHd6eanyVYeU5J7ZSgEOtum87OV7lBY9lsAAd5-rPiI7EPOjJs4jovSO6Af3FOw7UTD9hlC73c2jGg/s400/IMG_0020.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415532916918771826" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcLSorVcj_UYxJb9QuWouJ0BoEYpz4U-qdr2UiAjmP515rwDo-oj_V3-WydCCxx97mtWUqiJzpoB67BW4MH7HYq2Gia-1BKCN2Fg_v48krk_rAahkvOSzYDqpzuMBjMN0vRp9jv_6dO0/s1600-h/IMG_0019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIcLSorVcj_UYxJb9QuWouJ0BoEYpz4U-qdr2UiAjmP515rwDo-oj_V3-WydCCxx97mtWUqiJzpoB67BW4MH7HYq2Gia-1BKCN2Fg_v48krk_rAahkvOSzYDqpzuMBjMN0vRp9jv_6dO0/s400/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415532539851254562" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Another favorite is Brunello Cucinelli.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cucinelli doesn’t offer a classic Italian dressed window – this company is very young and modern by Italian standards, however, the light filled space drips with luxurious cashmere textures, sure to draw you in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>You can’t help but want to touch each and every item offered in the store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I know, because I’ve done it – more than once.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When stepping into Cucinelli, you feel as if you’ve stepped into someone’s home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The staff are friendly and I think I could secretly live comfortably in the store for a short period of time. Cucinelli offers men's and women's clothing. Unfortunately, I don't know if there is a tailor, as we've never needed one.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We’ve never had so much visual fun when shopping.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> And </span>Spring windows will soon be on the way! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-74181251494526667042009-12-12T16:05:00.003+01:002009-12-12T16:12:02.812+01:00Rome Recycles!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b6oeyvRk1XXxWUKBQHwrcwi1w1oIJs9GbfZwwzebGQN0tpTKJxpvYlzfphXH9LrvKJrFB_c61Kyx2eoGgcoAZ4WaaqxQg3pxYrsLUSDAH4sBSJWdyJ09zUb8lCq7MdYLX8ge6bp89fE/s1600-h/IMG_6562.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3b6oeyvRk1XXxWUKBQHwrcwi1w1oIJs9GbfZwwzebGQN0tpTKJxpvYlzfphXH9LrvKJrFB_c61Kyx2eoGgcoAZ4WaaqxQg3pxYrsLUSDAH4sBSJWdyJ09zUb8lCq7MdYLX8ge6bp89fE/s400/IMG_6562.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414367157806549138" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">In my hometown, in the good ole’ U.S.A., <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal">everyone</b> recycles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We recycle our paper, glass, metal, plastic, yard debris and food waste.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We are even able to recycle paper towels and used pizza boxes with the food waste –and- our city banned Styrofoam take out containers, so many restaurants use compostable containers, which can go into the food waste bins as well!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We recycle our clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have clothing exchange parties, we give clothes to friends and we donate clothing to charities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our tennis shoes are recycled, via the Nike Reuse-A-Shoe program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Nike grinds up the shoes and makes new sport surfaces – running tracks, tennis courts and new playgrounds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Patagonia and Hanna Andersson have clothing recycle programs as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We also have specific locations for recycling hazardous materials or items that aren’t able to be recycled through the city program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We’re all proud that our actual garbage bins barely contain any waste.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Then we move to Rome.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Every bit of our trash was put into the garbage bin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was an awful shock!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our plastic water bottles, our metal espresso cans, our fresh pasta clamshells, everything, in the garbage. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>All of a sudden, we felt the enormity of the waste we were producing on a daily basis and a cloud of guilt settled around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">We asked Sabrina and Katia, of @Home (our wonderful property agents/problem solvers/guides to our life in Rome) if they were aware of recycling programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They assured us, yes, some neighborhoods had it and we’d have it before too long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">That brought us a bit of relief from our guilt, so we began sorting out our glass and plastic, just to make ourselves feel like we were making some kind of contribution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe it would be sorted somewhere?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We also starting storing paper bags, for the day they would be able to be recycled.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Notices went up mid-November in our building that beginning December 1, our very own recycling program would begin!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>AMA delivered - door-to-door - containers, color-coded bags and a pamphlet outlining items that could be recycled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Oh joy - the cloud of guilt has cleared!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s kinda like being back in my hometown!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-57030870977610387332009-12-10T19:13:00.014+01:002009-12-11T16:27:52.848+01:00Natale in a Roma (Birth In the City of Rome)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES81Yis1Fe_5MJWQlcdxIJ9yqGgMnxx7bDzyLLQXbZ1K70gf2LJL7-Zq9dymqVj-GZV1RJInuLnbPsLYdMhN33FdNsfFu1BkkwTON6nM6qRsCbHN_mmUoVS5GCOPX2BdlPbtXlSqKYL0/s1600-h/IMG_6821.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhES81Yis1Fe_5MJWQlcdxIJ9yqGgMnxx7bDzyLLQXbZ1K70gf2LJL7-Zq9dymqVj-GZV1RJInuLnbPsLYdMhN33FdNsfFu1BkkwTON6nM6qRsCbHN_mmUoVS5GCOPX2BdlPbtXlSqKYL0/s400/IMG_6821.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413994371806147378" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Italians (Catholics) take seriously Natale, the birth of Jesus.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> (Photo taken inside Santa Maria del Popolo - all Catholic churches in Italy display a Nativity scene.) </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Thusly, there are quite a few traditional celebrations between December 6 and January 6.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Family gathers together for the majority of the festivities, as most Italians assume friends will be with their family.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">To kick things off, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, La Festa di San Nicola (Feast Day of St. Nicolas.)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There’s not a lot of pomp and circumstance associated with this day, just a lot of feasting.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Works for me!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 8</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, all of Italy takes a national holiday to celebrate L’Immacolate Concezione (Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception.)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Schools and banks are closed, there’s no governmental work…</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Those who are Catholic, attend church, those in Rome may go to Piazza di Spagna to hear the Pope’s annual message, and everyone is at home, assembling their Nativity scene (presepe or presepio) while feasting on traditional dishes of their region with their family.</span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6sbwrlEKZdvrgUpqdt_sao0AKN_JRRNUqZUlrqQDCWRt6vPuvDlG9XaLDueqtp0pUHOuypyulhqdebUVST8R7x4wrDOklCYt7yPoJfOPlWFEFGYbQ32awjVVb_ReK2yNEx1KlyH4qW4/s1600-h/IMG_6753.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6sbwrlEKZdvrgUpqdt_sao0AKN_JRRNUqZUlrqQDCWRt6vPuvDlG9XaLDueqtp0pUHOuypyulhqdebUVST8R7x4wrDOklCYt7yPoJfOPlWFEFGYbQ32awjVVb_ReK2yNEx1KlyH4qW4/s400/IMG_6753.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413686094390514194" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTeLnXPge1LokQ6zkIfJzgdvAeyc4yye-WhVQL68IcnPWOc-WRT_W3FM648gb8gO7tw_egroaKchDHbelAgbzHtqmLmPLNFA2O3txOf_5WXdLxLfD4ZwfgiCDCQUlqD308TKGWqwpTUk/s1600-h/IMG_6740.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTeLnXPge1LokQ6zkIfJzgdvAeyc4yye-WhVQL68IcnPWOc-WRT_W3FM648gb8gO7tw_egroaKchDHbelAgbzHtqmLmPLNFA2O3txOf_5WXdLxLfD4ZwfgiCDCQUlqD308TKGWqwpTUk/s400/IMG_6740.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413685481130672034" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6O3A4o88PFiP7fzABI5uemKAgeNL3BWUoN9O_lnLXuqirYp1RJr1Z6IYubu-bb84LgpnSHxzedDCakfyZ6yUg34Qm0-nBuvWNa4TO5mRRDUADf1-VvidqCh8xOqH8sqYFac_K2ay4X0/s1600-h/IMG_6748.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis6O3A4o88PFiP7fzABI5uemKAgeNL3BWUoN9O_lnLXuqirYp1RJr1Z6IYubu-bb84LgpnSHxzedDCakfyZ6yUg34Qm0-nBuvWNa4TO5mRRDUADf1-VvidqCh8xOqH8sqYFac_K2ay4X0/s400/IMG_6748.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413684854148482882" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Piazza Navona is the sight of the grand Natale market, which is in full operational swing by Immaculate Conception.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are stalls filled with Nativity decorations, Befana stockings, and traditional Italian Natale treats – Torrone, Ciambella, Nociata and Croccante, which will bring the best behaved bambini to tears if treats aren’t purchased for immediate consumption!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There are also shops around Piazza Navona that during the year, sell religious artifacts, but during Natale, sell Nativity scenes.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The most desired are scenes carved from wood and hand painted in Italy.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span><!--StartFragment--><span style="font-family:Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria;mso-bidi-Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:EN-USfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We went to Sala de Bramante, behind and under Santa Maria del Popolo, to view a very large display (over 100) of Nativity scenes from all over the world.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Most were made of traditional materials (wood, clay, glass and metal), but some were made with recycled materials, which was fun to see -and- one was made entirely of rice and pasta!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> They ranged in size from full size (carved wood from Germany) to wee tiny, miniscule scenes to view with a magnifying glass (porcelain from Campania, Italy). My favorite was a raku ceramic set from Croatia. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to sneak a photo as security was tight!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></p><span style="font-family:Verdana;mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-bidi-Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-USfont-family:";"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><!--EndFragment--><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpDvAt9gsmfuYSrK0kUwwG1n6uMVzxPuvbr5OfyGQqkBTzH7gYvmhrOm2meBOOj0WHtTUHGwutajPNRLQPvg-Of05IOmPBprBOGuy94rMasi6n7F0yU9DYWb3X4irEWRcD4xLZWlKc0M/s1600-h/IMG_0509.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 365px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSpDvAt9gsmfuYSrK0kUwwG1n6uMVzxPuvbr5OfyGQqkBTzH7gYvmhrOm2meBOOj0WHtTUHGwutajPNRLQPvg-Of05IOmPBprBOGuy94rMasi6n7F0yU9DYWb3X4irEWRcD4xLZWlKc0M/s400/IMG_0509.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413684123456113986" /></a><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrrfmmQFZOq4h8thhpLRrDAd8QyoZOj6I4pyEK17kDWp7WmaFbiBk8ZlQNcDTlTK5QT6mvUhsXbQxtxl1VgqVeWdrI7RnO8_o_5zo_NLd3rxFZdXHkGnJwcn1Sp2erW1DCM4nELtIDdc/s1600-h/IMG_0508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 369px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlrrfmmQFZOq4h8thhpLRrDAd8QyoZOj6I4pyEK17kDWp7WmaFbiBk8ZlQNcDTlTK5QT6mvUhsXbQxtxl1VgqVeWdrI7RnO8_o_5zo_NLd3rxFZdXHkGnJwcn1Sp2erW1DCM4nELtIDdc/s400/IMG_0508.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413683442365319266" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"><br /></span></span></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE1ViTsSTdIbe3LMdIDkOsqry7qyR0qPqBVed-Gz9VXMr6joMwwl_lgQmbRNkJiZ1PBRwNZTRERzdn4MMNyWWwBGTMZ4gcXSLHUn6E4t6wflf3LlGSLpdYCoIwdjt-XIkImtpIQpZ53s/s1600-h/IMG_0507.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrE1ViTsSTdIbe3LMdIDkOsqry7qyR0qPqBVed-Gz9VXMr6joMwwl_lgQmbRNkJiZ1PBRwNZTRERzdn4MMNyWWwBGTMZ4gcXSLHUn6E4t6wflf3LlGSLpdYCoIwdjt-XIkImtpIQpZ53s/s400/IMG_0507.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413682474949243682" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In the crypt of Santi Ambrogio e Carlo al Corso, there is a wonderful display of miniature holiday scenes made by artists from all over Italy.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">They were all quite small, with intricate details – little handmade woodworking tools in the wood workers workshop, tiny copper pots with tiny wooden spoons in the tiled kitchen, and wee stalls of food in the itty-bitty markets.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I stole a few pictures on my iPhone (over two years old, generation one, but works for me!), so please excuse the quality.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">La Vigilia (The Vigil - Christmas Eve), </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 24</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, brings the very traditional Festa dei Sette Pesci (Feast of Seven Fishes.)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Italians fast by not consuming</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> red meat.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> A feast of at least seven seafood/fish dishes doesn't exactly sound like a fast to me. When in Rome... </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Each region serves their own traditional seafood dishes.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Typical dishes found in Rome are octopus salad with oranges, olives and fennel; pasta with a tuna and tomato sauce; deep fried calamari; shrimp risotto; baccalà; mussels stuffed with breadcrumbs and broiled; baked lobster; fried smelts; and baked fish encased in a salt crust.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">I won’t be preparing the popular eel dish:</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Capitone.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">A large, live female eel is brought home, skinned, then fried, or grilled, or baked.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Not gonna happen by my hands.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">In Rome, at sunset, a cannon at Castel Sant’Angelo will be fired to announce Vigilia di Natale (Vigil of Birth [Christmas]) Catholic families may attend a midnight mass celebration, if in Rome many go to Piazza San Pietro to hear the Pope’s annual message.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We haven’t decided where we’ll be just yet - church or the Piazza. I'm afraid I won't be able to walk after my fast!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Christmas Day, </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 25</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, is another feast day, however, families eat red meat after Christmas Eve's fast of all fish and seafood.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">There isn’t an exchange of gifts on this day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">At 12:00 noon, the Pope appears in Piazza San Pietro to bless the crowd.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> If a Catholic family didn't go to church Christmas Eve, they'll go on Christmas Day. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Generally, it’s a quiet day of reflection with one’s family.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">As if you haven’t spent enough time with them by now…</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 26</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, La Festa di Santo Stefano (Feast Day of St. Stephen’s) marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men and the announcement of the birth of Jesus.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yet, another feast day, with the family, no dietary restrictions, and not a lot of pomp and circumstance.</span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">On </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">December 31</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, family </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">and friends</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> gather together to celebrate La Festa di San Silvestro (Feast Day of St. Sylvester), also known as New Years Eve.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Lentil dishes are eaten to symbolize money and good fortune for the coming year.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Many will play Tombola, which is similar to Bingo, and many will dance.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Fireworks are displayed in every town and many piazzas will hold bonfires.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">We won’t be in Rome, but we’ve heard Piazza del Popolo is where the party is at!</span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;"><b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">January 1</span></span></b><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, Il Capodanno (New Year’s Day), in Rome is celebrated with a grand parade to Piazza San Pietro, to receive the Pope’s New Year’s Day blessing.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Yes, another quiet feast day with the family, no dietary requirements…</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Finally… we arrive at </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">January 6</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">, La Festa dell’Epifania (The Epiphany).</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">This is the oldest of the Christmas feasts and is also known as Three Kings Day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Catholic families go to church on this day.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Families who can stand to be with one another after all of these feasts and festivities will gather for a gift exchange.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT5he0QD907F46fv3vo4VRDXrVdkfeqT5wqvetxvWaO4XG6rZ0mmWxadNNQsHv-bBqkZtsR8BLUUtIQGaRpSSGz0ZgEMtVcuiTb6gTc9MRULeE2kuFaoFhjIMqsVakSdN2tpJMZfq4qQ/s1600-h/IMG_6813.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT5he0QD907F46fv3vo4VRDXrVdkfeqT5wqvetxvWaO4XG6rZ0mmWxadNNQsHv-bBqkZtsR8BLUUtIQGaRpSSGz0ZgEMtVcuiTb6gTc9MRULeE2kuFaoFhjIMqsVakSdN2tpJMZfq4qQ/s400/IMG_6813.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413680529971561634" /></a><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Verdana, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">January 6 is also known as La Befana.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">It is customary in Italy for children to receive candy and gifts in their stockings from Befana, the old woman (who looks like a witch – with a broomstick and everything!)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The story goes:</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Befana was the best housekeeper in her village.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">When the Three Wise Men stopped to ask her if she knew where baby Jesus was, she said no, however, they were welcome to stay at her home to refresh for their journey ahead.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">The next morning, the Three Wise Men asked Befana to join them.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She declined (I’m guessing because they made such a big mess of her clean home!</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> Have you ever heard of a clean c</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">amel?</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Come on…)</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Later that evening, she changed her mind and tried to find the Wise Men and baby Jesus, but couldn’t.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">So to this day, Befana flies all over on her broom, searching for baby Jesus.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She leaves treats for all of the children, in case they are baby Jesus.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Mira, my wonderful Italian language instructor, rolled her eyes and made some Italian hand gestures when talking about all of the feast days with the family.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">She said everyone is good and sick of one another by the time Epiphany rolls around.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt"><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">January 7, the Nativity scene’s are packed up and put away, all the kids go back to school and the winter sales begin.</span><span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">Sounds like an official Feast Day to me!</span></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-786769298891937920.post-4180176589901434532009-12-09T17:09:00.018+01:002009-12-09T18:00:38.566+01:00Thanksgiving Weekend in Normandy, France<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3aSGSww1HfKOsS9wihsY942bqWzASv2CTYW9uNhVG3PT3bdQ5FPgFGaMp3rniaLVW0PoOTb5Ps_wzSV3B7wEEWBEB4qL8LXzfZmc3T_MajRGDzixkotVW3hsCI2YGhvmHFHkztppHVs/s1600-h/IMG_6212.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv3aSGSww1HfKOsS9wihsY942bqWzASv2CTYW9uNhVG3PT3bdQ5FPgFGaMp3rniaLVW0PoOTb5Ps_wzSV3B7wEEWBEB4qL8LXzfZmc3T_MajRGDzixkotVW3hsCI2YGhvmHFHkztppHVs/s400/IMG_6212.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413282348886047602" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The reason I haven’t been as fluent with my posts – our family went to France during the American four-day Thanksgiving weekend in November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I left a little piece of my heart (and apparently, my productivity) in the absolutely breathtaking countryside of Normandy.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I’m so very thankful my husband and I choose Normandy as our destination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Normandy was on the top of our list, as our son has been<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">begging us</i> for the last <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">three and a half years</i> to please, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">take him to Normandy</i></b> (yes, worthy of bold –and- italics!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>None of us have ever been to Normandy, we both have family members who landed on the beaches on D-Day (and thankfully, survived!), and we were ready for a bit of French cuisine.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Our only disappointment:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>we arrived in the off-season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Many shops, restaurants and places of interest were either closed or operating on limited hours.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Totally our fault, however, we were able to see almost everything we hoped to.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xIT8tH4NOQrZgKhtoOydd7jfak_nzAYgT0G-EHpx-54O-LuLKPJIAxyd7OWJ03VA3utFmO23dKZLaQL3YPzHfVMrIR7dqCRC8r9QeMDhVi4ibpL-rRtj7oCAwTorSeTgIwhsFueqBFw/s1600-h/IMG_6320.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xIT8tH4NOQrZgKhtoOydd7jfak_nzAYgT0G-EHpx-54O-LuLKPJIAxyd7OWJ03VA3utFmO23dKZLaQL3YPzHfVMrIR7dqCRC8r9QeMDhVi4ibpL-rRtj7oCAwTorSeTgIwhsFueqBFw/s400/IMG_6320.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413281466847003314" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_-bt_fuJ8y3bbrFUwf0KvAFZekshXNG4Dbxrtj19o0D1XWXQhtpcN8PtBPcQRX7fxOPO_F_9G981iwl2B1r9Jj_rv2CyOVtKDK8wZ0ZXwz7W5CxP_wik6QWkdWqq7oYPn5nHomyG5ws/s1600-h/IMG_6321.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk_-bt_fuJ8y3bbrFUwf0KvAFZekshXNG4Dbxrtj19o0D1XWXQhtpcN8PtBPcQRX7fxOPO_F_9G981iwl2B1r9Jj_rv2CyOVtKDK8wZ0ZXwz7W5CxP_wik6QWkdWqq7oYPn5nHomyG5ws/s400/IMG_6321.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413280325240932178" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqffwwPH0RuKNGRUUBfpPxy72ftwOGmPtRTsuNtY248KRUD7wxyvYA-NJxOlFufT69ZmJPaA5HoLFv1Dzgm2M9OhCrX3ceEeY0jP5YwjYYb1JVpzYUJlDhW5_CH_6kz3u8HslleaQGyw/s1600-h/IMG_6232.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQqffwwPH0RuKNGRUUBfpPxy72ftwOGmPtRTsuNtY248KRUD7wxyvYA-NJxOlFufT69ZmJPaA5HoLFv1Dzgm2M9OhCrX3ceEeY0jP5YwjYYb1JVpzYUJlDhW5_CH_6kz3u8HslleaQGyw/s400/IMG_6232.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413279774754407218" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9VrAvH9fFDz9iJIni5HPeSyNkrUjzYVFtTNCPHO_r3qIVeo5L4nVkGqUMarexoFI21M3XyCSpu6NhHpXdnjuhfxJAPgysAn08I7OSJmjUBzJIYOaxRUMLS6tNCD8UXvMM3ESCodAB78/s1600-h/IMG_6220.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9VrAvH9fFDz9iJIni5HPeSyNkrUjzYVFtTNCPHO_r3qIVeo5L4nVkGqUMarexoFI21M3XyCSpu6NhHpXdnjuhfxJAPgysAn08I7OSJmjUBzJIYOaxRUMLS6tNCD8UXvMM3ESCodAB78/s400/IMG_6220.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413279063380112674" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZmbQjkVLn5Mqpa5hxgfX43PPlFCV2CBo1garp4ifEp0tANI5cvxhP5rbL0ydlUdaMU8MPN1Bmg3Uj8EwWWLc4tWvUjInR7c2DuK158KNBZvGVih9w4X4mi4X0-V7cLo5MDr-jy8A-3M/s1600-h/IMG_6284.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZmbQjkVLn5Mqpa5hxgfX43PPlFCV2CBo1garp4ifEp0tANI5cvxhP5rbL0ydlUdaMU8MPN1Bmg3Uj8EwWWLc4tWvUjInR7c2DuK158KNBZvGVih9w4X4mi4X0-V7cLo5MDr-jy8A-3M/s400/IMG_6284.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413278550092466690" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiEol3j6PBo-yHK5qxyshEmqjodE7jPIr-18-v3dK5IR8McXxbXzJjx6k6LmMin-sjgq4TMtqGG9-KnbYOK-hLXoomLtiV08fV4BUnJCq69gNjOe4X924c6SpozrPRhnj6lDbUjB1inE/s1600-h/IMG_6229.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiiEol3j6PBo-yHK5qxyshEmqjodE7jPIr-18-v3dK5IR8McXxbXzJjx6k6LmMin-sjgq4TMtqGG9-KnbYOK-hLXoomLtiV08fV4BUnJCq69gNjOe4X924c6SpozrPRhnj6lDbUjB1inE/s400/IMG_6229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413278047473850834" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5po6oRuIDTHI6nNpEEkBy8YCKeOMH38LqeHenqcepQZRL2ypIXaqKLRQHRSlVZZQA2EKGjeLCcGQ7GdFh_tYEtvGSlk7aruZPrRzay-N4YE5VbRDkxLASdPNIX185UgCU9NQcxpxxc8g/s1600-h/IMG_6230.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5po6oRuIDTHI6nNpEEkBy8YCKeOMH38LqeHenqcepQZRL2ypIXaqKLRQHRSlVZZQA2EKGjeLCcGQ7GdFh_tYEtvGSlk7aruZPrRzay-N4YE5VbRDkxLASdPNIX185UgCU9NQcxpxxc8g/s400/IMG_6230.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413277430414849410" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">The next morning, we jumped into our rental car and drove out into the most gorgeous, green countryside that is Normandy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was easy to see how Monet, Renoir and the many French artists were inspired to paint the lush landscapes surrounding them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We arrived at Chateau d’Audrieu, our elegant, home away from home, for the next four days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We chose the Chateau, as it was centrally located to the sights we hoped to see and offered a dining room, which turned out to be fortuitous on our part.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-6R-s8mP-bLtmOhUEGGSGVYZzTIgeOFtAmQKHkLFAmKRZQUSM70VUdNF7mndvbWq4OjmXDiLdpHPv_BVKgeqHw2txYQZwLnrxaPTFB6A28SMURo_cztzBeMQvEo0yC9SjBxbEvmBjyk/s1600-h/IMG_6243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-6R-s8mP-bLtmOhUEGGSGVYZzTIgeOFtAmQKHkLFAmKRZQUSM70VUdNF7mndvbWq4OjmXDiLdpHPv_BVKgeqHw2txYQZwLnrxaPTFB6A28SMURo_cztzBeMQvEo0yC9SjBxbEvmBjyk/s400/IMG_6243.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413276220673928178" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP21OigB9hyphenhyphenJLP0fyJLxtKcb8np9Hg9V1AdKIns8pT2cMKiIQF1SYD-9n1S79Kk4r7lCoWR7eMwep_DuJB0YNs7dhws-3799pmowh5t5jYLtJQsv0oJPm9BdMaD0mDg1NyJ3VTW4varGY/s1600-h/IMG_6254.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP21OigB9hyphenhyphenJLP0fyJLxtKcb8np9Hg9V1AdKIns8pT2cMKiIQF1SYD-9n1S79Kk4r7lCoWR7eMwep_DuJB0YNs7dhws-3799pmowh5t5jYLtJQsv0oJPm9BdMaD0mDg1NyJ3VTW4varGY/s400/IMG_6254.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413275766242332786" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">We then drove out to Omaha Beach.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was the most perfect location for a family to give thanks on Thanksgiving Day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I tear up just thinking about it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our family members and thousands more sacrificed so much for us all to live the life we are fortunate enough to be living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a bit overwhelming, and I wouldn’t have traded places with anyone, anywhere on Thanksgiving Day.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y5ZDwnodolhts5ZTi6VIdPXfYAYrrPL1aA-O3ezJm7WNwns1Um719r9Tzm_kDy6xM3YQCrTnp8YlB-fxwmC7SOeCoz1UNMwwQfLSZ-FTR8jntpxxoMDOdP0XRwTfpEZk1P7K9jjk9mI/s1600-h/IMG_6297.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y5ZDwnodolhts5ZTi6VIdPXfYAYrrPL1aA-O3ezJm7WNwns1Um719r9Tzm_kDy6xM3YQCrTnp8YlB-fxwmC7SOeCoz1UNMwwQfLSZ-FTR8jntpxxoMDOdP0XRwTfpEZk1P7K9jjk9mI/s400/IMG_6297.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413275122742310194" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">The Chateau has a very comfortable bar where we relaxed with our first taste of the local apple cider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The kids were thrilled to be able to have Shirley Temple’s!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then we wandered into the dining room for our nightly feast.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We ate the grandest meals, with dessert, every night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’m glad we only had four days scheduled, as I would have gained massive amounts of weight if I had stayed!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Giorgio, our server, took such good care of us our entire visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He’s originally from Brazil, lived and worked in Sun Valley, Idaho for a while, married a French gal and has made a home for them and their two-year old in the Normandy countryside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My daughter asked Giorgio if there were ghosts in the Chateau, as it was such an old residence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>He made one up for her, but then told us later, no, he was just storytelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Then my daughter started telling us all of these stories about these haunted hotels she would watch on the Travel Channel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Very spooky!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Well that first night, we woke up to a fire alarm at 2:00 a.m.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There was no sign of fire in our floor of our wing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A ghost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We called the front desk, but they had retired for the night, and a message told us to call another number.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I called the number and while I was trying to converse with a French woman regarding our situation, our kids came to our room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We decided to go, together, on a tour.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A door opened all on its own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>A ghost?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No, an automatic door for the kitchen staff.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Thankfully, we bumped into a hotel employee.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was a windy night so the smoldering fireplace in the lobby created enough of a fuss to set off the fire alarm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We all went back to bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>No ghosts!<o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUNeHkCDH9AoKgarthq1pRHwlMNu2nW9maqRx8rU4f4nbo2inDHBUtvhOMIVsUq2slArhISsfa1fpJtNIqnbGae9Jpeg0EKco6afqnkoXRDu3FQs5JsD27ExZrBSJfD50Qjbs_JKpmj0/s1600-h/IMG_6324.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEUNeHkCDH9AoKgarthq1pRHwlMNu2nW9maqRx8rU4f4nbo2inDHBUtvhOMIVsUq2slArhISsfa1fpJtNIqnbGae9Jpeg0EKco6afqnkoXRDu3FQs5JsD27ExZrBSJfD50Qjbs_JKpmj0/s400/IMG_6324.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413274271818648466" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ozIZqHKMrqdnsWhZRpRvcRbZ88cewTqV-N_qrl1S1jDYo18ObONt4Et7LvGiCUAEGyGRREdFa5K0MwlkHyShnhFw-mzrNXZVfc3gaM1HvmLEFSL9m3b2KKg-phyphenhyphens4n42ckjDDvCNXBc/s1600-h/IMG_6325.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ozIZqHKMrqdnsWhZRpRvcRbZ88cewTqV-N_qrl1S1jDYo18ObONt4Et7LvGiCUAEGyGRREdFa5K0MwlkHyShnhFw-mzrNXZVfc3gaM1HvmLEFSL9m3b2KKg-phyphenhyphens4n42ckjDDvCNXBc/s400/IMG_6325.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413273745879078610" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">Sainte-Mère-Église was the first town we went to, as it’s the sight of a costumed replica of Private John Steele, a paratrooper who was caught on the church spires on D-Day, played dead, and lived –and- home of Musee Airborne.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The town was very quiet, just about everything was closed for the winter, but we were able to tour the small, 12<sup>th</sup> century Catholic Church and museum.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were shocked by the flimsy material that covered the Waco Glider.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I would have been terrified to be in that plane!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They have done a great job displaying the many items and artifacts our service men and women needed while deployed.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6aYossVjaU5TLK45LkIJXxKxttUTPLMZstDUwgYHDN9YYLOBli3fOX8rYSCM9z8sqociIHGdbN9P6luNs2NP0WIpqoqRuGacPyDeut4BmSgdmpRUgIK6PmR3covAdOTTvgTRzWWru6o/s1600-h/IMG_6375.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc6aYossVjaU5TLK45LkIJXxKxttUTPLMZstDUwgYHDN9YYLOBli3fOX8rYSCM9z8sqociIHGdbN9P6luNs2NP0WIpqoqRuGacPyDeut4BmSgdmpRUgIK6PmR3covAdOTTvgTRzWWru6o/s400/IMG_6375.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413273023128731762" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">We drove to Carentan, and toured Notre-Dame de Carentan, an 11<sup>th</sup> century Catholic Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Carentan is a small, bustling, French town, filled with typical French merchants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>They had hung lights for Noël in the streets and the storefronts were festively decorated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were no big box stores – well maybe out on the périmètre.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We enjoyed our brief experience in that charming town!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7xIaap_Nmp_aibptmTGb_V6YCVqMIJ2k3CVk2vtZMoS7qEK17cuiR1VubRair4rh2lp00iiNHf95x9O2CqArOoneV0lljNAF0WyeG9-naDGeSvdbLM2dY2Z-QBOK1pR_OltMDqyk8mQ/s1600-h/IMG_6425.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii7xIaap_Nmp_aibptmTGb_V6YCVqMIJ2k3CVk2vtZMoS7qEK17cuiR1VubRair4rh2lp00iiNHf95x9O2CqArOoneV0lljNAF0WyeG9-naDGeSvdbLM2dY2Z-QBOK1pR_OltMDqyk8mQ/s400/IMG_6425.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413272437671353122" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">Then, into Bayeux.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We were hoping to see the 920-year old, famous Tapisserie de Bayeux, a 20-inch by 230 foot long embroidered linen, depicting the events leading up to, and including, the Norman conquest of England by William the Conqueror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It was not to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The museum had closed for the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So, as usual, we walked over to Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Bayeux, consecrated in 1077.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Unfortunately, there was an event in the church, so we were only able to stand in the back to marvel at its beauty.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWENYWvdJURiJz9CyVLEgkcifc-0VHXVUEtobJR-qltPTjbp2EbToJcecLph-n1Mr0H1KuTWbyyxCbH80cZDcG9qd_URkWlz3-bW1oaX1nFQgNWfXwqVd7xnGY65Ol6-DgxIC2KN9ML1k/s1600-h/IMG_6486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWENYWvdJURiJz9CyVLEgkcifc-0VHXVUEtobJR-qltPTjbp2EbToJcecLph-n1Mr0H1KuTWbyyxCbH80cZDcG9qd_URkWlz3-bW1oaX1nFQgNWfXwqVd7xnGY65Ol6-DgxIC2KN9ML1k/s400/IMG_6486.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413271433424536050" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">Saturday, we drove out to a stunning Mont-Saint-Michel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>There were inhabitants living on Mont-Saint-Michel in the 6th century.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the 8<sup>th</sup> century, a monastic order built a chapel and since, layer upon layer has been built over that original site and massive fortifications have surrounded the island.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a glorious view as you cross the saltwater marshes of the low lands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We spent a somewhat wet day touring, and stopped for lunch at a very festive La Mère Poulard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We ate dishes typical in the region – omelet with fresh mushrooms, lamb (which grazed in the salt marsh), apple tarte tatin, apple cider – yumm!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfKMZK6aQUhlzS_cRYYwt7vFdmjmQJ0Z0dhy_M_jhJ6WSsEAliwY3zdbXuzNCNpSpcKNfrxjauFtWqLnJfUMIvI_tKKfI9xdiES4eMsiBkGiI6gqw6ExPLSe0lE5kdQ8VZ1McPq10gNk/s1600-h/IMG_6532.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsfKMZK6aQUhlzS_cRYYwt7vFdmjmQJ0Z0dhy_M_jhJ6WSsEAliwY3zdbXuzNCNpSpcKNfrxjauFtWqLnJfUMIvI_tKKfI9xdiES4eMsiBkGiI6gqw6ExPLSe0lE5kdQ8VZ1McPq10gNk/s400/IMG_6532.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413270933000354866" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">We returned to the Chateau and a brisk walk was taken around the town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We learned a very sad story on a memorial plaque in the village.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The back acreage of our Chateau was the site of 19 Canadian POW’s, gunned down by Nazi troops on June 14 – a week after D-Day had begun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The countryside of Normandy is amazingly beautiful, with many sad stories in each and every town.</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGOpInCY10O3yYl2BX0eGvgzqJQ61ITn42APcy4Hg6ohVXTho5cE_RHsMr02T3FqyyK-NGnROorSfHo5_ZgYLEzh7J3czlMlr0MnXovLwgHhGgm7AMPGYSAQKuHBX2SKslmZMBGFvg1g/s1600-h/IMG_6546.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGOpInCY10O3yYl2BX0eGvgzqJQ61ITn42APcy4Hg6ohVXTho5cE_RHsMr02T3FqyyK-NGnROorSfHo5_ZgYLEzh7J3czlMlr0MnXovLwgHhGgm7AMPGYSAQKuHBX2SKslmZMBGFvg1g/s400/IMG_6546.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5413269880873794162" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" ;font-family:Verdana, serif;">Sunday morning, we sadly bid Adieu to the Chateau staff and went to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Over 9,000 service people who were killed during WWII are buried there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’s a peaceful final resting place, overlooking Omaha Beach and the Atlantic Ocean.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I don’t know when we will return to Normandy, but I’m hopeful we will someday soon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0