On to Florence.  We checked into our apartment and are so happy to have 2 kitchens because we cook so much!!!!
I will try to get some pictures up tomorrow when I have a break.  Stay turned

I am sorry I have not been posting. We have been so busy!!! We left Rome on Sunday and big surprise - Vincenzo went with us.  When Maritzio arrived my friend was with him.  We had a great trip to Orvieto where we walked the streets of the ancient town admiring the buildings, alleys and scenery.  We turned a corner and before our eyes was a magnificent Cathedral.  According to our friends one of the best in the world.

ROMA!!  We arrived late yesterday. Got all checked into our  VRBO’s and then out to dinner.  Lovely italian meal. Pasta en salade Caprese, all very good. A nice walk home in the rain and we all headed to bed.
Today was very special. Monsenior McInerny, a friend of Jack’s,  gave us a tour of the Basilica of Maria Majore. It was spectacular. He knew the whole history of the Basilica and we were there for about 3 hours.   Finished it off with a lovely Italian pasta dinner.
We took a break for a couple of hours and then headed out to the Vatican to see St Peters. Unfortunately  with the rain and all it took a while to get out there. By the time we arrived it was too late to go in.
But, not to be stopped by that, we headed to the Monument to Victoria Emanuel which was even more stunning lit up at night. From there to Trevi Fountian.   Sadly a sign of the times, the fountain has barriers all around it so it’s hard to throw your coins in. But....I persevered and threw them very hard over my shoulder. I can only hope  a quick light dinner and home. We are hoping for better weather  tomorrow. We are doing a private van to tour the city. Then dinner at Vincenzo’s. Can’t  wait !! Stay tuned

Once again I am headed back to Italy. Joining me this trip is Janet, Susan and Jack,  and Mary. We are on quite an adventure this trip!!  Italy, France, Crystal Cruise that will take us to Italy, France and Spain. I am soooo excited to be traveling with Janet and Susan again. We always have a fun time. My dear friend Vincenzo, who lives in Rome, has helped us secure reservations. So we are all set with a great itinerary and are getting ready to go. We depart on September 18 and return on October 10.  Stay tuned this is going to be beautiful and so much fun!
JoAnne

Random pictures

 Manrolo Cinque Terre Italy     

Our last night. Arreviderci Roma

For our final evening in Rome Susan and I ended up at Piazza Navona. One of my favorite squares. Vincenzo make a reservation for us St Tre Scalini. A perfect ending to a wonderful trip 

Surprise John, Jeanne and Nancy arrived to join us for dinner 

 

 

 

Dinner in Rome with Friends

Susan and I met John on the Crystal Cruise and made plans to meet in Rome for dinner. 

Tuesday night John joined us with 2 of his travel companions at Piperno in Rome.  Great food, wine and friendship. Lovely evening 

   And then a walk along the river