Hi Auntie,

Our first day in Rome -- we were very close to the Vatican.  Lauren got us a room very near, as I had asked.  It was a great location.  We got in late as the guy who was supposed to pick us up at the airport wasn't there …. so after getting a ride to the hotel, while checking in the manager (?) tried to bully us about us not taking the car (which wasn't there) -- anyway, it didn't set well to be accosted by the manager -- then we took the old elevator (the kind in a cage) up to our room -- the manager then came behind us and complained that we hadn't shut the elevator doors and so it wouldn't work right.  You know? SORRY! We're tired, the driver you sent wasn't at the airport, and now you're hassling us in front of your employees.  Sheesh....so, after dropping our things, we walked over to find a bit of food and some wine--right across the road.  Okay.  Now we're fine.  

After we were revived, we walked a short jaunt (maybe 4 blocks) and found ourselves in St. Peter's square.  And right in front of us was St. Peter's Basilica, all lit up.   It was really something to see.

Yesterday, we toured Rome on a hop-on and hop-off bus -- it's a double decker that gives you a tour and you can get off anytime you want to sightsee, then get back on.  We actually rode it around about 2 and a half  times. Noelle tossed a coin into Trevi Fountain, which will insure your return to Rome -- we thought it was to find 'her true love' but, I guess not -- coming back to Rome is not so bad, tho'.  (it was not 'simply easy to toss the coin)

climbing up after the toss

the toss

Rome did not seem that big -- and it's a city with roman ruins all around, so its pretty amazing . It was a long day but very enjoyable.

Today we took the train from Rome to Assisi which is where St Frances of Assisi is from.  Yes, I planned this before the new pope took on St. Frances' name.  Anyway, getting on the  train was ridiculously complicated and stressful (due to lack of expertise in one of the government employees here) -- but it turned out ok.  We had a guy help us whose name was Francisco, and his mother was from Assisi -- so it all was good.

The Coliseum

The Pantheon

 

So now we are in Assisi, which is a mid-evil town in what they cal the hill country of Italy (Umbria).  We will explore more tomorrow, but for now it is just a joy to be here.  It is one of the most sacred places to visit (according to National Geographic) , and I can see why.   

I plan to get up early when it is quiet and I have a chance to see what it's like when no one is around.  Today is Palm Sunday, so there were a lot of people here.   

How is the weather?  There is snow on the nearby hills here and it is chilly, but sunny.

Lu