Spoleto

Hi auntie,

Well--as Steve would say, I was outside my comfort zone.

My Italian, being not so good-- seemed like no one could understand what I was trying to say.
For instance, even when I said “taxi” – which, in Italian is pronounced “Taxi”, the people couldn’t understand me. 

You get the picture.

Both Noelle and Amanda assured me that they liked it because it was a very different Italian Experience than we’ve had so far. 

Fun restaurant -- owners, man & wife, were very hospitable 

As usual the eating experience was fabulous food. We really loved the lunch place we found, stumbling around the hillside streets.

Spoleto has a castle called La Rocca Albornoz – constructed in 1359;

Noey & Amanda at the Castle

and interesting to me because it was where Lucrezia Borgia was held for a bit in 1499 (I just finished reading La Familia by Mario Puzo); a basilica that was lovely; and San Salvatore, a really cool Funerary church, that was built in the 4^th century; and an acquaduct built in the 15th century.

Acquaduct

After our night at what Amanda dubbed as a ‘Best Western’ we were off to Rome.

We got off the train too early but I was able to negotiate a ‘deal’ (yes, it was a deal) to our hotel by the Spanish Steps.  Although the wonderful owner of our hotel told me to take a legitimate taxi (it was) and to make sure the meter was on (it wasn’t) we were delivered safely (and cheaply) to Rome and we felt we were home!

The Pantheon, the Spanish Steps, Lunch and Dinner near the shopping district of Rome, was more than enjoyable for us.

Pantheon

Inside the Pantheon

N & A on Spanish Steps at night

I told Amanda and Noelle that, in an art museum, Steve likes sculptures, and particularly busts.

So, we had dinner at this place that had a lot of sculptures -- busts and full bodies -- in honor of Steve's art interests.

It was creepy.
And expensive. 

Restaurant with busts

So, of course we had to end the evening at a charming place.....

And off to Sicily after a good night's sleep at our cool hotel next door to the Spanish Steps.

Me in old-fashioned elevator at hotel

Hallway at the hotel

See you from Trapani!

Ciao!