Ciao ciao!

Ciao Ciao Italia!! It's been an experience we'll never forget. We've gotten to explore amazing places, try new things, and really know some great people. The past 3 weeks, both in Italy and Israel, have forever impacted my life and have caused me to grow. As we return back to Tel Aviv tomorrow, we are excited and eager to experience all life has to offer. Even more than when I first typed this back in my first post..."Luke loves what he does and the scope of work out there(here) is something he can't wait to be part of.  As a family, we are just so ready to take on this opportunity, visit places we never dreamed we could see in person, and absorb as much as we can about other countries and cultures, worldwide...." 

We hope and pray that circumstances allow us to remain in Israel and live a happy, healthy, and prosperous life. If at any point we feel we cannot continue, we will not hesitate to leave. We appreciate everyone who has reached out, prayed, or thought of us and our team members during this journey. Even in a time of no turmoil, we would be so thankful for all the outpouring of love and support.. Even more and especially so when uncertainty is in the air.

Love and hugs💋💋 

 

Cin cin! L'chaim!!

      Ruth 1:16 

Roman roamin'

So after we got off of our bus ride, we jumped on a train to the Colosseum. 

Just in case we forgot the train stops...seriously

The trains all had fresh paint jobs

Once you walk out of the train station the first thing you see is the Colosseum. It is an amazing sight. This approximately 2000 yr old structure still standing as impressive as ever. The first you think about is how amazing it would have been to see in its day. I mean, not as impressive as Boone Pickens Stadium but a close second.

The second thing you notice is the sea of tour guides trying to hustle you into buying their tour of the Colosseum. That part of the Rome trip got kind of old. It happened at every tourist site.

The interior of the Colosseum was so impressive. Trying to think about how bustling this place was while watching gladiators go at it. Or when they would fill it with water and reenact naval battles. Or when they would have lions in the arena. "Get your peanuts, hot dogs, cold beer". Is this where tailgating was invented? 

Ready for battle

Luke thought the drainage system was pretty awesome

There was a pretty cool art museum on the top floor of the Colosseum

Luke said Romans had nice busts.....he's laughed to himself

Modern Gladiators

Arch of Constantine taken from the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine

Arch of Constantine

The Arch of Constantine outside of the Colosseum was really neat. You can still see the grooves of the Chariot Wheels in the center Arch.

Monument a Victor Emmanuelle II

The Vatican

St. Peter's Square in the background

Inside the Vatican

When in Rome....

...do like the Romans do....

One of the positive aspects of being removed from the city centre during our stay in Rome is that we experienced different aspects of this city beyond the typical tourist attractions. 

The first day we were here, we went to a nearby mall and large grocery/super centre. 

I thought this was genius! In the mall, instead of escalators, they have a Jetson's ramp.

We also used the public bus...once

Random passenger arguing with the bus driver

Our first trip on the bus was an adventure all of its own. Us and another couple set off to the nearest bus stop to head into Rome. The bus was supposed to arrive at 20 after the hour but arrived closer to 40 after. Apparently this is a normal thing for all public transportation in Italy. After we were on the bus for approx 5 minutes (and only two right turns later) we came to a bus stop. The bus driver pulled over, got out without saying a word to the us(only passengers on the bus) and started walking down the road. We were all kind of looking at each other not knowing what was going on. The driver eventually turned the corner and walked out of sight. We all started laughing because we were the only people on the bus at this vacant bus stop. After a few minutes we got out as a few more people were walking up to the stop. Two more buses pulled in behind ours and also stopped and the driver's got out. I guess this was the break stop. The picture above shows a local arguing with one of the driver's because the older gentlemen was obviously in a hurry. The driver did not care. About 15 minutes later our driver turned the corner and walked back to the bus. He got on and we all jumped back in and off we went. It was all too amusing to us. 

Also, we found a local market/grocer within walking distance. 

The sidewalk led us right by wild blackberries (my fav!!).. by the end of our trip the bush was picked bare from us and the locals from the neighborhood.

Pictures inside the local market...

Fresh fish

Olives, cheeses, and meat

um........... Horse meat baby food? 

A delicious little bakery/ice cream shop next to the market

Dark chocolate gelato for me and banana gelato for ev

Another find while searching for things to do within walking distance of our hotel was a cute little  park... perfect in size for Kaiden and EV 

Just ignore the poisonous White Oleander bushes that were all over the children's play area....

Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa

EV indulging in the best fettucine alfredo I've ever had

For our second evening in Rome, the entire HP group went to dinner at Alfredos.  This restaurant has been around for over 100 years and is the birthplace of alfredo sauce. In 1907 the original fettucine Alfredo was invented by Alfredo for his pregnant wife... and wow. The pasta is so thin and the sauce so smooth, the entire dish was like butter!

Headed to dinner

Estella's reaction to the sights and sounds of Rome

Ristorante Alfredo alla Scrofa

Miei amori

The group sitting in the "Large Actors" room

another view

our table

Kelly receiving the golden spoon and fork

First plate

 

Tradition

 

Famous fettucine!

The goodness just keeps on comin...

Grand finale!

These two cuties loved the Tiramisu

Fitz and George entertaining the kids table.. and me:-)

Full of goodness

EV's little buddy Kaiden!!

cin cin!

And then.. Greg took his shirt off.. 

Full bellies. Full hearts.

 

Happy to be here with these babes

Estella started a dance party

Dancin in the street

Buonanotte!