Another Beautiful Day in Rome

We had breakfast in the convent, then set off for the Borghese Gallery in the Borghese Palazzo.  It was like a jewel box of fabulous art, painted ceilings, Bernini sculptures, 3rd century mosaics, and marble inlaid floors.  Just beautiful!  We walked through the Borghese Gardens after, and come upon a horse show jumping event.  We had fun watching for awhile, then continued on our way to the Piazza del Popolo, then to the Spanish Steps, zigzagging in and out of various churches along the way.

We had delicious fresh pasta for lunch at a restaurant founded in 1906, La Carbonara.  After a little siesta, we walked to the Basilica di San Giovanni in Lanterno.  It is the Papal Cathedral of the Roman Bishop, aka The Pope.  It was consecrated in 324 AD and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its gold ceiling in the main nave is breathtaking!  Just when we came out of Basilica Lanterno, we heard music and thousands of voices getting ever closer.  There was a Million Marijuana March in Rome that ended at the Basilica di San Giovanni in Lanterno, just as we were exiting.  That was exciting!  There were police everywhere and the whole piazza was suddenly overwhelmed with thousands of peaceful happy people.  We walked back toward the convent, and enjoyed a gelato before going out to the rooftop patio once again as the sun was setting.  We had a wonderful day!

When in Rome...

Papa and I arrived in Rome by 8 this morning, to begin a seven week stay in Italy.  We are staying in a convent hotel, Casa Ferie Santa Elisabetta, a half block from Basilica Papal di Santa Maria Maggiore.  We've stayed in a convent hotel in Rome previously, and it seems the best way for us to experience The Eternal City.  A bonus of Casa Ferie Santa Elisabetta is its rooftop patio with beautiful views over the whole city of Rome.

We set off walking soon after dropping our bags at the convent, and enjoyed seeing up close the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, lunch in Piazza Navonna, St. Peter's Square, and as many churches as had their doors open along the way.  Rome is full of incredibly beautiful art, sculpture, and mosaics at every turn.  By 6 this evening, and no sleep on our flight from Dallas, we had a picnic on the rooftop patio as the sun was setting, and enjoyed the sounds and colors of Rome.

Happy Birthday Papa!

Today is Papa's 71st birthday!  Papa has enjoyed a wonderful life and we like to think the best is still ahead.  We'll celebrate this evening in Dallas, with Whitney and Brian's families.  I love you, Papa.

Gila Monster

While we were making dinner tonight, Papa noticed a gila monster outside our breakfast window.  I grabbed my camera and went outside to watch.  The gila monster was about 18" long.  He moved rather quickly, and was agile, going up and down stairs.  Cool!

Blooming Saguaro

The saguaros in our yard have been blooming over the past three weeks.  These flowers are on a saguaro in our front yard, not far from our front door.  Delicate, pure white flowers protruding from the tall spiny cactus column.  They are beautiful!