Papa’s 80th Birthday

Today, 24 May, is Papa’s 80th birthday!  We had a nice B&B breakfast, then met Audrey’s family at 10:30.  We walked toward the Coliseum, stopping at Basilica di Sant’Andrea Della Valle.  I went there yesterday, and it is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Rome.  I enjoyed it all over again, and the rest of the family took lots of photos.  

We walked past the Coliseum enroute to lunch at a local bistro, Pasqualino Al Colosseo dal 1956 - Trattoria Romana.  We had pizzas and Napoli salad, and stopped later for gelato. 

We parted ways at 1:45, with Audrey’s family meeting a guide at the Coliseum, and Papa and I taking a self guided tour of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.  We have passed it many times, but never saw the ancient archaeological site up close.  Built between the 9th century BC and AD 608, and occupied as early as 1200 BC, it was the center of Roman life for centuries.  We enjoyed exploring.

Family in Rome

Audrey’s family arrived in Rome this morning, after breakfast.  We walked through Piazza Navona, then to the Pantheon.  We had an amazing lunch at Est Artigiani del Gusto, gelato for dessert, then rested for a couple of hours.  

While everyone was resting, I took a long walk through the center of Rome, stopping at various churches, the Trevi Fountain, several piazzas…. 

We rejoined Audrey’s family around 4:30 in the afternoon, and walked through Campo de Fiori, and across the Tiber River on our way to Trastavere, where we visited Basilica Saint Cecilia.  Papa and I visited Saint Cecilia several years ago and never forgot it.  Saint Cecilia has been an important church since the 5th century.  The present basilica, was rebuilt in the 9th century, and is known for the large mosaic apse, frescoes, Baroque sculpture, and relics of Saint Cecilia.  The crypt is the most interesting and incredible area of the church, with much of the ceiling, walls and floor completely covered in mosaics.  Of course, we stopped for more gelato after!