Hotel Flora in Frascati

We arrived in Frascati and at the hotel where we first spent our honeymoon. I had forgotten how beautiful the hotel was. the grounds are lovely with beautiful flowers and trees. It is hard to believe the camelias and other flowers are blooming. We met Alex and Izabel for dinner. Alex works with Mike and he and his wife live in Toulouse, France. Izabel and I decided to explore Frascati the next day. We met after lunch and wandered through the small town of Frascati, hoping to shop but all the stores were closed for lunch so we headed up the street and saw some signs leading to a Villa. Along the way we met a man who spoke english and seemed to be having a difficult time walking. Wasn't sure if he was drunk or just disabled. I think a little bit of both. We let him convince us to see the villa where he worked and he was right it was very beautiful with many statues and a lovely fountain. He kept showing us around and wanted us to come to his home behind the villa. We decided that wasn't a good idea and he didn't seem too happy with us.

Rome with friends

On Saturday we arrived in Rome and had dinner with two other Italian friends from University of Colorado, Paulo and his wife Mare Ana and Sebastiano and his wife. Sebastiano had driven up from Naples. We had not seen him for many years. We had a wonderful dinner and enjoyed the beautiful piano playing of Paulo's son, Mario. We pledged to all stay in closer contact that it had been way too long. The next morning Paulo took us on a tour of Rome and we did a tour of the Coliseum. We did the audio tour and it was so much better understanding what you were seeing. Then a mad dash to the airport for Ates and Canan to catch their flight. We then traveled about 30 minutes outside of Rome to Frascati.

Orvieto, Italy

Perugia and Italian friends

Friday afternoon we headed two hours away to Perugia to visit with Vincenzo and his family. When we arrived it was snowing! It has been very cold on this trip. We had a lovely and delicious dinner with Vincenzo, Teresa, Allesandro, and Luigi. Ates and Canan had not seen Vincenzo in thirty years, since Boulder. Mike and I had visited with Vincenzo two summers ago. It was so nice to catch up. Teresa is an excellent cook and is so warm and hospitable. The next day we toured the beautiful medieval city of Perugia. It is known for its chocolate, Perugina, and for its famous jazz festival held each June. The city is so peaceful and relaxed. I would love to stay for a much longer time. We then traveled about an hour away to Orvieto also in the region of Umbria where we toured a beautiful cathedral, I think one of the loveliest we have seen thus far. The cathedrals certainly accomplished the goal of looking towards heaven and making you realize just how small we are in God's creation.

Florence, Italy

We made it to Florence but not without some difficulty getting around in the city and finding the public garage. We met our Turkish friends, Ates and Canan at the hotel and we all went out to a nice dinner that was recomended by her daughter, Ceyda. We toured Florence the next day, Ates and Canan going to the Uffizi gallery to see art and Mike and I to a science museum and an exhibition of crystals which of course Mike enjoyed greatly. We finished the day going inside the famous Duomo. We didn't really have enough time in Florence, there is so very much to see in this beautiful city.

Venice Pictures

Venice is Beautiful even if it is a cold grey day

Venice is so lovely! I spent the first part of the day just exploring the many streets and paths that wind there way through the city. Lots of wonderful shops and great art work. Mike was not feeling well, has a stomach bug so I went out on my own in the morning and then he joined me in the afternoon. San Marco square and the basilica were amazing, the stone work is something to see. The Doges Palace, the home of Venetian rulers and the seat of government was most interesting to tour. Hopefully Mike will feel better tomorrow so he can enjoy this beautiful city. Enjoy the pics.