Rome: Last Meals et al

OBSERVATIONS: A few reflections on how Rome struck me on this visit. More young people seen smoking on the street including high school students.  A mix of cigarettes and vaping devices. More pedestrian-only zones which make Rome quieter and even more pleasant for walking from piazza to piazza. Other than getting into and out of the …

Rome Adventure: Vatican Tour

STUNNING ART We initially signed up for the 7:30 A.M. small group tour of the Vatican Museums.  But, upon further reflection, it seemed too much with jet lag et al, to go that early.  So we changed the tour time to a more civilized 9:45 and then walked to the meeting point.  Seeing the art was worthwhile, but …

Eating in Rome: Cafes & Restaurants

Despite my earlier observation about Rome being trendier these days, you can walk the neighborhoods from Campo de’ Fiori to Trastevere and pass many restaurants and cafes.  But this is Italy and every single establishment we passed was offering some version of Italian cuisine.  No Chinese, Thai or Vietnamese in sight.  Every one has its versions of spaghetti …

Return to Rome: Arrival Day

RETURN TO ROME The Chief Penguin and I determined that it’s been 45 years since we visited Rome for the first time and about 12 years since we last were here.  We initially came for a scientific conference for him and then visited fairly frequently through the years, bringing our son when he was just 2 …