By the time we arrived in Rome, the group was having such a good time together that we seemed to spend the majority of our free time as a group or with group members.

During the bus ride to Rome, we decided to go to the Borghese Gallery as a group, without the guides, during some of our free time on the tour. We didn't do it entirely on our own - Suzanna called the museum from the bus and arranged the reservations for us. Another event that we planned while on the bus was an evening wine and snacks event at the hotel, but more about these events later.

I must comment on the breakfast at our hotel. It was fantastic. I have never had such an array of entrees, pastries, meats, side dishes, etc. for a hotel breakfast. And the cappuccino was to die for. All this and we were also greeted by Chef Francesco every morning. He was very friendly and justifiably proud of his cooking and the awards his specialties have received. We tried to taste everything, but there were too many items to sample them all in just three mornings.

The morning of our first full day in Rome we toured the Vatican City. When the tour was over we decided to have lunch together and went to a restaurant near the Vatican. The restaurant seated us in a back room used for groups and we had a fun time deciding what to order. Suzanna and Karin's expertise was much in demand as decisions were made. It was a pleasant and easygoing meal as we compared notes on the Vatican museum, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica and made plans for the rest of the day.

We returned to St Peter’s during our afternoon free time, and explored the dome and the crypt. Late in the afternoon we went shopping for wine and snacks to bring to the evening gathering. Elizabeth joined us on our adventure to shop for goodies. We went to a grocery store near the hotel and had a great time deciding what to get. As we were leaving the grocery store, we realized that the actual price of Elizabeth's wine purchase was much more than we expected. I don't think Italians return items in grocery stores, but after much discussion they decided that Elizabeth could exchange the wine for something else. It all worked out.

Soon it was time to join the group on the rooftop of our hotel. It was a beautiful evening and the company was great. There was a huge amount of food and wine; the variety was staggering. We even had Grappa (thank you David, I think). It was a special evening sharing food and drink on a rooftop in Rome with a view of the Vatican. We even had fireworks! Someone was celebrating a wedding, anniversary, birthday, or store grand opening and we got to enjoy their fireworks display. Everyone had a great time and the evening passed way too quickly. Special thanks to Karin for arranging with Hotel Alimandi for the use of their rooftop patio – it was perfect.

Favorite Animal Statue -- Rome In front of the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva church there is a marble Elephant with a Egyptian obelisk on his back. The elephant is another of the many statues sculpted by Bernini. The elephant is an ancient symbol of intelligence and piety. I just think he is very cute and whimsical. In the midst of all the grandeur of Rome, he hold his own. He makes me smile.