WE MADE IT HOME SAFELY

                                            Well, after being away for quite some time we arrived home safely. All was well here at home and we were thankful to have done so much traveling and remained well and active. 

The first photo on the left was taken in the Piazza di San Pietro in front of the Basilica in Vatican  City, Rome.  I did manage to meet with my friend and I was so happy to get to see her once again.  I did get to visit the crypts to see where Pope John Paul II was entombed as well.  That was quite an emotional experience for me as well as many others.  It was very crowded there as  many people had the same desire.

The time we spent in Rome was wonderful although relatively short.  We did manage to get tickets to the special Caravaggio exhibit which was wonderful to see.  The food in Rome is always extraordinary and we met a new friend who lives there.  Her  name is Anna and she very graciously invited us to her lovely apartment for an aperitif and some hors d'oeuvres prior to dinner together.  

The second photo was taken in the very medieval town of Todi in Umbria, Italy.  It was amazing to walk through such a quaint and timeless place.  We visited many churches, had some fantastic meals and enjoyed the views.  Our dear friend Ettore did all the driving through Italy and he was really amazing.  The man just exudes class just like my husband.  Having been born in Rome and being a true Roman, he certainly knew his way around and planned a terrific road trip for all of us.  His thoughtfulness and attention to detail was apparent from the moment we arrived at the airport in Rome.   His wife Rose who is very dear to us is so lovely and really adorable.  Rose is the perfect lady in every way. 

This picture was taken in Assisi, Perugia, Italy.  We went to the Basilica of San Francesco d'Assisi.  This was such a very special place.  The climb up the elevation is fine and well worth it.  We toured the Upper and Lower Churches as well as the crypt.  I highly recommend this place to visit.  The buses start arriving early in the morning as the church bells ring.  The view is spectacular and so is the town.  Located here is the Church of Santa Chiara (Saint Clare) who started the Order of the Poor Clares.  This was amazing too.  There is a room where they have on display the clothes of St. Francis and other relics.  

 Ettore then drove to Panicale which is another, but very small town.  We decided to drive on to Siena, find a hotel for the night and could enjoy the sites early in the morning.  Siena is where the Palio (horse race) is held twice every year.  Siena is also known for the college.  This is the Piazza del Campo which is one of Europe's most beautiful medieval piazzas.  There was so much to see and do in Siena and we enjoyed every minute there.

About a half hour away we found ourselves in the town of Orvieto.  The Cathedral Orvieto which was built in the early 1300 century was beautiful.  From Orvieto we were told we were going to see something special.  

We were told we were going to Bagnoreggio.  This was totally unbelievable.  It is an ancient town perched on the crest of a hill, while the ground is crumbling around it.  The only way the people who live there can get back and forth is by walking as no cars are allowed.  If you look closely you can see the walkway stretching toward you, this is the roadway.  There are no longer that many residents who still call Banoreggio home, however, there are about twenty.

  

We had the most amazing time with Ettore & Rose on our road trip Italy.  We will never forget the wonderful and memorable time we had together. We drove back to Rome eventually and prepared for our flight back to Paris.  

We stayed at Le Meurice Hotel which is across from the Jardin des Tuileries and is such a beautiful hotel.  It is the sister of the Dorchester.

I could never explain how much help our dear friend Phillippe had been to us in Paris.  He actually held our luggage, which was six large suitcases, while we went to Italy with two.  He picked us up at the hotel and drove us to the airport early one morning when we were on our way home.  We didn't say when we were leaving just how much my husband & I would miss him.  He had been such an enormous help to us and the friendship he offered will never be forgotten.

Needless to say, we were quite despondent when we were leaving Paris.  After living in France for a time we were quite impressed with so many things.  We were always greeted and treated with such courtesy and friendliness.  It was a very special time we shared together and have decided to try to return once again next winter, if God willing. 

 I have so many other stories and pictures to show and tell.  I did go to Le Cordon Bleu, I would love to expand on Ash Wednesday and the Veneration of the Crown of Thorns, both at Notre Dame Cathedral.

Oh, so many pictures and wonderful places and I promise I will share them.  Keep well and come back soon.