Roma

They say if you toss a coin into the Trevi fountain you'll keep returning to Rome. It must be true. This was my fifth visit to the eternal city, and hopefully not my last. Each time I visit I enjoy returning to spots I know and love and am surprised by new things I discover (like another gelateria that is now on the top gelato list). Visiting places you love is great, but visiting them with people dear to you is even better. With my good friends Kami and Kari from southern California we hit the ground running and had a gelato in hand within a couple hours after landing. A good trip to Italy is measured by food, and food alone. And this trip was, by this measure, pretty spectacular. With too many gelatos under our belts (literally) to count and several plates of pasta, pizza and countless baskets of bread I was wondering if the airline might charge us for the extra "cargo" upon our return. We may have left a few pounds heavier, but mostly left with many happy memories.


Not a great shot, but a great image to remember of our first Roman meal




Spanish Steps










Pantheon






One of my favourite people on the planet!








The standard "field goal" tourist stance


At last someone who understood how to get this shot!


Art-filled Piazza Navona




Lady in red . . . she was quite a character alright!


Having it out with this guitarist


I love Kami and Kari looking in on this shot




The green door on Piazza Navona, same door depicted in the painting Kari bought!


Candlelit dinner on Campo dei Fiori


Fabulously talented singer draws a crowd at the Pantheon




View of Piazza della Rotunda from our hotel's rooftop bar


Bustling market on Campo dei Fiori . . .










Women be shopping












Lunch on Campo dei Fiori


Don't worry my friends are not wannabe models, just a funny moment on our walk . . .


She couldn't hold the straight face too long, though.




Castle Sant Angelo




I love stumbling upon a wedding in random cities


St. Peter's














At the new gelato find!










Nightshopping


Midnight walk around Rome . . .



























What do three, non-drinking mid-thirties do for fun under the midnight moon in Rome? They plank . . .














Overlooking Rome on our last day




Dear old Ghiberti


Mwwaaa!






Cycling around the Borghese Gardens










Truly one of the coolest people I know.