Rome Reunion, Fall 2005

After being virtually alone in the beautiful countryside of Tuscany, it was a shock to drive down into the megalopolis of Rome, its smoggy horizons, its polyglot freeways.  We're here for a family reunion, and six of Patti's family will arrive at the airport the next day.  Just as planned, all were waiting for us at the arrival gate on Saturday AM, so we reconnoitered at the motel room, loaded the big luggage in the rental car, and split -- the men taking the train into town, and us following with the luggage. We had rented a 3BR apartment in centre city, perfectly located near the Via Veneto, Trevi Fountain, & Spanish Steps.  The only trouble was the apartment showed typical Italian attention to detail -- no towels, many appliances didn't work, no place for suitcases, etc.  So we used the place for dinners and sleeping and spent the week on the town.  The alpha males went out every night, while us seniors did the dishes, gabbed, and went to bed early.  Son Dan & Cousin Peter followed the next day for a total of eight!  Another spate of perfect weather -- how did this happen three times?  Anyway, what follows are random pictures, chosen for their appeal or memory value.

Clockwise from upper left:  Roman pines in the Villa Borghese; Interior of former papal chapel; Church overlooking Forum; A view of the Forum from Nat'l Museum; Dan Pearson and Unknown Soldier