We are just back from an amazing trip to Italy. The trip went way beyond expectations, with us coming back more relaxed than any other trip we've been on since moving to Europe. We also have that sinking feeling when a holiday comes to an end. Yes, also a sign of a good trip.
Ten days is a long time and we did do a lot. So, I'm warning you up front, this post will be long. I'll section it to make it easier, but watch out for some funnies along the way. We are the Koops after all!
Rome. We flew into Rome on Thursday, the 21st. My mom and dad accompanied us on the trip, so they told us to go explore and they'd get the kids down to bed. Ah, freedom! So, we decided to walk to town. BIG mistake! Our hotel is miles away from the city center and after 45 minutes of walking in the heat, we hailed a cab. The cabby took us straight to the Trevi Fountain - including down a pedestrian sidewalk. I was mortified as he nearly drove people down!
The night was spent eating good food and walking around quiet street corners only to find beautiful piazzas packed with people. The energy of the city at night is undescribeable and to see the 2000 year old buildings lit up is like nothing else!
The next one and a half days were spent exploring old Rome and the heart of Rome. This isn't my favorite city, but it's one that I really wanted Tom and the boys to see. To stand at the Roman Forum or Colleseum and think about what happened here over 2000 years ago is quite amazing! We got to the Vatican City, but missed the Sistine Chapel. My parents went in and said it was great. The line was too long and the kids too hot, so I can now say that I've been to Rome twice and never seen the ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Oh well.
Our favorite time in Rome was spent in Piazza Navona with the boys eating gelato. It was so hot we had to sit in the shade so it wouldn't melt! Then a cafe owner started chatting with the boys and asked them to come sit at his cafe. Two orange juices were ordered and my bambinos where on display for tourists to see. The owner kept saying, "Look, two bambinos here at my cafe! Don't you want to come too?!" Classic.
Transition. We left Rome around 1:00 on Saturday and needed to get back to the airport to get the car. After two hours of getting the right info and then searching the car park for the car, we finally got it. Only it wasn't a car. It was a bus. Our mouths all gaped open when we saw it. We asked for a 9 seater - we got a 12. Sometimes it's not good to get more than you pay for. So, Tom got in and squeezed through the carpark exit. Not enough, we broke the cap for the mirror. Has it really only been 3 minutes in this beast?!
The Villa. We were a bit worried when we drove the beast down a gravel road and then up this very skinny driveway (up the side of a cliff, mind you), but the result was breathtaking. The villa is 200 years old (ok, it was redone 10 years ago, but still) and sits atop a hill overlooking Tuscany and Umbria. The owner was there to greet us and show us around. The kids were pleasantly surprised to see a pool and an old dog!
We settled in and dug into the Italian feast that was purchased for us. Olives, sausages, bread, wine... And then the boys swam. This is pretty much what we did for the whole week! Relax, relax, relax! Not very characteristic of us, seeing how our holidays are always on the go. But, with a beast of a car and a gem of a villa, the choice was easy. Sometimes God sets things up to ensure you do what He wants. I'm postitive he wanted us to rest. Check the villa out at
http://www.villacerqualto.com/Siena. We did go out a few times. On Wednesday my parents blessed us by shoving us out the door and saying Tom and I needed some time away from the boys. They were right. We drove to Siena. The day was lovely! After and hour of trying to find a place to park the beast, we walked into the old city and sat on the piazza with a cappuccino and watched the world go by. A climb up to the city tower gave amazing views of Tuscany and the city. Wow! We continued to walk the streets and shop, ending our time with a glass of wine on the piazza again.
Off to Pienza and Montepulciano in the late afternoon where we explored more, enjoying the amazing drive from Siena. Dinner was probably the best I've ever had. Maybe because I didn't have to cut it up for anyone? Oh, and it was hot by the time I ate it? Yes, it was a great day. I must thank my parents for seeing the need for us to go. It renewed our spirits!
The boys perspective. All they wanted to do was be outside and swim, but when Stephanie (our hostess) told them about the fossils nearby, they were off like a shot. I think they went everyday to search for 60 million year old shells (the sea once came to that part of Italy). We didn't have room for them all, so only a few made the trip home.
The other highlight of their trip was going to pizza in the town nearby. Stephanie came with us, which they both thought was so great. She made sure a margarita (cheese) pizza was ready the minute they sat down. It was a late evening, so when we got home the boys were itching to catch fireflies. Tom took them to the olive grove and they came back with a jar full. They both fell asleep staring at the jar.
The week went fast, too fast. Most was spent at the pool with the boys. Backs got burnt and the tan marks show signs of swimmies being worn 90% of the time. Jacob perfected the game of Uno, beating all of us at some point in the week. Aiden is down to swimming with just one swimmie. Jeb learned to jump in like a duckie. We, well, we learned to relax and let time go by. Sun, good views, water and family from afar. It all adds up to unforgettable memories of Italy. Ciao!
Early morning egg hunt
Jeb isn't so sure what to do with the egg