Italy: Rome and the Castelli Region

On our first full day in the Rome area, we caravanned with Elisa's parents to the Castelli region, which is just outside of Rome. We stopped at Castel Gandolfo, which is the historic summer residence of the Pope (although Pope Francis has opened it as a museum now). We enjoyed the sights of the town, including the view over Lake Albano, before driving down to the lakeside level for a late lunch.

The town square outside Castel Gandolfo

Entrance to Castel Gandolfo

Fountain outside Castel Gandolfo (and a dove [pigeon] of peace??)

Lake Albano

Paul got gutsy and took the wheel to drive in Italy... I thought he was crazy to drive with
how insane the Roman drivers are!!

View of the hills around where we ate for lunch

The group at lunch!

After leaving the Castelli region, we drove back into Rome to visit Eataly, a big superstore with various restaurants that specializes in local Italian food and drink items. It was fun to wander and see what they had to offer!

Outside Eataly

Chandelier of espresso cups & saucers

Charlotte and Auri enjoying some gelato at Eataly

Festive wine bottles at Eataly -- and a baby bump starting at 7 weeks (ack!) 

That night, we went back to Elisa's parents' house (Rini & Enzo) and enjoyed another delicious dinner, this time shared with Elisa's sister Danila. The next day, we drove into Rome and parked near the Spanish Steps. From there, we explored the city by foot!

The Spanish Steps

At the base of the Spanish Steps

Mid-roundhouse kick!

Statue of Mary near the Spanish Steps

Mary's statue had been decorated the day before for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception

Pantheon!

After lunch, we grabbed gelato!

After enjoying gelato, we walked to Piazza Navona (Paul's favorite spot in Rome), where there was a small festival going on. Charlotte enjoyed the carousel and seeing a band march through the square.

"Fireworks" Christmas tree at the Spanish Steps

After returning to Rini and Enzo's house, we ate dinner and got the kids to sleep and then enjoyed relaxing on the couches with Dan and Elisa with a cup of chamomile tea to settle my stomach. The next morning, Dan and Enzo drove us to the airport, and we headed back to England.