Yasas and ciao!

Where to start? I could write pages on the Parthenon, and the ancient Greek agora where Socrates taught. The Mask of Agamemnon at the Greek National Archeological Museum, and the flea market at Monastiraki Square. The metro stations displaying the archeology found when digging the subway, and the cheery faces of every Greek we met. Then of course moussaka, spanikopidas, ouzo, and yogurt with honey.


At the Temple of Hephaesteon in Athens, overlooking the Acropolis and ancient agora


In Rome I could speak of the immensity of the Colosseum, the Roman agora, and Palatine Hill. The beauty of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, and the surprising number of open squares scattered across the city. The Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps with their trillions of tourists. The crypts and catacombs under Rome, churches with unbelievable art, and the hostel where Maxi and Elke served homemade hot chocolate in the mornings.


Us at the Trevi Fountain. We got a miniature version for the cats to serve as their water bowl. :)



Streets of Rome.



Inside of Colosseum.


In Florence there was the Ponte Vecchio bridge, the outdoor courtyard/museum in the Piazza della Signoria, and the Santa Croce church with its elaborate tombs of Michelangelo, Dante, Galileo, and Machiavelli. Through it all was gelato once a day, pizza cut by weight and folded in half, and lasagna and spaghetti to die for.


Ponte Vecchio bridge in Florence.



All-important gelato, Italian ice cream.


We have hundreds of pictures, literally - three memory cards' worth. I think we have one card's worth of art alone. Jonathan has already started sorting them, so he'll put up a huge picture post in the next week or so. Here's some art as a preview.


Caryatid at Acropolis museum in Athens.



Inside of St. Peter's Basilica



Part of a bronze door relief in Florence, by Bernini (same guy who designed St. Peter's square)



"Rape of the Sabine Women" in Florence



Ceiling of the Map Room at the Vatican.