Time with Family in Rome and Ostia

After leaving the beautiful landscapes and vineyards of Villa San Nicola, we made our way to Rome. Checking into our Airbnb in Rome was an adventure. The streets are narrow and there is limited parking. Our host met us and helped find a parking garage down at the end of the block, then drove us and our luggage to the apartment. Needless to say, the car did not leave the garage until we left Rome. 

After settling in and taking a rest, his cousin and his wife picked us up for dinner. We did a little bit of sightseeing, then enjoyed a nice meal while getting reacquainted and making plans for the next day. We made a stop for gelato before parting ways for the night.

On Sunday, the four of us traveled to Ostia to have a nice relaxing lunch with more of his cousins. Along the way we stopped in Ostia Antica, which is an ancient Roman city and the Port of Rome. We had been here on our prior visit, but this time looked at a few other historic sights.

We enjoyed an amazing lunch at a restaurant on the Tyrrhenian Sea. There were many courses, a lot of wine, dessert and great conversation. Although most of the conversation was in Italian, I still found a way to communicate. Translator apps certainly help, but sometimes a picture and a few words tell the story. We enjoyed some espresso at his cousin's home while making the most of our time together before traveling back to Rome.

When we visited in 2019, we were unable to tour the Vatican because of the extensive lines. This time on our last day in Rome, we took an early morning taxi in order to avoid the long lines and were able to tour St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum. It is very beautiful, and we were thankful we were able to see it on this trip.

We spent our last afternoon and evening with his cousin and his wife. We drove around to see a few sights, and took a late afternoon walk around the Colosseum. It was beautiful with the sun setting on it and a relaxing place to sit while we watched other tourists walking by and taking photos. Our last meal in Rome was at his cousin's home, great food and conversation before going back to our Airbnb. We were grateful for the time we spent together, and it was difficult to say goodbye.

One last night and then up early in the morning. Our next journey would be a flight to Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Arrivederci Italy, thank you for a wonderful time filled with new memories!

Colosseum


Sun setting on the Colosseum

Arch of Constantine


Ostia Antica







Ostia



Vatican










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