Hitting the Ground Running

Well, not quite-I wouldn't have dared go for a run. One, we're tired, and two, it's hot.

Our bags were first off the luggage carousel (a delight) and then we got a ride with Massimo to our accommodation at Villa Grazioli Hotel outside of Rome in the Frascati area. (Links and photos to be provided later once I have free Wi-Fi-for now these posts are being made via e-mail on my BlackBerry.). It is high on a hill in the suburbs with vineyards and olive trees and there are amazing views of Rome.

We just made a van into town where we caught a tour of the Coliseum, Palantine Hill (including the ruins of the palace of Augustus, Rome's first Emperor), the Forum and the Capitoline Hill including City Hall. There was a large poster in the square calling for the freedom of Gilad Shalit. We also caught a welcome espresso and sandwich at Antico Caffe where we could have lingered for hours (the beer looked inviting) but instead headed over to the Trevi Fountain for a quick visit.

After a nap and much water in the minibus back to the hotel, the 50 year old to be is preparing herself for dinner while I'm going to try to find the pool (and a beer at pool side). Then it is off to Cantine Santa Benedetta for some wine tasting with a cooking class and dinner.

We have a private tour of the Vatican tomorrow before it opens so that means a 6:30 departure. Could that mean missing breakfast?!