Rome - June 17

Started the day with a run to the Trevi Fountain. I love exploring cities in the early morning before the crowds set in.

Finn needs a motorcycle!

Once Corey got home from his conference in Milan we went for an apperitivo. Gia and I then headed to our new go-to tiramisu place - Tiramisu Mirasu. They make one with oreos and nutella, which is Gia's fav, and mine is pistachio. 

While walking there, Gia noticed a man dropped something. She thought he littered. Turned out it was a couple hundred euro! I ran after him and let him know he dropped his cash. It was a dad from America walking with his wife and 2 young kids. He was amazed we gave it back and very grateful. In fairness to him, euros are extra slippery.

Fun idea at the tiramisu shop you watch them make it.

Beautiful moon tonight!

Rome - June 16

This morning I ran to the Spanish Steps and repeated the same route around the little park at the top of the steps that I did the last time we were in Rome. But to get there, you of course pass the Pantheon. I find myself taking a photo nearly every time :)

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Early morning bride shots everywhere in Italy. 

The park up the hill from the Spanish Steps.

My view from the table while working this morning.

Gia and I headed to the World Press Photo Exhibition at Palazzo Esposizioni Roma today. I have no words for how powerful the experience was. We both cried at multiple times throughout the exhibit as we wrestled with the cruelty of humanity and the devastation of natural disasters, often affecting the most vulnerable of society.

This wall held the top photo from each year since the competition began. I took a photo of the photo from each birth year of our immediate family.

We walked on in silence to lunch.

For lunch we shared a truffle focaccia.

Gia headed home and I made the short trip to my tango shoe shop.

I now own 1 pair of beautiful, handcrafted, green suede shoes. Next up? Tango lessons...

Rome - June 15

 Corey headed to Milan and Gia and I had a pretty quiet day dedicated to purse shopping. But we take our dedications seriously and started with sharing a burger.

First stop was Elly B's recommendation. It did not disappoint!

We picked up a bag for Gia and picked out one for Lily too.

A pretty courtyard on our way home...

Stopping for a smoothie for Gia and an Acai bowl for me.

After a movie, we made a gelato run and Gia took a quick scooter ride.

Corey got to hand out with one of my favorite people - Massimo!

Rome - June 14

 I maybe thought today was Father's Day. It wasn't. But just in case, I took Corey all the way downstairs and next door for a Thai massage. The outfit they had him change in to was a little concerning.

I didn't mind so much. These are now the nicest pair of underpants I own!

We headed to the Monti Fiori area to read and have a light lunch. Pretty warm, so we had to drink white wine. We thought it was a good idea to get a carafe. And then our 15-year-old decided to have a dry lunch. Oof!

I think they might be related.

After a BIG nap, we went to mass at the Domus Australia Chapel, where mass was offered in English and sung as a Gregorian chant. The priest was from Australia, and our pew was right by the Perth coat of arms. And were there golden kangaroos holding up the lectern? Yes, there was. 

Once back, the crew was worn out. Corey had to head to Milan the next morning, but I had nothing but time, so I decided to go to an outdoor movie in the Travestere area just across the river.

I packed the necessities—a blanket to sit on, a water, a beer, and some chocolate. However, the seats were set up, and the place was packed. After some awkward exchanges, I realized a seat was open next to a super cool older Italian woman who was on her own and did not speak English and a young couple that spoke some English.

The show was supposed to start at 9:15, but that is when an interview happened with the director, Gabriele Muccino, who I realized AFTERWARDS is a rather famous director in the USA too, having worked with Will Smith when directing The Pursuit of Happyness. He has since directed many other great films too. On this night, we watched his Italian film The Last Kiss. I loved being immersed with Italians listening to the film in Italian and reading the subtitles. It was a really memorable evening. Oh, and I probably took a few years off of my life with all of the smoking going on around me!