Tuesday, October 5, 2010

“Open my heart and you will see graved inside of it “Italy”.”

A quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning, that conveys so well how I feel upon my return from visiting Italy.

My sister, Cathy, and her husband, Rich, met John and I in Rome, Italy for  a remarkable vacation together.  We rented a car and found our way  through the countryside from Rome, to Florence and then to Venice.

Between us we took over 1200 pictures….so desperately trying to capture the sense of awe we felt as we walked ancient streets and took in the sights, the smells and tastes of this beautiful country.

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We had at three cameras clicking away at all times.

 

We met at the Rome airport September 26th…dropped our luggage at the hotel and we were off……

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The Appian Way was our first destination.  After the long flights, we were ready to be outdoors and walking.  Via Appia (Appian Way) is  the first and most famous of the ancient Roman roads, running from Rome to Campania and southern Italy.It was begun in 312 bc   At first it ran only 132 miles  from Rome south-southeastward to ancient Capua, in Campania. By about 244 bc it had been extended another 230 miles southeastward to reach the port of  Brindisi, situated in the “heel” of Italy.

 

According to Christian tradition, it was along the Appian Way that an escaping Peter encountered the vision of Christ, causing him to go back to the city to face subsequent martyrdom.) The road's initial stretch in Rome is lined with the great monuments and ancient tombs of patrician Roman families -These tunnels, or catacombs, were where early Christians buried their dead and, during the worst times of persecution, held church services discreetly out of the public eye.

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I just love seeing and learning this stuff!

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A stop at a local deli for some snacks.

More to come…….Ciao!

3 comments:

Amy Jo said...

I'm glad you had a nice trip! Talk to you soon...

Anonymous said...

Deb, I was able to view full albums! Good job so far!!! Love you and miss you! Cath

Ronda said...

Italy is my favorite place to vacation. I've been twice and can't stop thinking about going again and again. Your pictures give me goosebumps!