Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! We spent my birthday at the Vatican – amazed by the amount of art work at the museums, the number of frescos covering Sistine Chapel and the size of St Peters Basilica. We had a special dinner in Rome and headed to the airport for a night flight out of Europe.

Mikes walked: 8.5

After two days in Chieti (Paciocco Town!) we are back to sight seeing in Rome. We spent most of the day exploring and to top it off Brent got a trim at an old fashion barber shop.

Miles walked last two days: 13.2

Vineyard at Chieti:

Chieti:

Some fun at the Pantheon:

River is flooding:

We took a short break from Rome to visit Chieti, the city the Paciocco’s were residents of. We’ve been using our imaginations on what life was like for them. Did my Great-great-great Grandfather and his sons spend time in the city of Chieti or the hills? Did they ever go to the ocean which is 10k away? Did they ever go to Rome which is 200k?

We are heading back to Rome for a couple more days before we leave Europe! This week is the half way mark of our World Travel Trip!

Miles walked yesterday: 4.1

City (left)and hills (right) of Chieti:

Lots of small farms:

Downtown Chieti:

A trip to Rome would not be complete without a tour of the Coliseum. We were fascinated by the tales of gladiators, exotic animals and executions that occurred in this stadium. We also walked in the Roman Forum, where any famous Roman (Julius Cesar or emperors like Augustus) would have walked. We even went to our first opera, La Traviata – Tiara enjoyed it and Brent says it was his first and last opera.

Miles walked yesterday: 6.3

Looking at Roman Forum:

Walking where all the famous Romans also walked:

Rome:

We arrived in Rome on Friday and met up with my co-worker Maureen and her husband for some wine. It was great to catch up with them in this wonderful city!

There is lots to see and do in Rome and we’ve been busy! Will post photos later.

Miles walked last two days: 17.5

We left the beautiful Amalfi coast to spend a couple days in Ercolano, our chosen base for exploring Pompeii, Herculaneum and Naples.

It was wonderful to get a glimpse into Roman life 2,000 years ago. The volcanic eruption that completely buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79AD also preserved them. Excavations today give us a glimpse into the cities and what Roman life was like. The cities are large and we spent a full day wondering through them. Pompeii shows the impressive size of the city but Herculaneum has better preserved structures.

Yesterday we ventured into Naples, where we explored the historic district and had dinner at a pizzeria (pizza originates from Naples).

Miles walked yesterday and today: 16.3

A stretch of Amalfi Coast:

Ruins of Pompeii:

Artifacts found at Pompeii:

Amplitheater:

Gladiators:

Roman fast food shop (common for lunch):

Changing room at the baths:

Mosaic floor at the baths:

Women’s baths:

Roman House at Herculaneum:

Another House:

Public fountain on Herculaneum street:

Herculaneum – current city on top, ancient city excavated below, and volcano that buried ancient city in background:

We’ve worked our way through Southern Italy to the Amalfi Coast where we spent the day walking through the towns of Ravello and Amalfi. The valleys, coastlines and gardens are beautiful. We are enjoying the hospitality of central Italy (which seems to be greater than in the south).

Miles walked last two days: 12

We have yet to see a Ferrari, so Brent has fallen in love with the classic Fiat 500:

Today we explored the scenic town of Tropea, South Italy. We enjoyed a sunny walk along the beach and then ventured through the citrus covered hills just outside of town. We were intrigued by the old churches and cemeteries covered by fresh flowers.

Miles walked today: 10.3

Today we visited a vineyard on the slopes is Mt Etna. We saw how monks once made wine on the property, and then got to sample wine made last year.

We are saying goodbye to Sicily and making our way back to mainland Italy.

Miles walked today: 4.5

Yesterday the rain cleared up and left us with a great view of Mt Etna (from Taormina). We were able to walk the streets and visit the Amplitheater before moving closer to Mt Etna.

Today we hiked to the top of Mt Etna which is Europe’s largest active volcano. Walking through the barren lava and ash fields made us think of what the moon must be like.

Miles walked yesterday and today: 18.3

View of Etna from our hotel in Taormina:

Downtown shopping district Taormina:

Amazing view from Amplitheater:

On our way up to Etna: