Rome and Italy

Hi everyone,

Betty is reporting this time to let you know we are OK and have not had much internet. We won’t be able to include pictures this time but here’s an update.
We arrived at our Camping Tiber outside of Rome on July 17 (after a stop in Assisi) in time to watch the Women’s World Cup championship in the campground restaurant. They were so nice and set us in a private room with a TV tuned to the game. The next day we did ancient Rome with the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Forum, Capitol Hill, Victor Emmanuel monument, Pantheon, Trevi fountain, and the Spanish steps. Whew!! It’s amazing to see all these places that have influenced our civilization and that we’ve heard about. The next day we walked on the Appian Way and visited the catacombs of San Sebastian. Supposedly this is where both Peter and Paul were first buried. Over three miles of underground passageways and tombs. After a few more sights Elise and I did some shopping while the guys toured some more. On the 3rd day we toured the Vatican City and St. Peters. We were so excited to see the Sistine Chapel and it is not a disappointment. Breathtaking! Randel especially enjoyed all the art work at the Vatican. St. Peters is huge and filled with art also. The view from the dome is great.
The next couple of days were in Florence where we enjoyed more art including “David”. We all did some shopping but Elise and I really hit the market place for gifts and souvenirs. The next two days we were on the Italian coast and that’s where we still are tonight. We’ve camped in a very unique spot at Moneglia just a few villages up from Cinque Terre. The campground goes straight up a mountain and there are tiny terraced spots for tents. You park your car outside and pack everything up steps (80 to our spot). But we have a view of the Mediterranean Sea and the crashing waves put us to sleep at night. Yesterday we did the beach and today we took the train down to Cinque Terre and hiked between three of the villages(about 7 km). Very steep with lots of steps but spectacular views most of the way. It’s been great to be out of the cities and to have some down time for a couple of days.
Switzerland next! Thanks for your many prayers for our safety and enjoyment of this time together. We are having an unbelievably good time! Love to all,

Betty