A very small car- and a few very old buildings and places

This photo is for my nephews, Graham and Finn.  Hi Guys this photo if for you.  This little car was parked on my street this morning.  The cars here are much smaller than the ones in the United States.  This one is REALLY small, look how short it is compared to me.  

Here are some pictures of historical sites.  

the Pantheon a very old church or Basilica.

this is me in front of the Pantheon

the inside of the Pantheon, pretty cool, this was all built by men who didn't have machinery or trucks, they did this all with their strength and horses and probably oxen, amazing it is solid rock.

This is looking up at the roof inside, I wonder what they do when it rains? any ideas, there are seats inside...

This is the side wall of the same building the Pantheon.

My friend Rich standing on our street where we live in Rome.

This is a BIG fountain. Trevi fountain, also made of rock, or stone.

He is on the fountain

The Colosseum, there is a lot of history in this city, maybe you and your mom can read about it.  This is a very old building too, many stories and movies made about the history of what this building was used for.  

The Castel Saint Angelo, it is right on the river, maybe when you email me you can tell me what river this is on. Look it is fall here too, the leaves are changing.

The Vatican, and Vatican city

So my lovelies, this is the second day in Rome and a very good one.  Tonight we are going to eat Pizza! yesterday we ate a lot of salami and cheese and then some ice cream.  It is a really good place to eat.  Sorry Finn, not much butter here, lots of olive oil instead and its really green here and fruity and yummy. Hope you are being good, hug your mama for me. Love, Aunt Pam

Airriva

We made it, nearly missing the connection in Chicago -a very fast run thru Ohare allowed us to jump on as doors closed.  Ate a meal then snoozed until we arrived.

As I begin on this journey and learn the language, I'll admit that for now I'll fake it.  Arriva! I am here.  A first beautiful day in Rome.  Plenty of walking and a little eating... a meat plate of cured and smoked meats and a plate of assorted cheeses.  A fine place, I get the feeling everyone here is laughing at me. I noticed that when I was here before.  Im trying to get into the swing and not stand out awkwardly but joyfully and enthusiastically.  I hit the jack pot when wondering in to one of the many random places I will visit.  A gelato palace, I had a triple flavored cone topped with....wait for it... real whipped heavy cream.  better than my version I make at home, and mine is good, I think the cows here are happier.  I envision them roaming their happy green hillsides lazily nibbling away at the greenest of pure grasses smiling as they go.
I am sitting in my large apartment. I am blessed in many ways.. The sounds of my neighbors doing whatever Italians do in the evening here in this quiet neighborhood.  I am sure that over the days, I will learn just what they do and how I can do it too. I can hear window grates opening, it seems all of the apartments have these shades that come down like a storefront protection, it allows air thru and privacy when closed.  It seems a tradition to arrive home in the evening and open them up.  Motor scooters zip down my narrow road and various voices carry up to my open window.  It is getting cooler.  I barely needed a sweater today.  I glimpsed the very top of the Vatican today...Rome... Also walked through a huge market where fish mongers were filleting tiny and huge fish alike, flower sellers arranged colorful bouquets and fruit stands perfumed the air.  It was a good day.

Path of Love

I have just returned from the Path of Love an amazing retreat / workshop that is held all over the world.  We just had it in Loveland Colorado.  I have participated and staffed and it is truly the best and most effective experience I have had in the world of seeking and connection.  Pathoflove.net.  if you ever think you would like more in your life and feel there are stuck places or places that scare you, take this journey.  There is an Awakening to love process it is 3 days rather than 7 and it is being held in Santa Barbara in Feb.  I feel so good.  A bit tired and crazed with my impending travel to Italy.  Many logistics.  But I am grateful to have spent time with a community , a family of fellow big hearted willing to risk and be vulnerable with me and others people.  I'm touched at the great courage of the participants and the staff to be real.  I just love it.  Loveland was beautiful.  Sunrise Ranch, an intentional community was a lovely setting and the people there were wonderful and very supportive.  The folks who set this up each year do a fantastic job and Im honored they allow me to staff.  I could say so much more but I have suitcases to fill!!! a few photos from the ranch and loveland.  arrivaderci touti