Roman Holiday

Just back from a long weekend with extended family at their summer villa at the beach near Rome.

We got in a day trip to Rome for some sightseeing with the boys.

These photos were taken in Piazza del Popolo.

This Statue of Liberty was neither Italian nor American, judging from its accent. We marveled at how he or she (how can you tell under that long robe and blue makeup?) managed to hold his/her arm up like that all day...

My guys, taking pictures of me while I take pictures of them.

Can you see Romulus and Remulus suckling at the she-wolf at the bottom-center of the statue? The legend is that they were the founders of the city of Rome.

Public fountains are a wonderful tradition all around Italy.

Detail of a large wooden door that once served to close off the piazza.

These giant doors closed a gate in the walls that surrounded the city of Rome, designed to keep out besiegers and other undesireables.

I wish I could tell you the date here, but I can't read it, can you?

Where did I put my reading glasses?

Nobody ever remembers to take a picture of the photographer.

Here I am, doing my photo thing.

More photos to follow in the days to come, including Rome's top elite fashion shopping street Via Condotti, and views of the beautiful villa we stayed in.