Rome is beautiful.
We were guests in a convent right next to the Colosseum and the Forum.
Right. Next. To.
See? Told you. I don't lie. Not in Rome... Too close to the Vatican.
The view from the other side of the garden was this:
Not bad either, me thinks.
The convent itself was 1900 years old. It was the palace of the emperor 'Domiziano' and it's been a Franciscan convent since the 1700. Big numbers always make me feel small.
One of the friars is a famous contemporary artist and he's got the most amazing 'atelier' on the top floor
But let's talk about my little brother and his most amazing day:
Actually, I don't know what to say. It was moving, and real, and surreal.
And humbling. (he's the one of the right, flashing his calf)
The boys are demanding their dinner now, I'll have to go, I'll just leave you with images of Rome...
and just for the fun of it...
Can you smell the lions from there?
What an amazing trip you must have had! It's years since I visited Rome. I'd love to return someday.
Posted by: dottycookie | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 05:33 PM
Oh my! How wonderful.
Posted by: anina | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 05:51 PM
Wow!! Great pictures...they are making me miss Rome already!! We absolutely LOVED it there and hope to make it back again someday!
Posted by: Emilee Turner | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 08:11 PM
an amazing veiw... now back to the real world and feed the boys!
Posted by: joanna | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 08:46 PM
Oh, how gorgeous! I get chills just looking at the photo of the monks prostrate on the floor.
Posted by: del | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 09:21 PM
Congratulations to your brother! And yes, Rome is absolutely spectacular. I love it so. There are two types of visitors to Rome, the ones that love it and the ones that hate it. (no one is indifferent). I am definitely a lover.
Posted by: Allison | Tuesday, 03 November 2009 at 11:52 PM
I usually just live vicariously through your blog. This is the first time I have actually been to some place you have been. I loved Rome....
Posted by: Live a Colorful Life | Wednesday, 04 November 2009 at 01:46 AM
that second pic down reminds me of where I stood near there. It could be!??
i'm so jealous of you.
BUT..... June/July looking good for us next year.
Posted by: Tiel | Wednesday, 04 November 2009 at 07:56 AM
I have just stumbled across your beautiful blog(from Alice C)- wonderful images and words. I'll come back again if I may?
Posted by: Gina | Wednesday, 04 November 2009 at 08:09 AM
How wonderful for you to be able to share in your brother's special day - and thank you for the great photos of Rome. Must put it on my (very long) list of places to visit!!
Posted by: Karen J | Wednesday, 04 November 2009 at 11:20 AM
Congratulations to your brother ! Watching someone you know so well becoming someone totally different but stll be the same must be very odd .
Posted by: SmitoniusAndSonata | Wednesday, 04 November 2009 at 06:06 PM
I've never been to Rome but it's high on my list - I want, no actually NEED, to see Michelangelo's Pieta.
I, too, love the photo of your brother.
Posted by: Dragonfly | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 09:35 AM
Congratulations to your brother! How wonderful!
Posted by: Amelia | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 11:47 AM
Wow. All of it is completely breathtaking. Thank you for sharing with us. Looks like the weather was perfect for your visit.
Congratulations to your brother!
Posted by: eurolush | Thursday, 05 November 2009 at 03:47 PM
Wow, that must have been an amazing experience. Lovely photos, as per usual.
Posted by: Bored & Crafty | Friday, 06 November 2009 at 12:20 PM
We have been to Rome a number of times but never for such a special and moving occasion. I should think that you will never feel the same about it again.
Posted by: AliceC | Saturday, 07 November 2009 at 09:54 PM
I am totally speaking to my brother about this idea.
Posted by: Swistle | Sunday, 08 November 2009 at 01:27 AM
Beautiful photos!
Posted by: heather | Tuesday, 17 November 2009 at 07:28 PM