We leave for our long-awaited Rome, Italy trip ONE WEEK FROM TODAY. I have realized that vacation planning is vastly different when you are a parent. In my pre-mom days I would have spent time here and there researching Rome, gathering recommendations from friends, and maybe even learning some conversational Italian from the moment I booked the flight & hotel (months ago). I have just begun to give this trip some dedicated thought. Today! One week out. And I’m getting very excited. Here are a few things I am getting very excited about:
Eating my way through Italy. Did I mention I’m pregnant? I am. And I’ve never been to Italy without some level of consideration for my waistline. Let the culinary adventures begin. I think they’ve banned eating near monuments, but only a very, very brave man would come between a pregnant woman and gelato!
Photo via Roman Holiday.
We are taking an “early bird” private tour of the Vatican. I always hesitate to book anything early in the morning…but we get in to the attractions 1 hour before the general public. Well worth it, in my opinion. I have been to the Vatican once, during a Rome stopover after a college study-abroad, and all I really remember is heat, crowds, lines, and briefly seeing the Sistine Chapel, so this tour should allow for a more special, memorable experience.
The Creation of Adam. Photo via Web Gallery of Art.
Our Caravaggio “mean streets” walking tour exploring the nature of Caravaggio’s (Michelangelo Merisi, 1573-1610) art in the context of its time, in order to fully understand his innovation and the controversy surrounding him (he fled the city after committing murder). What’s cool is we’ll get to explore many sights we wouldn’t normally venture to – lots of back streets, tiny churches, and chapels, where his work lies “in situ”, or in the places that they were originally created for.
David with the Head of Goliath, by Caravaggio. Photo via Wikipedia.
Our hotel – located on Via Nazionale. Minutes from the Trevi fountain, Spanish Steps, and all other major sights. This location is also a fabulous shopping street loaded with designer clothing stores…including one of my all-time favorites – Max Mara. Sigh.
Photo via Hotel Artemide.
One night in Naples. The beautiful Bay of Naples, the National Archeological Museum (husband!), a scenic train ride through the southern Italian countryside. Let’s be real here – I am going to Naples because it’s the birthplace of pizza. End of story.
Photo of Naples via Travel Destination Info.
I am a little concerned about how much I am going to miss this little munchkin…but she’ll be in Disney World with my parents, and two of my aunts. She should be thoroughly entertained and smothered with love, so I am going to do my best to relax and enjoy myself.
Me & Avery-bug.
Arrivederci for now!