Mediterranean Cruise- Day 4: Rome, Italy

Hello and Welcome back! Today I am going to show you some of the (millions of) pictures in Rome! Stampin’ Up chose a Mediterranean Cruise for our 2016 Incentive trip and it did not disappoint with it’s ports of call! Rome was high on my husband’s bucket list so this day was his favorite. 

Rome is a giant city. I mean GIANT. With a population over 3 million, the city was bustling. And the traffic was terrible! 

First on the tour that day was the Coliseum. Unfortunately, there were lots of protesters that day. It was the only time I felt unsafe while on this trip. It was very scary. Lots of people screaming, blowing whistles, setting off smoke bombs. And because of all of this craziness, we weren’t allowed to go into the Colosseum, which was very disappointing. 

So, we did get to walk around the outside and out tour guide gave us lots of tidbits about the ancient ruin. I got some beautiful photographs. 

This is the Pantheon. After I edited it a bit to enrich the colors, I noticed this “rainbow” swirl coming out of the middle. It kind of reminds me of those special effects on Ghostbusters!! LOL !

We traveled further into Rome to check out some of the other highlights including some beautiful fountains. 

We had about five minutes to eat and shop… I know, that wasn’t the goal of out tour in Rome, but I wanted more down time. We did enjoy a crazy lunch with the McKays and Okamitsus. 

Next, we headed over to the Trevi Fountain. 

It was HUGE. And so beautiful. 

And incredibly crowded. That was the theme in Rome. There were SO MANY PEOPLE! It was pretty miserable…

Next, we headed to the Vatican. It was so beautiful and quite moving. I honestly can’t remember what all the photos are. I do remember that the most beautiful parts were St. Peters Basilica and of course the Sistine Chapel. 

By the time we arrived at the Vatican we were tired, we were sick of all the crowds and we were tired of listening to our guide on our ear phones. It was too much to try and cram into one day, but how do you pick just one thing to do when you are in Rome for just one day!?

It was a very long two hour bus ride back to the ship. I was ready to get back and eat and go to sleep! 

And, as the evening approaches the anticipation for that night’s Pillow Gift begins to grow! It’s so funny how excited these make me! At 39, I can honestly say there are VERY few surprises in my life anymore. I usually know what I am getting for my birthday or for Christmas and I get an email from UPS every time I’m getting a delivery. So, these little Pillow Gift Surprises make me feel like a kid again, anticipating a birthday gift! Stampin’ Up is so good to us!! 

I hope that someday Ted and I get to go back to Rome and experience it at a more slow and enjoyable pace. The fast and furious pace and walk to wall people really left a negative imprint of Rome for me. I know it’s beautiful and I want to go when it’s not peak tourist season and really experience all that it has to offer. 

Thanks for stopping by! Tomorrow is Cinque Terra- another GREATLY anticipated tour! 

Red, White and Blue Thoughtful Banners Class

From treat holders to table decorations to cards thanking those service men and women who make our freedom possible, these  patriotic papercrafts will put some POP in your Fourth of July!

June 15th, 6:30-8:30, $30

Live Class in San Antonio will be taught at NISD Community Ed Center. 

Registration and details for that class can be found here

To Go Class Kit- $49 plus $7 Priority Shipping

To Go Kit deadline June12th , and will ship by June 17th

The To Go Kit includes the Thoughtful Banners Bundle (stamp set and punch) as well as a bolt of the new Whisper White Thick Baker’s Twine

All the materials will be prepared for you (punched, scored, etc.) You will need to provide your own ink and adhesive. Instruction PDF also provided. 

Email me to purchase the To Go Kit

Purchase just the PDF for $15 here. 

Pop of Paradise Class To Go

$43 plus $7 shipping