The Arch of Septimius Severus from AD 203

[The continuing saga that left off in Sardinia…]

Here are some snapshots of experiences while in Rome that totally made the trip worthwhile, despite the challenge of finding gluten-free, corn-free, and dairy-free food.

Charming windows

The famous Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio in San Luigi dei Francesi

My friends were the perfect combination of art and history snobs, so I just followed their lead to many Roman treasures.

A view of St. Peter's from Castel Sant' Angelo

The Vatican museums were amazing! With all due respect, I found it ironic that there was a dress code to cover your knees and shoulders here, yet there were naked pagan statues everywhere. Things that make you go, "Hmmm." 

I don't have a photo, because it would  not have done it justice, but I really was happy that we stumbled into the the Church of Saint Ignatius to see the optical illusion trompe l'oiel painted dome. Amazing – and free! You can find this at the Piazza Sant' Ignazio, Rome.

View of Rome from the top of the dome of St. Peter's

Rome at dusk

Inside the Pantheon

Trevi Fountain

Triton and Sea Horse at Trevi Fountain

Interesting trees near the Museo e Galleria Borghese

The Forum

Piazza del Campidoglio

Michelangelo designed the geometric paving and the facades of these buildings. This is where the two Capitolene Museums are, which I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Statue inside one of the Capitoline museums. [Thank to my friend at Sitka Creations for adding the quotation bubble for me!]

This lady reminded us of one of our funny dining stories. One night we plopped down exhausted at the sidewalk table of a quaint looking restaurant. An older woman came to our table to serve us and I gave her my gluten-free, corn-free, dairy-free Italian dining card. She kind of freaked out on us and said adamantly, "No! NO!", and walked away waving her hands in the air. We laughed and I quickly decided that I was going to enjoy another evening of vino for dinner. Suddenly she reappeared with a large wooden crate full of giant storybook size mushrooms. These mushrooms were so large and amazing that I half expected a little elf to peek out from among them. The woman energetically repeated several times what sounded like, "Mangia di funghi! Mangia di funghi!" I didn't really understand why she was singling out mushrooms for me, but I nodded and then pointed to the grilled mushrooms on the menu and at that point she just said, "No! NO!" and then just walked away frustrated. So, to this day, for laughs we all use the term "Mangia di funghi!" in a crazy voice whenever we can.

"Excuse me, but I think I ordered the large glass of wine?!"

Just one more Italy post, I promise! Next up…Tivoli!!