The Supreme Court is awe inspiring, and not as great a room as you would expect, tho’ the edifice if humbling. There is a basketball court above the Court Chambers and a workout room, and THAT is the highest court in the land.

We were very lucky with a slow monday, as we were able to cross the street and get a Capitol tour without waiting. Very inspiring and also a clue from my book…..

Then the Library of Congress where we saw a Gutenberg Bible, the Jefferson Library and a couple more clues.

This silly book, The Lost Symbol, is a fun read and makes the capital have another dimension. If you read Angels and Demons, it was all about Rome and was fun to chase after when we were there.

Coming back from Roma and climbing the hill to our walled-city, “Friends” by Michael W. Smith was playing.  It is an all time favorite of mine, but now phrases like  “packing up the dreams God planted” and “Tho’ it’s hard to let you go, in the Father’s hand we know” have new meaning to me as tears streamed down my cheeks from under my sunglasses .

Yep, it’s time to pack and think about moving on.

This vacation was so much more than items to check off a list of things to see; it became home to us and we made some beautiful memories, some forever- friends, and shared it with some special people.  And just like a special recipe, all the ingredients came together ….juuuuust right.

Just us 6 in Rome and 1000,000 of our closest soccer fanatic friends for the European Champions League Final (think SuperBowl)!

Mobs of chanting fans filled every imaginable street and sight (‘ cept the Vatican)  and were really quite charming and friendly to us.  No alcohol was allowed to be sold the day of the game, so only unbridled loyalty to their team fueled their enthusiasm.  Andy and Lisa nearly scored last minute tickets, but ended watching it, like most of the world, on TV.

When in Rome… fight traffic, heat and humidity, soccer fans, and take in incredible sights!

Jeane, Kathie, Andy, Lisa, and Steve and I occupied two apartments for several days seeing the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and much much more.  It was quite a contrast from our quiet little Montalcino, but to actually BE there and see so much history and beautiful art.  

Even saw the Pope on Vatican Tv and in person, did a Hop On-Hop off Bus, and alot of walking.  Cool evenings with a glass of wine and people watching.

Then it was seeing Andy and Lisa off to the airport and leaving Kath and J for one day on their own in the Big City before their departure.

We sooooo enjoyed sharing all of this with them!!!!

We have heard lots of horror stories about pick-pockets and gypsies so we go with some intrepidation. And to top it all off, the SuperBowl of Soccer is this week.  It has been so hard to find accomdations . 

We covet you prayers for our safety.  Did i mention we have a Heat Wave  90+ and humidity?

So we are off on another marvelous adventure!!!

Today we head down to see Rome and to visit with Andy and Lisa.

Andy And Lisa Depart Montalcino today and head to Rome.  We will see them in a couple of days.

I played for about 8 different chants.  We seemed to be together, but the acoustics were really reverberating up to me.  I don’t get freedom to play any prelude or anything, it’s by the book .  Steve hung out with me in the balcony to keep me apprised of what  was happening down below as I had no visual.  There were no bats in the belfry, but I didn’t look to closely.  There is a huge dome above this photo.

This Saturday I play at 10 pm and somehow it involves fire (?) (“…He descended into hell…”).  Then again at 9am and 11 am on sunday.  It has been a little nervewracking, but an experience I will never forget.  Maybe Father Piernino will let the Pope know, and I can have and audience with Him when I get to Rome.