Welcome Back!

I can't believe how FAMILIAR Italy feels. I spent one week here five years ago, and it shouldn't feel so much like stepping into an old familiar neighborhood. We arrived this afternoon tired, hot, and cranky, but riding on the #64 bus across the city was just an amazing burst of energy and excitement. I was BACK. I made it here again.

Our hotel is near the Vatican, a converted monastery that wasn't at all what I expected. The rooms are simple but enough of a hotel to be comfortable. We walked a short distance for dinner tonight, and shared some wine and a big bowl of pasta for our first meal in Italy. Afterward, we ventured down toward St. Peter's Square. It was nearly deserted since the Basilica was closed. The sun was just setting despite being well past 8 PM, and we were able to sit in the square and take in the grandeur. As the sun set, the lights came on, and the greatest Basilica in the world cast its glow through the square. We could even look up to see the Pope's light on in his apartments.