Once we arrived at Rome Termini, we treated ourselves to a cab ride instead of taking another train that would have put us on the edge of the Trastevere neighborhood and required a two mile walk. Money well spent. We settled into our apartment and headed out to find food. There were at least three restaurants within 30 yards and 30 in a quarter mile radius. Didn’t take long to find one that was a good fit for those who are not adventurous eaters.

Our next day started with a meandering walk around Rome. Around every corner there is ancient Roman structure, church or statue.

Our ultimate objective was a tour of the Colosseum. So at 3:30 after walking around all day and only having a snack for lunch, we began our “three hour tour”. Unlike Gilligan, the weather never became rough, but we did start to think we were never going to get off the island! We saw a lot of cool stuff, but after a while it was just too much to take in on an empty stomach.

The next morning we had made a better choice: Golf Cart tour on the Appian Way and Catacombs. Much less walking and a more well rounded overview of Rome. We now have a much better appreciation of all the buildings and ruins we had already walked by a half dozen times.

All in all, on of the best guided tours we have done.

So after the tour it was time for Lucas to pay his debts. The night before he had agreed to get his haircut with me if I let him ride one of the rental scooters you see everywhere

He honored our agreement

And for some unknown reason it didn’t take nearly as long for him to cut my hair

And now on our final day in Rome, we fulfilled Nana’s wish by dressing alike and had a professional photographer take our pictures at some iconic landmarks.

After the photo shoot we made our was to the Testaccio neighborhood indoor market for a light lunch before going out later tonight for our final dinner in Italy.

Looking back on this trip that has been in the making for years, it has been a great investment in family. I think the grands will look back on it fondly and appreciate the experiences more in the future than maybe they do today. It also makes me appreciate Becky and the life we have built together.

I have said it many times before, I am the luckiest man in the world.