Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dad. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 19, 2023

Piazza del Popolo and the Museo dell’ Ara Pacis

Our cruise had come to an end but we had a few more days to explore Rome.


Early morning in the port of Civitavecchia.



We had a late breakfast at small corner cafe near our hotel.


On our way to the Museo dell’ Ara Pacis we got to walk through the Piazza del Popolo.








Arriving at the Museo dell’ Ara Pacis you are greeted by a copy of the “Res Gestae Divi Augusti” (The Deeds of the Devine Augustus). A monumental listing of all of the accomplishments of Augustus, the first Emperor of Rome. 


Inside the museum is the actual Ara Pacis (Alter of Peace). The alter is huge and elaborately decorated. Although it is not as famous as some other sites, it is still significant in the long story of Rome. Consecrated on January 30th, 9 BC; it marked the beginning of the Pax Romana, a two hundred year period that would become Rome’s golden age. An incredible piece of history, dripping with symbolism and sumptuous detail.








A plaster copy of a Female statue from the Forum of Cumae.


Although most of the limbs are missing, the mother’s hand still cradles her son while his hand remains placed on her chest.













3D printed busts of Augustus in the gift shop window.


Liz treated us to a delicious lunch at Al Vantaggio.



Fried zucchini flower.

Jenny, dad, mom, and Liz.



The Delizie Al Limone dessert.




Sunday, December 17, 2023

The Strait of Messina

Our second day at sea was spent traveling the narrow Strait of Messina between the Italian mainland and the island of Sicily.


The early morning moon.


A small rainbow in the mist on the side of the ship.


The coast of Italy.


The coast of Sicily.


Heading towards the front of the ship to get the best views.


Sicily to the left and Italy to the right.



Mom sitting under the balcony for the best views.


An Italian town with a small beach catching the sunlight between the clouds.


Mom enjoying more beautiful views from our balcony.


Finishing the delicious ouzo I got in Santorini.


Later in the afternoon we passed by the volcanic island of Stromboli again. There were too many clouds to view any magma, but it was still lovely to see.



My family’s reflection in one of the windows of the ship.


Our final sunset over the Mediterranean Sea.