One of the main reasons for (and a highlight of) our trip was lots of time
seeing my brother (David), my sister-in-law (Steph), and their two boys! They
live in South Africa and because of the distance we sadly don't get to see
them very often. So, along with the 6 of us O'Neills and my parents, we were a
crew of 12 travelers! That presented some unique challenges on this trip.
(Affordable lodging for 12 in Rome is not easy to find, and keeping 12 people
accounted for on packed buses requires lots of mental energy!) BUT....we also
had opportunities galore to have fun together and make memories that
will last a lifetime. I am immensely thankful.
Our full 34-page family journal detailing our trip is too long for a blog
post! And because shortening it the "old-school" way would take a lot of time,
I asked AI to summarize it for me. I was happy enough with the condensed AI
version to share it here, slap in some photos, and call it good.
An AI Summary of our Trip, Part 1: Rome. Go here for Part 2 (Madrid) or Part
3 (Shepherd's Rest)
The document is a family journal detailing a trip to Italy and Spain,
including visits to various landmarks, and reflections on the trip.
Rome
The section details a family's week-long trip to Rome, highlighting their
experiences, challenges, and top attractions visited.
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The family stayed at a Guest House run by Catholic nuns, called the
Instituto Orsoline di Maria, in the Trastevere neighborhood of Rome.
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The Guest House
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Highlights included unique experiences like seeing Pope Francis, exploring
the Catacombs of San Sebastian, and enjoying local Italian food including
gelato, suppli, lasagna, and pizza.
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Pope Francis in his "Popemobile"
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Inside St. Peter's Basilica
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| Gelato! |
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Inside the Pantheon
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Family Dinner
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Outside the Pantheon
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The family noted the prevalence of graffiti, small cars, and mopeds, as
well as the challenges of traveling with a large group.
Observations included the politeness of locals, the integration of
ancient and modern elements in Rome, and the lack of free tap water and
public restrooms.
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Lunch at Palatine Hill, where the Roman Emperors lived
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Each family member shared their top highlights, with common favorites
being the Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Palatine Hill, and the Basilica of
San Clemente.
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The Basilica of San Clemente
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Vatican Art Museums
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Remembering Elijah at the Colosseum
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At Palatine Hill, where the throne of the Roman Emperors used to
stand.
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Gelato at Trevi Fountain
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