I have 'Rome-ing' thoughts

Last night as I was lying in bed, waiting for sleep, I had turned on "Everybody Loves Raymond". This was NOT my first choice for laughing myself to sleep but I didn't care for the "Friends" episode showing. I am so glad I chose 'Raymond' because it was an episode I very much enjoy. The matriarch of the family takes them all on a trip to the homeland, Italy, and in particular, to the region around Rome. 

They showed a great deal of the scenery around the place where the Barone's were staying, with 'family', and also the tourist spots in Rome, except for the Vatican or St. Peter's Square. The city streets, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Coliseum, and other famous sites were shown. I can't remember now if I had been thinking about Rome/Italy prior to this or not but after I saw it, I sure was!

Taken in 2006

As I snuggled in my bed, I remembered the wonderful trips I have had to Rome and to Italy, the memories made there---wow! One of the trips made with Justin, in 2006, I was just worn out after traipsing around in the ancient ruins of Rome. When our bus took us to the next exhibit, I opted out, and some very nice ladies from our ship took custody of Justin. He went inside "St. Paul in Chains" and was absolutely blown away by it. I sat on a half-wall outside, across from our bus, and let my feet hang down. 

All of sudden, as I sat there, a huge commotion broke out, and a great celebration began. The Vespas and other vehicles were roaring up and down the street with people waving their Italian flags, horns were honking, the whole shootin' match. After a certain point, I made my way across the street to the bus, for safety and assurance, and I asked the driver what was going on. He reported that the Italians had won a major soccer event, prompting the celebration. I remember thinking, "Soccer? Really?", but it's huge in Europe. 

The parade up and down the street went on for some time and we saw more of it as we drove through the streets back to the ship. People were out on their balconies waving flags in the air and yelling with joy. Those are fans!

It was this day, also, when our bus could not make a very tight curve, under an overpass, due to a car parked where it should not be. Not only could our bus not get through, but we couldn't go backward, either, as the stream of cars was lined up behind us!!! The driver honked and honked and honked, and eventually some guys came out of a bar to see what was up. 

One passenger plus our driver got off the bus to assess the situation. Sure enough, the group of guys, ours included, picked up that offending car, and put it on the sidewalk!!!  There!!, and away we went, with that long trail of cars behind us!  Justin and I won't ever forget that, I hope, and I appreciate this TV show for prompting my memory of this wonderful trip we had!