22K steps

Monday morning, Dee took Karen and Dave to the big open market a few blocks away, then to the Chinese store (just for grins) and to Conad. They bought a lot of different kinds of breads and cheeses, coming home with a full cart and having a nice brunch. Shopping here is very different, and our visitors have enjoyed seeing how things work.

 

Then Dee took them on the Metro to the Institute so that they could learn their own way around, including coming and going from our place. I dropped them off part way to the Jonio subway stop where I filled up the car with gas and then drove into town. Dave has a great sense of direction and already seems to know his way around our neighborhood and the Institute area.

I had some time alone at the Institute before they arrived, giving me a chance to print out lesson material for my two lessons this coming Sunday (Sunday School and Priesthood). With two lessons on Friday, an activity Saturday night, two lessons on Sunday, and an FHE lesson next Monday, it will be a busy weekend! But if you know me you know how much I love to teach, so not a problem. Fortunately I already have the two Friday lessons almost ready from last week due to the strike. Just to make sure we are not slacking, Dee has been asked to give a talk in Sacrament meeting, plus probably teaching the Primary children.

The afternoon was spent taking Karen and Dave to a bunch of tourist sights: the Colosseum, the Forum, the tomb of the unknown soldier, St. John's Lateran church, the Holy Steps (we walked up instead of going on our knees), Michelangelo's statue of Moses, and Santa Maria Maggiore basilica. They really enjoyed everything a lot. Rome is so amazing for all its history and architecture and art.  By the end of the day, Karen's watch (which I never fully trust for such things) said that she had walked over 22,000 steps. As you can imagine, we were tired!! Fortunately the weather was pleasant the whole time, though it did get warm in the sun for a while, and one bus ride was crowded and very stuffy.

The Colosseum

Beside the Forum

Overlooking the Forum from near the Campidoglio

Moses in the background

Inside Santa Maria Maggiore

Amazing mosaics in Santa Maria Maggiore

While they toured, I kept the Institute open, and made TWO desserts--snickerdoodle bars  and butterless chocolate chip cookies. The Ganziani taught the FHE lesson for us, so we were able to to out to eat at Target, our favorite restaurant just down the street. Karen and Dave got to meet a bunch of our GANS kids, most of whom speak at least a little English. The kids had a fun evening, and so did we.

After dinner, at Target

Playing a game after FHE

We got home by 9pm, and I was tired and out like a light.