A Trip to Italy

It was in 2004 that our family traveled to Italy, and Mark and I decided—a little last-minute—to return at the end of April, a consolation for missing Matthew for his birthday. We homed in on Rome and Florence this time and included Assisi for the Basilica of St. Francis. Our photos will remind us of what we loved most: the glorious art in the churches where they were meant to be, the fascinating history—both beautiful and ugly—of the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, and the sheer pleasure of sitting at those rooftop cafes overlooking Rome’s ancient ruins and the orange-tiled rooftops of Florence. Rome’s Capitoline Hill was a favorite of Mark’s. Santa Croce, the largest Franciscan church with all its artistic treasures, was one of mine. It was also fun being among the locals in Trastavere, the area across the Tiber which seems to be the anti-Rome. The neighborhood shops and casual cafes are the quieter alternative to the glitzy energy around the Spanish Steps. And now we understand why Assisi is so loved. The honey-stoned hill town with the basilica crowning the top and overlooking the peaceful valley deserves its reputation as a pilgrimage site. Mark and I were overwhelmed by the beauty of the basilica as we entered and gazed at Giotto’s frescoes adorning the walls. The perfect telling of the life of St. Francis. And the perfect setting of his home’s natural surroundings. Our walks through the cloisters of other churches affected us in a similar way, along with our long walk to the Piazzale Michelangelo with its panoramic views of Florence. We’re grateful for Jack and Benjamin’s love of the outdoors. Goodwill seems to go hand in hand with simple wonder at the natural world.