Returning "Home"

 After a call from Sally asking for our help, we decided to return home a few months early. It has been hard to put together all the projects and contacts, but we had Matthew Mathias come from France to help. We toured some projects and packed in between. Our flight home was through Amsterdam to Salt Lake. Soon we were at Katie's house, surprising the grandkids. Katie planned Naomi's baptism for Saturday, which was perfect timing.

We love Naomi and her beautiful spirit. We were so glad to attend her baptism with her friends and family. It's time to readjust to life in the US, collect some important items, and travel to Temecula to begin our next assignment.

Wrapping things up

Paul brought to my attention the word "fermata" at the top of this (and all) bus stops in Rome. I thought it would be funny to have them shaped as musical fermatas.

Our favorite place to eat near the temple is Super Pizza. We enjoy plenty of pizza for very little cost.

It's strange that I can walk through the temple compound and snap a picture like this. How is this beauty even possible? It is overwhelming.

On Saturday we were able to attend a morning session and then pack and leave. I was even able to congratulate a Spanish-speaking couple getting married. At the airport there was an electric grand that I got to play. They enjoyed some Pride & Prejudice, Sense & Sensibility, and Church hymns.

Visiting the City

 Since the Rome Temple has a limited schedule, we have the afternoons free to explore the city. So on Friday we stopped by The Butcher Shop for a delicious hamburger, and then took a few buses to Vatican City. Every location was picturesque.

We heard about the pastry "maritozzo" which is filled with whipped cream. The roll had a citrus flavor as if it has orange or lemon zest. I think Paul was not excited to share. We had to wait in a long line and it was worth it.

Around the corner we found a leather shop and Paul bought a new wallet. Then we spotted a busy souvenir shop with creches. We purchased one and a magnet for Danika, since she collects them. 

It was a beautiful day to wandering. We enjoyed some gelato as well and bussed ourselves back to the temple.

What do you miss?

 When you are away from home, what foods do you miss? For me, it's black licorice. Other countries like salty black licorice, but I'm always looking for the sweet stuff. I can find it in Germany and Italy, so I stock up. Here are some choices:

These Saila licorice candies were delightfully soft and chewy, individually wrapped.

Like chewing on rubber, these Haribo licorice ropes are what you expect. Lots of licorice flavor, but more toward a youthful audience.

Shockingly delicious, the Ritter Sport Liquirizia chocolate bar included crispy pockets of licorice flavored candies. Wow. I will probably never have access to this again, but it's definitely something you should buy if you have the opportunity.

In passing, I should mention that Rome is so crazy that even the curbs are travertine.

Temple Trip

 People are often surprised to hear that Romania is in the Rome Temple District. They should be attending the Kiev Temple, but that is impossible right now. However, the Budapest Temple foundation has just been poured, so things are looking up.

When you get off the public bus and walk up the steps toward the temple, this is the first view. As soon as you walk to the front door, you can view the visitor's center.

The large footprint of the temple is stunning.

You have to step back a bit to take it all in.

We will be here all week participating in ordinances while trying to wrap up some projects that need help.

Rome Appian Way

When we landed in Rome on Monday morning, we decided to walk from the airport to the Appian Way. It was the best part of our trip. The sun was just coming up, which meant every picture was perfectly lit.

The Appian Way was begun in 312 BC and was the first major Roman road.

Over my head you can see an old viaduct.

The olive orchards were planted between the catacombs and tombs.

The road has been maintained over the years, but the marks from the carriage wheels are still embedded in the rocks.

The vertical columns that we found lying on the ground reminded me of Lord of the Rings.

I wish I could read this.

I had Paul climb up to this monument so you could see the scale of this monster.

The sunlight reached these remains as we walked by. I wish we had time to walk the entire road. Although some bicyclists passed us, the road is very uneven and would be very difficult.

Walking in the City

 We took the opportunity to look for creches on the weekend. Our first stop was the Cathedral Patriarhala din Bucuresti which is on a hill southeast of the Parliament building.

The multiple buildings on the site were all beautiful and grand.

We also toured downtown looking for something to bring to our children from Romania. We found out that Romanians don't do creches, so instead we decided to buy shepherds and sheep.

We walked to the peasant museum and bought as many as we could. But we were one short, so I think we'll look for a creche in Rome next week.

Across the street is the dinosaur museum. We watch this T-rex when we ride the bus. Sometimes it moves menacingly, which scares the little kids.