Roma with the fam

Hey all--
It's Danny comin at you from Steve's apartment. We just got off of our train from Roma and we had a great time!!
Our flight was clear, and although it was very, very long, we managed alright. We proceeded to take a nap and meet Steve at our hotel.
Our hotel was perfect--a 5-10 minute walk to St. Peter's Basilica and we got 2 nice rooms. "Hotel Alimandi was a perfect location, and an authentic Italian family-run business--I highly recommend it."
-Jean, Italian Hotel Critic

We didn't do much the first day (Wednesday), but enjoyed a great dinner right across the street from the Pantheon.
Thursday morning brought a tour of the Vatican Museum, and a bypassing of the mile-long line. We met up with one of Steve's best friends from St. Joan, and he joined us for the tour. The Sistine Chapel was sistine, and everything was really just peachy. It is just mind-boggling to see everything, it was all so beautiful!!
The food is amazing and so is the gelato. I could live on magherita pizza and ciocolatto gelato, without ever getting bored at all.
Friday brought a tour of the Necropolis from ancient Rome, which was pretty interesting. We also saw the Stations of the Cross at the beautiful Colosseum. It was long, and not being able to understand any of it didn't contribute to the matter. Bill and I cut out a little early, but the Colosseum was still cool.
Saturday we visited the Spanish Steps and most of the piazzas. We could sit and eat under 70 degree weather, enjoying some nice accordian music (typical Italy, apparently). Then, came Mass with the Pope for the Easter Vigil at the Basilica. After finding some of our friends that we met at the Colosseum, we snuck in line with them, and an hour and a half later, we were in the Basilica. Finally, three hours later, the Pope came down the aisle. We could have touched him with a golf club, we were so close!!
Anyway, we are having a great time and can't wait to tell you all about it in person. Stay warm back in MI, we'll absorb some sunlight for you!!
Talk to you guys later!!

-Danny