We hope you had a wonderful Easter and the magical bunny was good to you.
There were technical problems in posting the photos with yesterday’s (Saturday) blog and we didn’t get back from church until after midnight our time. So instead here’s a bonus blog of just pictures.
The very large wooden doors to enter the courtyard of Hotel Le Stanze di Elle in Roma.
Cautiously standing in the 19th century elevator which we were afraid to ride . . .
but Patty Ann is always willing to take a chance.
The second door we had to pass through to get to our room. According to the directions we were given, we were supposed to be No. 3, but it was really No. 9.
The third door was to our actual room. It was to be No. 3, but was really No. 6. Go figure.
We finally get into our room by solving the riddle to find the two twin beds taking up all the space with no room to maneuver. We pushed them against the wall making it roomier.
Dinner with Michael at Ristorante Mamma Mia across from Michael’s hotel. We forgot to take pictures of the food but we remembered the Aperol Spritz photo. Also interesting, they brought our bread to the table in a paper bag!
This is a basil smash Michael introduced us too. It was really delicious
These were the delicious desserts at Michael’s Hotel Tiramisu, raspberry tort, and a chocolate brownie flan.
Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
The inside of St John Lateran is just too awesome for words. Photos do not do it justice. The architecture , design, and structure of the church is outstanding. Above is the main alter.
Hiding Patty in the railing crevice of one of the side chapels.
There are the holy stairs. They are marble covered in wood. I was able to place Patty in the slot opening where she will lay on the marble step.
This display of homemade pasta looked so wonderful. We thought it would be a good place for Patty to enjoy.
The Spanish Steps were beautiful with all the azaleas decorating the way to the top.
This fountain was at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. We thought Patty could enjoy the view.
The Trevi Fountain was as beautiful as ever. You need to stand in a queue to go down closer to the fountain. We just tossed a coin from above the railing.
This is Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica where Carl and I attended Easter Vigil Mass.
This is the Holy Door going into Santa Maria Maggiore
The mass was packed. It was wonderful to see so many people attending. The mass was three hours long but very uplifting and the singing was outstanding.
Carl left Patty at this side alcove where the statue of Our Lady of Peace resides. Patty is among the pots of flowers.
This is our Easter Sunday Dinner. We had Cacio e Pepe, fresh cooked spinach and mixed vegetables with a glass of white wine. Our waitress , Clara, was a lovely young girl with a very interesting background.
Bonus photo: This is from our Thursday visit to Martirano where Patty Ann got as close to an audience with Padre Pio as she’s going to get.
Today was a full day of travel by train. We went Roma to Firenze first class thanks to Michael. We continued in less than first class travel from Firenze to Empoli, Empoli to Siena. We then walked to the Hotel Minerva. The staff here were lovely and very helpful. Our room was much better and easier to access.
Thanks for reading CarloMario’s Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.
