ROMAN HOLIDAY!

After more than a month away from home, I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to connect with Clinton School classmates Jordan Aibel and Leslie Harris this past weekend in Rome! We all brought someone to the party...Jordan (who flew in from Brussels) was also visiting a college friend living in the city, Fiona; Leslie (who flew in from Budapest) brought husband Zach; and I (who took the train, but later than planned because of a train strike that day) had a new Accademia friend, Michelle, join us on Saturday. When I got out of the cab at our rendezvous point we started clapping and hugging and even some stranger nearby had to laugh and cheer too :) We visited the Vatican Museum, including the Sistine Chapel, on Friday night. Saturday they did St. Peter's, the Colesseum and Forum, while I rested (ankle trouble still) and shopped and prepared for dinner. I had the COOLEST tiny rooftop apartment that came with a glorious terrace and views of the city. It was the perfect setting for a relaxed, reunion dinner. We talked about our projects--the good and the bad--and I was amazed at the similarities of our experiences thus far, even though we are in different countries working on very different projects. Leslie, Zach and Michelle had early departures Sunday, but Jordan and I bought some pastries and quiche at a small neighborhood spot and took it back to Fiona's to visit a bit more before leaving. (Get him to tell you the key story sometime.) We parted ways at Termini, Rome's huge train station....I am so proud to be associated with such fine young people, and am glad they are willing to hang out with this ole gal.

We made it! Class 7 represented at the Vatican Museum. Leslie, Jordan and I had talked about doing this since realizing we'd all be in Europe this summer. You can see the dome of St. Peter's Basilica in the background.

A great group of folks...my new friend Michelle, me, Jordan, Zach and Leslie Harris (Fiona is taking the photo). Good food, good drink, a charming terrace all to ourselves, and great company.