In October of 2000 we traveled to Rome, Italy. My husband had to attend a business conference there and we made arrangements so I could go with him. While we were there, we stayed at the world-famous Hassler Hotel, just at the top of the Spanish Steps. The rooms were very nice and the view from the dining room on the top floor was nothing short of breathtaking; from left to right you could see the Roman Palace of King Victor Emmanuel III, numerous domes and spires, fountains and squares and the famous Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Above: The Hotel Hassler and Church of Trinta dei Monti above the Spanish Steps. Click on image for larger view.
We also made several side trips; one was to visit Vatican City to see the museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica. We also took the train to Florence to see Michelangelo’s David and the famous Duomo. We took another rail trip to Naples where we saw Mount Vesuvius and Hurculaneum, a first-century village recently unearthed.
In Rome, we visited the ancient ruins of the Forum and the Coliseum. We saw all of the famous fountains and public squares. It was so wonderful and romantic! This was the trip of a lifetime for us.
Below: The restaurant atop Hotel Hassler with spectacular view of the Roman skyline.
I have to know….
What was on the menu?
What did you have to eat?
Aloha
Kini
Let’s see if I can remember . . .
In Roma, we had aragosta con salsa bianca e pasta (lobster with white sauce and pasta).
In Fiorenza we had quattro stagioni (four seasons) pizza.
In Napoli we had spaghetti e salsiccia con la salsa di marinara (spaghetti and sausage with marinara).
Oh yes – We can’t forget the Limoncello, can we?
I remember having bass and eggplant with a delicious sauce. I remember the Birra Peroni, too
I also remember having to gag down a McDonald’s hamburger late one night when we got back to Rome, starving. I forget where we went that day. Florence, maybe.
Remember the chestnut sellers at the top of the Spanish steps? And that li’l restaurant under the Spanish steps? Fun times!
Yes, Leonardo’s was at the bottom just off of Piazza di Spagna – excellent pasta e pesto.
My wife has a lot of family in Italy on her dad’s side. One of these days we’re gonna….
Sounds like as good a reason as any to go, Sig.
Fuel is coming down in $, so sooner might be better . . .