Travel

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 was rummaging through the summer vacation pictures and found this little jewel I overlooked for some reason. We’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon again in the not too distant future.

This is Bright Angel Canyon, as seen from Mather Point, on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. Bright Angel extends from the Colorado River to the north and is in the center of this photo. Bright Angel Creek empties into the river straight ahead and down, out of view.

On the right side of Bright Angel, you can see Sumner Butte near the mouth of the canyon, with the higher formations of Brahma Temple and Diva Temple behind and further to the right. On the left side, you can see Sturdevant Point and Johnson Point, with Hiller’s Butte and Buddha Temple to the left of them, all beyond Phantom Creek which empties into Bright Angel Creek on the left.

At the top of Bright Angel Canyon is Bright Angel Spring near the village at the North Rim, about 13 miles away. Visitors to the North Rim get this view from the other end.

This is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. Click on the image for a closer look.