That evening we proceed to Sant’ Alessio all’Aventino where the beautiful church perched up on a hill overlooking Rome, was waiting for us. Also Fabio and Fr. Roberto was waiting for us to go over details for the private vow renewal ceremony. The basilica is breathtaking. Literally takes your breath away with the natural light shining in over the 13th century basilica. It was beautifully set up for the intimate ceremony for just us. Two of my sisters and my brother did the readings and my parents had their vows renewed and rings blessed. It was one of the best ceremonies and moments I have ever been apart of. There was not a dry eye amongst us. 

My (two) coins thrown in Trevi Fountain in March certainly brought me back to Rome way sooner than I could have imagined. My travels this year have all brought quite memorable experiences but this was one specifically special. My family, all seven of us, were to travel to Italy + Greece to celebrate our parent’s 30th wedding anniversary. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate what get have accomplished together thus far especially being a lot of their first times in Europe! The highlight of the trip that was the main focus was to have their vows renewed in Rome.

The days after Rome were quite crazy and tiresome, yet so rewarding. After leaving my first of three visits to Rome, I met up with our clients that were traveling with us. All 400 of them, yes! It took me until a little after the tour to actually feel accomplished but very proud to say that they were happy with their travels and experienced some experiences of a lifetime.

My flights were very smooth flying into Munich and connecting on to Rome. My first “leg” of this 35 day European adventure is in Italy with a group of 400 people from California. As crazy as it gets, I am also thankful to be able to escape away sometime to enjoy Holy Week in Rome. Upon arrival in Rome, last minute touches needed to be put in place and do some finalizing, and with arriving in the afternoon, I did not head into the city centre at all.