We had to leave early in the morning to get to the airport, but they arrived well and only a little late.Initially they thought they may want to sleep before heading out but a shower revived them and we were off!! We had a walk to Piazza Navona and then to The Pantheon. Its such an amazing building and we spent at least 30 mins inside.
This is a pic taken in the style of a recent one we did with some others (M,A&S). The kids remembered it and figured it was a good way to shoot the hole in the top of the Pantheon. We took several and had lots of laughs. We all reckon we look a little like Kilroy here!!
Then it was lunch by the Trevi fountain before heading off to the Colosseum. We had pre-bought tickets for access to the Colosseum for 2pm. 
This was a good thing to do as it saved us at least an hour in the queue.Yesterday we took the tourist bus for an early circuit of the city and the plan to eventually get off at St Peters Basilica, Vatican. On our first cruise by it seemed quiet and that there was no mass going on. (we thought the outside courtyard and street could have been full of people) Since it was quiet we thought it would be easy to get in, in the hours time after we had done the trip around the city.
This was not the case. We noted the piazza was quite full and the steps and landing into the Basilica full. As well as long queue's heading in from both sides. Next we noted they were closing the front doors and closing for the midday break. We figured we would just stand in the middle of the circular courtyard for a bit of a look then head elsewhere.
We were trying to work out which window the Pope appears from, when Mitchell saw from one window the embroidered red banner hanging unfurl. We stood there for only a minute before the crowd started cheering and Pope Benny appeared with arms held open. What a surprise we got!!! 
He spoke for about 20 mins in 5 different languages. Welcomed particular groups that were there and gave blessing to us other plebs hanging around.Long walk to, and lunch in Trastavere. Revisited a couple of the main sites in the evening then staggered home exhausted to share 2 pieces of fruit for dinner (too tired to do anything else) and 1/2 bag of lettuce greens, 2 packs of airplane peanuts, dark choc that hadd been hanging around since Croatia. We know how to do it in style with our kids!!!
This morn we caught an early train to Perugia. Left our luggage locked at the train station and showed the kids a little of this lovely city.
They loved it and were pleased we took this little side trip on our way to Florence. We are here in Florence for 2 nights. Hope to get more to you after then.Love from all us Budgie's xxxx
7 comments:
Mitchell and Ashleigh look just like the locals, shopping in Perugia. I remember that the city is full of uni students from all over the world. Will you get to Boboli Gardens this time in Florence or are you panting to get back to "David" at the Accademia Galleria?
mama mia! Il Papa!
great to make use of those train lockers, and feel free & confident enough to get on & off those trains. experience is everything isn't it?
Counting down the days until I begin my new job& trying to achieve as much as poss around the house beforehand since I'm really going to be racking up the FF points in my new role.
Thanks A for ex'nt consumer advice on the straightener, got one so now just have to figure out how not to fry the tresses off.
xx M
Could that be a shopping bag Ashleigh is carring ? Poor little kids having to eat end bag of lettuce, leftover peanuts etc, after reading all those yummy foods you had in the past! Hey. Pope's blessing,Wow, some go just for that ,,,great the family shared it together. Mark, are the kids open mouthed like someone we heard about? You will see everything differently together now. From what I hacve heard Perugia is great city and with uni students would make kiddos feel part of. Keep enjoying, Much love.xxxx
My thoughts exactly...didn't take Ashleigh long to get a shopping bag in her hot little hand. And how many pairs of flash shoes has Mitchell already got..? And Old Popey...must have known you'd be back in an hour...good of him to wait. All sounds fab and Hi to ALL you Budgens in Italy .
Ashleigh looks like she couldn't wait to get shopping. Glad to see you are all having a great time togther as a family experiencing these last few weeks. Say high to my favourite places for me
Been reading your travels with interest.
Very envious of the food and wine stories.
Lovely to have the kids with you to do it as a family.
I have a 2.00pm start today and hevae just been doing abit around the farm. Putting a bush kitchen together in the back yard for the camp oven cooking, open fire etc.
Memories of Yaraka and camping trips. Stay safe.
Love Young.Simon and Helen
Gidday Budgens X 4. You don't so much look like Kilroy but locals from Kilcoy?????
Getting heaps of giggles from your bloggs....thanks heaps. Told Amanda about Taormina. She was very excited you had been back to experience it. It's a soft spot for her as she lived there for a few years. Bede and I missed Mother's Day at M & D's place. Had to work the Broncos. No Sneakers, we got beaten by bloody Manly. Now 3rd on the Ladder.
1st State of Origin next Wednesday...will keep you posted.
Travel safe.
Lucas
#7
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