Enjoying Italy...

Judy and Greg

Ciao everyone! Here are some more pictures from two places we have recently visited near Naples. Above are some pictures of us and our friends Judy and Greg at Caserta Vecchia (old Caserta). We enjoyed a wonderful dinner in this beautiful town situatued at the very top of a mountain. Once again, anywhere you go in Italy there are amazing views of the city! The pictures below are from Baia and Pozzuoli. Jason and I spent this past Saturday visiting an old castle and archaeological museum, and then had dinner with our friends in Pozzuoli. That night we also visited the church of San Gennaro. San Gennaro is the patron Saint of Naples, and every year the people of Napoli hold a week long festival in his honor. This church was not only where San Gennaro was beheaded in 305 A.D., but is also where a vial of his blood is kept. Every year the people of Naples watch to see if the blood liquefies. If this happens, it is said that the next year will be good! And lucky for us, it liquefied this past week!

Overlooking Baia

Our Pozzuoli pals, Laura and Karl

The Happiest Day Ever!

Just wanted to share the great news with all of our family and friends that Jason has passed his board exam! After 5 years of residency and many years of studying, he is now certified in Orthopedic surgery! Yeah!

When in Rome...

Hello again! This past weekend Jason and I took a wonderful day tour to Rome. As you will see in the pictures below, this city is amazing. Bright and early Saturday morning we chartered a bus and headed on our way. The first stop was to the Vatican city for a guided tour of Saint Peter's tomb (St. Peter was one of the 12 Apostles chosen by Jesus to be his disciple). Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but it was amazing to see the actual tomb. After that we grabbed some lunch and then headed on to a walking tour through the streets of Rome to see the sights. The Spanish steps, Roman forum, and of course, the Colosseum were unbelievable! Every corner you turn you see some ancient building or artifact. Though we only visited for a day, we will definitely go back to wander around and see more. Other than that, we are thoroughly enjoying Italy. We just got a car (a 1993 BMW, pics soon to come) and have been out exploring and driving around. Our Italian class is also going well, our teacher is the best and we are slowly starting to learn the language. We miss all of you back home and can't wait to start getting some visitors out here! Until next time, take care and thanks for reading our blog! xoxo Jason and April

On our way to Rome!

Our friends and neighbors, Jenny and Alan

The beautiful Vatican

Swiss guards (don't you love their outfits?!)

Outside the Vatican waiting to see St. Peter's tomb

Another beautiful view

This building is where the Pope lives!

Our eccentric tour guide, Alessandro

Jenny and I on the Spanish steps

Looking down from the top of the steps

A fountain!

The spectacular Trevi fountain!

I got to wave the tour guide's red and yellow flag!

Rome's political office

Roman Forum

More ancient Roman buildings

Every corner you turn, this is what you see

And finally, in all its glory, the Colosseum

The newlyweds in front of the Colosseum...we've waited our whole lives to experience this!