...about their Christmas tree.
http://www.cnn.com/videos/world/2017/12/24/rome-christmas-tree-gallagher.cnn
Linus: "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love."
Maybe so? Buon Natale, everyone!
Thanks, Kath. A minute-forty-five of my life I'll never get back---hah! Yes, it does look like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree!
Looked like a beautiful winter day in Rome, though, crisp and clear. I remember when we were there in March, taking the bus everywhere, it seemed that every damn ride passed that Vittorio Emmanuele monument. Never got up to the top, but the views must be spectacular from there.
Yes, to the extended group here with a common affinity, Buon Natale and Felice Anno Nuovo!
Jay
Yo, Jay-In-Chicago!
It's a balmy -2 here in the MinniApple with a wind chill of -17. Freezing my #$%$# off but the ice fishermen are happy. How are things in the Windy?
About 10 above north of Chicago, wind howling a bit, 1" white stuff on the ground. And it was about this time last year that we were about 8 weeks away from our Rome/Sorrento trip. Had the air booked but was in the process of zeroing in on apartments, B&B's, activities. That stage of the planning, where you know you're going, Kath, and every reservation made, every logistical nuance sussed out, that gets you closer to the reality of it, is magical. I remember the thought of that making the cold & snow easier to bear.
We won't be traveling to Italy in 2018, but hopefully in '19, God willing. Want to see other vistas (Amsterdam, Rhine Valley, Tyrolean Alps) but I keep thinking it's taking me away from time in Italy!
J
... but I keep thinking it's taking me away from time in Italy!
Blimey, isn't THAT just the dickens anyway? I am so homesick for The Boot that I can hardly look elsewhere. That next trip is going to be as long as we can manage. The Husband has been informed. Thankfully, he's a sport.
We've a dear friend in England that we want to go see so that may take priority, though, if not this year then the next. A remodeling project at home has us (sadly) nailed down for awhile.
Happy Christmas, everyone!
That tree looks about the sam as they did when I lived in Roma, and very much like the one I saw a couple of years ago.
Jay, you must go to the roof of the Vittoriano! And, I feel like time away from Italia is infidelity!
Kathy, sorry about the subzero temps, I think you are sending them my way this week, but I love you anyway!
Geez, the Boot is on the agenda somewhere along the line, hopefully sooner rather than later. Scratches all my itches, the top 3 of which are: 1) few tourists; 2) few tourists; 3) few tourists! Seriously, though, we dined at a Pugliese restaurant this March in Rome and the cuisine is fabulous. Had orecchiette (ear pasta) with rapini & clams that was mild and absolutely out of this world.
Awww... Thanks for quoting Linus, Kathy. And I think Rome's tree looks sweet!
Jay, you must go to the roof of the Vittoriano!
You really must. Marvelous view, that. I wonder if that cafe on the 2nd level has re-opened yet?
Zoe, tried my best not to send the arctic blast your way (love you too!) but alas....
And you're welcome, lnbsig!
Merry Christmas to all from the Oregon Coast where it is 49 degrees (F) and partly sunny. Out my window I see magnificent Douglas Firs over 100 feet tall.
Never saw a tree that bad in Rome when we lived there. It is spectacularly sad this year!
Missing The Boot like all of you travel-crazy-Italoplhiles and spending part of today on the 2018 itinerary. Always a cheerful activity.
Must have been a victim of last summer's drought.
At least the ornaments are easy to see.
Christmas trees be meant to be seen at night
Laurel-- next year you need to send a tree from your wooded estate!
I saw that sad tree on CNN last week.
Jay, the view is nice, mostly of the Forum. I liked the city views better from other spots. By the way, I'm still in short sleeves and sandals here. Not missing Chicago winter even a teensy weensy bit. Hope to see you this summer, though.
Busting my chops again, Chani? Wish I could transport myself to Tel Aviv right now. Here it's 10AM and still minus-4 F. Yeah, this summer we'll convene again for some great thin crust pizza as before.
You were in Rome right before me in February. I found our week there just about perfect weather-wise, in my opinion. Nice crisp low 40's mornings (perfect for Tiber-walking), then up to hi 50's/low 60's during the day, nights while we're still walking around about 50. I hear all the horror stories about the Roman summer heat, drought, and all the people. Other than the buses being full almost all the time--you get used to it--and avoiding the usual suspects like Spanish Steps and Trevi, it was simply a wonderful place to be. Locals were kind, happy & funny. Wonder if they're like that all year?
'Morning, all!
-7 in my part of the States but we'll see double digits below this upcoming weekend. Just had the coldest Christmas in 21 years. Wondering WHY I continue to live here. WHY?!!! Oh well, at least I don't have to shoehorn my post-holiday pudge into a swimsuit? That would not be pretty.
Laurel, I'll bet your fir tree are lovely! Our Blue Spruces are especially pretty with a bit of fresh snow on them but we've had little of that so far this season. Not that I'm complaining, mind.
Chani, maybe you'd send a little of Tel Aviv's warmth to us freezing Midwesterners/Northerners?
Uh... what happened to this global warming thing..??
Temp readings with a minus sign, is warm only when compared to the dark side of the moon
When I was in Rome last week, I saw this tree from a distance. It was not especially impressive, so it never entered my mind that this was Rome's official tree. Overall, I found that Rome's Christmas decorations were more subdued that Paris' of recent years, but that suited me fine because it meant fewer tourists and MUCH smaller crowds than I experienced in Rome in the 90+ degree heat of June 2017 with Rick Steves' Venice, Florence, Rome tour.
Belated Buon Natale to all.
I have to say that's not the best Christmas tree I've ever seen but given the hefty price they paid for it, it will have to do for this year.
Perhaps they should invest in a good quality artificial tree and just wheel it out of the warehouse every year. Whoever authorized the purchase of this year's sad excuse for a Christmas tree, should perhaps start typing up his CV.
The weather here has been hovering between -8C to -15C for the last few days. We did have a White Christmas and it's snowing here again lightly today (up to 10 cm predicted in some areas). I can't complain about the temperatures as the prairie provinces are being hit with an arctic front, with temperatures as low as -42C in Regina the other day.
Well, if it makes you all feel any better, it's a bit chillier here - I put on a flannel shirt (still in sandals though) and it's been kinda cloudy. In Jerusalem, folks are wearing coats, hats and gloves.
Jay, I'll let you know when I have my dates - right now it looks like a few days around July 4, then back at the end of July into August for a couple weeks.
Ken, How was your trip?
Everyone - Happy New Year.
