La Belle Provence

The long awaited trip to Canada with friends Martha and Brandon brought laughs, fall leaves, eating, cold weather, missionary memories, sleeping in, runny noses, and lots of Christmas cheer.

Before meeting up with M&B, we spent a few days in Ottawa (Canada's capital city)...








We escaped the gray of San Francisco and enjoyed the fall colors of Northeast Canada.





ByWard Market had a large array of fresh produce and knick-knacks. The best find was this BeaverTails stand...we partook of these "smashed churros" daily.

After our weekend in Ottawa, we caught the train and headed to Quebec City...


The beautiful train station foreshadowed the great stay we were going to have in this old city.







Vieux-Quebec (the old city) has so much charm and European flair.

After two days on our own, M&B arrived to join in on the fun!



Michelle and Martha enjoying the scenery.






Our Christmas spirit was stoked thanks to the fact that Canada had already had its Thanksgiving Day celebrations in October...the city was in an all-out Christmas mode.




The lobby of our hotel.


Our new Christmas stockings.

After our adventure in Quebec City, we hopped in the car and road tripped to Montreal where Brandon would be studying...



The views from on top of Mount Royal.






An enjoyable afternoon at St. Joseph's Oratory...the dome is the third largest dome in the world.



Loving the cobblestone streets in Vieux-Port (old Montreal).


After an unsuccessful day of shopping (probably why Michelle and Martha are frowning, but Brandon in smiling), we rested at the metro stop before heading home.

A la prochaine!

When in Rome

Personal journal writings of a young boy: "Rome has many old things." A wise observation!



After the cruise we decided to extend the vacation bliss and stay a few days in Rome. Let me begin by saying, I love Rome. It is an amazing city. It is beautiful and magical. The history of this place is inspiring. The food is delightful. Easily, Rome captivated our hearts.

Piazza Navona. This lovely piazza is in the heart of the city. Our apartment while in Rome was just steps away.


The Pantheon is one of the most well preserved monuments in Rome



Making a wish at Trevi Fountain




On our way to Vatican City

The Vatican Museum



St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City


The main mode of transportation, a roman vespa. So adorable.




The magnificent Colosseum

Of note, there are behavior rules when vising the Colosseum. Specifically, it is forbidden "to introduce bicycles, skateboards, or other motorized objects" or "eat meals in large groups" Just be mindful of that.

In all seriousness, this place was amazing. The history was tangible.



The Roman Forum





Bocca della Verita: The mouth of Truth


Villa Borghese Gardens: The Central Park of Rome


The Spanish Steps


Ahhh...Giolitti's. By far, the best gelato in Rome, and believe us when we say we searched multiple times a day for the perfect spot. Truly, I had a dream the other night about Giolitti's. Guess it is time to go back!


The quaint streets of Trastevere, the cutest neighborhood in Rome



Villa Doria



Until next time...Arrivederci