Post 3 - Saved the Best for Last.

We have always stayed within the city walls during our visits to Rome but this time we decided to venture out to a place Andre has always wanted to go to. My back was not so hip on the idea this morning when the alarm went off and we were scheduled to visit Tivoli, the Gardens and Villa. But after what I saw today - I am sure as shit glad I got my ass up and spent the day at what I am still "mouth open - breath taken" shocked at how gorgeous it was.

A short 45 minutes outside the city by cab and you arrive at the town of Tivoli and the Hadrian Villa.

Ok not gonna lie - the stop at Hadrian's "Gardens" - My back and my brain could have lived without. It must have been gorgeous in its day but now it's just wide green parks with remaining wall of what was back in the day and a little area where he (Hadrian) has a library and a bathing area. But it is mostly gone and you kinda have to imagine what was there. Meh! I could have lived without it.

But don't be discouraged as you take the cab across to the Villa D'este. OMG OMG OMG!

A villa and grand house with the most exotic hillside gardens - yes it is a trek. But ask nicely and "Marco" will "golf cart" your ass down the VERY steep walkways to what is eventually 3 layers of Italian gardens and fountains. It is spectacular. There is a walkway with 100 fountains that all go off at the same time. There is a massive sculpture water feature that every two hours organ music plays and you can only imagine how his guests would have been as they walked the gardens back then and suddenly music appeared - don't forget this is back before we could Iphone and Spotify our way through life!

Start with the villa and the rooms. The paintings on the walls were breathtaking, open windows where the mountain breeze flowed through and all this leading to the gardens where I could just imagine myself trolling the gardens back then, from layer to layer and the sculptures that pop out of hedges to the sound of the water which is beyond words relaxing.

I think it best the photos speak for themselves!

All that golf carting sure built up an appetite - so we had lunch at Ristorante Sibilla - which has been serving food and offering lodging since 1972 with views that were honestly unlike anything I have seen. All I could think was if someone wanted a destination wedding - this is where I would have my reception! Water on all sides flowing, gazebos that I am sure in spring are breathtaking and service that was like you were having lunch with family.

A perfect end to Rome in 36 hours! Tomorrow we drive to Genoa to board our cruise around the world! Can you believe the "real trip" hasn't even started yet!!!?????

So I was thinking - It's arduous to keep up a blog which is why I probably start them and never get past the 4th or 5th post - so in order to keep going I would love some "support!".

Please comment on my posts - hate 'em or love them? Want to know more about a place or "Sam please no more of that!!!!!". every few days I will randomly pick a comment and mail you a 'REAL IN THE MAIL POSTCARD FROM A PLACE WE ARE AT!

Sorry, no "luggage set for 2" or "tix for 2 to Rome" - just a postcard. But if you are like me - I love to get mail that isn't a bill - so I thought you might enjoy a postcard from somewhere around the world and all you have to do is write a simple 1 word comment - to let me know people ARE actually reading this stuff or if I am getting carpal tunnel for no reason!

xoxoxoxo

Sam