Rome

Not surprisingly, I've been slacking in my post. I think part of the reason for my procrastination is that I loved Rome. I know this should have inspired words, but it had the quite opposite affect (or is it effect I always mix the two) on me. I fear that my words could not do the city justice. The other problem is that I feel like one big American cliche because of my new found appreciation for the city. However, I must put myself into the masses and say Rome was the epitome of a great vacation destination. It has history, culture, amazing food, shopping, and the people we met were surprisingly gracious host. I would have thought that with that many tourist visiting the great city year upon year, the locals would hate us. But it was quite the opposite. I felt a genuine pride of the people who call Rome home. An understanding that us tourist are visiting the city because let's face it, who doesn't want to see Rome and the awe inspiring Colosseum and the ever impressive Vatican city. Charles and I even conquered our mutual fear of heights and my claustrophobia and climbed up St. Peter's cupola. It helped that both of us had an unjustified fear and could laugh about it together as we made our way up the many steps with poor Charles ducking sometimes so as not to hit his head on the curved roof. It was worth it! What a beautiful view. The only complaint I would say about making the climb up is that the rooftop was full of people like us jockeying for a prime viewing spot. We did manage to make it to the edge and get a few pictures. But the pictures really didn't capture the essence of the city from the top of the Basilica.

I think for me another reason why I loved Rome so much is that Charles and I just had a great time being together. With the risk of being unlike myself and being cheesy and sappy, the city brought out the romantic side in both of us. I discovered my husband again. We were able to leave the stresses of moving overseas, a crappy job (for Charles' part), no job on my part, and just be us. For some reason, even with our previous ventures, this was the first time we felt we had made it! This was the reason why we moved to Brussels and quit our jobs and left amazing friends and family.

Also, I think the adjustment period of moving here is has finally reached its end and Charles and can say are home (for now). His job still sucks, but every day is getting easier and easier. Our french is coming along; although I get way to shy to try and speak it. Charles is much better at doing this, therefore his french is progressing faster than my own. I don't like talking to strangers in English, so you can imagine my hesitation with French. All in all, life is good.