And Now For Something Completely Different...IRAN!

We arrived in Isfahan at around 4 AM, which is pretty common for international arrivals.  Just before we disembarked the plane, all the women whipped on their hijabs (minus a couple who wore them the whole flight), as is required by the government of Iran. 

Customs was very smooth.  After that we picked up our bags and headed to the exit where our luggage was scanned to ensure we didn't have any alcohol or other contraband items inside.  (I was scared that they would deem my Entertainment Weekly magazines inappropriate, but they didn't physically search anything.)

Next we procured a private taxi to take us to Isfahan (about 4 hours away).  The taxi driver looked about 15 and sported a jacket with a large D & G (Dolce and Gabbana) on the back.  He was also glued to his cell phone a lot of the time!

Some scenes on the road from Tehran to Isfahan:

It looks just like New Mexico, but it reminded me more of the images I've seen of Afghanistan, which was a bit eery...

No billboards?  No worries...just write your ad on the mountain:

Ingenious marketing! 

Christmas in Roma

It was Christmastime in Rome, but there was no snow and plenty of sunshine:

 The Christmas lights and decorations were strung up in the Roman streets:

Even the Nutella was decked out for the season:

This was taken a the Christmas market in Piazza Navona, where we browsed through the stalls full of ornaments, figurines and toys.

This is the witch, Befana, who brings Italian children presents on Epiphany.  I considered buying one, but wasn't so sure I wanted a witch hanging on my Christmas tree!

And finally, some pictures of the Vatican at Christmas.

I hope YOU had a

Our Mini Roman Holiday

We made it to the Trevi Fountain...

And managed to thow in a few coins to ensure our return to Rome:

Here's hoping our next visit is longer than 12 hours!

Outside the Pantheon...

...and inside the Pantheon...

We saw some of Rome's many beautiful fountain sculptures...

The birds like this one!

At Piazza Navona

A quick taxi ride and we are in Vatican City!

This photo of us was taken by a lovely Swiss man who was preparing for his ordination at St. Peter's on Christmas day.

Enjoying the sunset on our walk back from the Vatican to catch the airport shuttle bus.  Even though I had an exhilarating day in Rome, I'm definitely tired here!