What a delightful experience! But it was ery busy in Roma so if yiu go definitely avoid early April through to end September. Ive noticed this in previous years too.
Particularly with my friend Lisa Warren DeMars – we have rekindled our friendship after a separation of a few years and I foresee cooking classes on the horizon!
It was an arduous, winding journey up the mountain on treacherous roads to the abbey.
The drive was particularly daunting due to the narrow, serpentine roads and steep inclines, which were further complicated by the presence of occasional reckless bus drivers. The Grim Repear backoned a few times. As someone who is not fond of heights, I found the experience particularly unnerving and I may not recover.
However, the Abbey of Montecassino provided a tranquil respite for our pilgrimage. It is exceptionally beautiful, boasting a splendor that is impressive yet restrained. No
…we embarked on a visit to the Municipality of Arpino to explore the cultivation, harvesting, and production of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Cold Press.
Arpino is a charming small hilltop town. We had the opportunity to view it from the elevated Acropolis di Civitavecchia….
…And then from ground level….
The Acripolis is a historic site featuring a castle, walls constructed from massive boulders, intriguing arches, and breathtaking views.
The olive bushes on this particular farm are several hundred years old, necessitating the use of specialized tools for harvesting. The oil exhibited the characteristic just-cut-lawn aroma and a distinct peppery flavor.
Generally, oil of this quality can be stored in dark glass bottles at room temperature for approximately 20 months before it begins to degrade. I bought a tin for Glasgow – to go with my Deep Fried Mars Bars.
The 12.42 pm Trentalia 12613 from Roma Termini to Castro-Pofi-Vallecorsa was a picturesque 1.5 hr journey, through the base of little hill towns backed by high mountains.
A short car journey then took me to Casa Gregoria where my friend Lisa DeMars and I shall be cooking up a storm over the next week.
Casa Gregorio is a culinary school located in a 17th-century palazzo offering hands-on cooking classes focused on authentic Ciociara cuisine, cultural tours, and accommodations in the countryside: https://www.facebook.com/share/161zJ1HWHq/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The school and accommodations are within the elegant and historic Palazzo Gregorio which is located in the charming hilltop town of Castro dei Volsci.
The town offers spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and mountains from its 300 meters (~1000 feet) elevation.
The culinary school is a beautifully regenerated piece of architecture.
The living areas….
….the Olive oil production basement…
…….the bedrooms; my accommodation – Juniper – offering views of the hills……
….and of course, the kitchen, where will learn to make traditional dishes, are all wonderful.
Before we had dinner, we took a wee swish up to the local Church – Santa Olivia. Simple by Catholic standards.
We then sauntered up to the top of the town.
You may recall the famous Italian actress, Sophie Loren. She starred in a 1960 movie called La Ciociara (Two Women) in which she played an Italian woman protecting her daughter from aggressive soldiers during WW2.
This highly evocative sculpture below is in memory of all those mothers that have tried to protect their daughters from sexual violence.
After our swish, we went back to our Casa for an early dinner. We met lovely folk and had a good time and good food, ending with a nice Grappa.
Rome – St Peter’s Square, Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
By Paul Bryers
Today commenced with an 8 am (first) entry to St Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, lead by Headcount’s English Guided Tour.
Prior to our entry, the square was relatively quiet, allowing for a profound appreciation of the Basilica’s symmetrical arched colonnades, topped with 140 judging Saints, which encircle one in the embracing arms of the Catholic Church. The design is indeed ingenious.
The Pope’s Official residence is depicted below. The window on the right, top floor, is the Pope’s bedroom and on its left is the Pope’s Office where he often greets visitors and offers them tea or coffee and perhaps a chocolate biscuit, if you’re lucky.
The Vatican Museums comprise a collection of intricately designed rooms, depicting biblical stories painted by 15th and 16th Century artists such as Angelo and Raphael.
The stunning architecture is breathtaking, particularly the way light filters through the stained glass.
The museums feature numerous remarkable paintings, tapestries, and sculptures.
The Sistine Chapel is, of course, a highlight. Here is depicted an outside wall of this huge Chapel where Popes are chosen behind closed doors. The second photo shows where the temporary chimney is erected during Papal Elections – just below the black lightning rod.
Please note that none of the photos from within the Chapel are mine, as photography is forbidden. Notwithstanding this prohibition, some visitors take photos and all commit the cardinal sin of talking in unhushed voices.
Michelangelo’s ceiling is a masterpiece of divine creativity, with his depiction of the Creation of Adam perfect. There is something mesmerizing about His portrayal of God reaching out to touch Adam’s hand, humanity not quite being touched by divinity. But it is, is it not? Is there a Big Bang between those fingers? Who knows?
My Scottish Bit: The Book of Kells was mentioned during the tour. Although this beautiful tome was written prior to the existence of the Catholic Church as we know it today, it is a distinctly Catholic book, likely written in Portmahomack, Northeast of Inverness, Scotland, and now housed in Trinity College, Dublin.
Arrived Rome today – only 15 hours after leaving Miami via Heathrow.
This trip will include:
– 3 days in Rome at Hotel de Ricci
– 7 days of Classic Italian Cooking Classes at Casa Gregoria in the hilltop town of Castro dei Volsci
– 4 days in Rome at Hotel Palazzo Manfredi
So, Rome……
I’m staying in the heart of Rome, at Hotel de Ricci. It’s a very pleasant boutique hotel with only eight rooms and I’m only here because Hilton has an arrangement with them so I reserved it on HH Points.
In this area, ancient basilicas shadow bustling piazzas, and centuries of faith and power breathe through marble, mortar and a lot of hot dust.
Currently, two versions of the Eternal City are quietly warring for its soul.
One Rome wears white robes and speaks softly to the World from the balconies of the Vatican.
The other wears the tricolor sash of a nationalistic government, moving decisively between the palaces of Italian political power and flirting with other Global right-wing leaders.
Between them stands the tension of two institutions – the newly elected Pope Leo XIV and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government – each rooted in tradition, but increasingly divided in vision.
The election of Pope Leo XIV marked a historic turning point. As the first, in birth at least, American pope, and a figure shaped by missionary work and social outreach, Leo XIV has emerged not only as a spiritual leader but as a forceful moral voice in global and domestic affairs.
From the moment he stepped onto the papal balcony in his little red ruby slippers, his message was clear: mercy, justice, and inclusion.
He has called for ceasefires in Global conflict zones, demanded compassion for refugees, and challenged the world’s powerful to “open their hearts to the suffering.” In a city long defined by imperial legacies, Pope Leo’s Rome is one of margins and mercy.
In sharp contrast, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the leader of the right-wing, nationalist Brothers of Italy party, is charting a course rooted in tradition, identity, and state sovereignty. Her government has successfully cracked down on irregular migration, proposed sweeping judicial reforms, and doubled down on cultural legislation that emphasizes Italy’s Christian heritage.
There has been a string of flashpoints around irregular immigration:
– migrant boats turned away by the Italian coast guard but welcomed by Catholic organizations;
– Church shelters defying government policy by offering aid to undocumented refugees; and
– papal statements that – without naming names – appear to challenge the government’s hardline approach.
Beyond immigration, the Meloni government is pursuing institutional reforms that would give the executive greater control over public prosecutors – a move critics say undermines judicial independence. The Vatican, wary of authoritarian tendencies in post-democratic Europe, is watching closely.
Though the Holy See does not intervene directly in political affairs, it is certainly not neutral. From climate change to civil liberties, the Church under Leo XIV has signaled a willingness to confront power, even when it resides just across the Tiber.
Today, Rome is a city split between two moral centers – one spiritual, one political. One calls for national pride, order, and heritage. The other for compassion, humility, and global solidarity.
It is not the first time these forces have collided. Rome has survived emperors, fascists, and reformers. But this new standoff – between altar and state, between Pope and Prime Minister – is playing out in subtler, yet no less consequential ways.
Whether these “two Romes” can coexist – or whether the rift will widen – remains to be seen. But in a city where power has always had a sacred shadow, even a whisper from the Vatican can still shake a palace wall.
Don’t worry, tomorrow’s and subsequent posts will be back to the usual narrative of sights seen and accompanying photos….
As our tour sadly raps up, many thanks go to Olim our main guide. Excellent knowledge and story teller, very funny and all round nice guy. Here he is doing a wee dance.
All the local guides were great to….
Mejdi owner/reps were wonderful….
Local folks were all very friendly, especially of course the wee kids.
I got a wink later – lol
Fellow travelers intelligent, wise and very kind and supportive to an at times over excited Scotsman. Bless you all!
And so bye to Uzbekistan ….
NEXT UP ON MY TRAVEL BLOG:
September 24-October 8, 2025 – Quickie in Rome and a Week of Cooking Classes in Castro Dei Volsci, Italy
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