First days in Rome

Oct 31, 2025

After a good night’s sleep (we were so tired!), we woke up early and the whole family got ready to go to the embassy. First we had to marvel at the breakfast spread.

Then we drove across town to the embassy, where we had a bunch of orientation and welcome meetings, met Brian’s staff, and took a tour of the Tri-mission compound, an incredible place. Basically the US owns a whole square block with multiple buildings housing the US Embassy to the Holy See, the US Embassy to Italy, and the US Embassy to the UN Missions. Each one is separate and has its own ambassador and team, and then they share a lot of additional staff, and a lot of resources. There’s a barber shop, a Navy exchange commissary, two cafes, a post office, a bank, a health clinic, a library, and lots of offices.

This is the entrance to Brian’s embassy, a gorgeous grand staircase. Everywhere you look there is incredible art and architecture.

The new office is not too shabby!

Later that day, Brian’s brother Pete arrived - our first visitor! He had been dropping his son off in Spain and thought he’d just drop by for a few days. We enjoyed having him here as we adjusted to the new house and living in Rome. He was the fun uncle who took Ben and Grace out walking all over and showed them several cool places when Brian and I were too busy.

On our first Saturday, we took a little excursion to Castel Gandolfo, where the Pope has his summer residence. It’s about a 40 minute drive South of Rome, close to where the UD campus is (we drove right by it). After a tour of the Papal palace, we had lunch in the charming small town, and then walked down by Lake Albano.

Even though it was still so hot in Rome, Castel Gandolfo was a bit chilly! Libby kept stealing my shawl until I bought her one of her own.

You can walk through the whole palace and see the pope’s bedroom and his office.

It’s such a peaceful, lovely spot. Pope Francis didn’t use it much, but we’ve heard that Pope Leo goes out there almost every Tuesday and plays tennis. Good for him.

Pink shawl and gelato secured.

The next morning, we decided we’d go to Sunday Mass at our local Basilica… oh look, it’s St. Peter’s! Pete and I walked there and went through the Holy Door (in an huge line but it moved quickly).

Inside, the church was packed, and we barely found Brian and the kids. But we did end up getting seats, and it was a beautiful Mass at the high altar. Afterwards we pointed out the Pieta to the kids but left further exploration for another time so we could get away from the crowds. Then we found a restaurant for lunch on the street called Borgo Pio right next to the Vatican. We’ve since continued this weekend routine of excursions and walking around exploring the city followed by long leisurely lunches out. Ahhhh….