Ruined

 The first of many: expect a deluge of posts about bella Italia.  

First up, the ruins of Italy.  

Le amiche delle cose antiche, (the friends of the old stuff, as we fondly called ourselves) visited dozens of historical sites, and among them were ancient ruins.

Growing up in America, I had little grasp of the concept of true antiquity--but in Italy I was able to encounter it.
I could touch, smell and clamber on top of gorgeous ruins.  

Our itinerary included stops at Pompeii, Herculaneum, Ostia Antica, The Roman Forum, the Colosseum and many more.  

Italy was practically preening for pictures, the weather was beautifully overcast the first two days and then dazzlingly bright the remainder of our stay.