We arose this morning and took the Metro from Termini to EUR Fermi, on the west outskirts of Rome. Carlo and Marilyn picked us up there to bring us out to their weekend home in Soriano, a small town an hour's drive northwest of Rome. After our first experience of European highway traffic, we walked down to the main square.. We witnessed a procession of young people through town, on their way to their first communion. Carlo went to mass while Marilyn showed us up to the town castle, high on the hilltop.. One can look across the valley and see the Apennines, the north to south mountain range. Marilyn also showed us the former home of Carlo's mother, as well as a church currently under restoration.. Plaster was slowly being removed to reveal old frescoes, while the church itself dates back to the 13th century.

Afterwards, we walked back up the hill to their home, where we relaxed and chatted. Their vacation home is very pretty, very spacious and relaxing.. We could tell that it means a lot to them, and it's easy to see why. Carlo's sister and brother-in-law, who have the adjoining home, stopped by and we all sat down to an excellent lunch and chat at just after two. Pierre and I had a nap, before we joined Carlo in watching a Canadian win the Tour d'Italia, the national cycling race.. Carlo, being a major cyclist himself, was impressed. Finally, before leaving their home in the evening, we placed a skype call to my parents.. We were lucky to catch my mom, dad, and sister all at home, and it was great to catch up on what they're up to back in Alberta.