Piazza Navona - Christmas Festival Italy

There was a Christmas festival still in progress with a market, games and decorations and we set out to find it.

Logan was enamored with an all meat store on the way.

During the Christmas season Piazza Navona is packed with stalls selling toys, sweets and decorations for the Nativity scene or Christmas tree, making it a favorite spot for children.

The piazza shape recalls the time of Domitian, who built a stadium for equestrian displays here. The Fountain of the Rivers, with the obelisk, and the Fountain of the Moor , with the God of the Sea, at the center of the square, are both sculpted by Bernini.

The fountain has statues of four Tritons and the basin is made of a special rose marble. The modern piazza is a lively place, where both locals and tourists hang out. Artists gather in the square to paint and there are many entertainers and vendors selling souvenirs.

Trastevere Area - Rome, Italy

Plane arrived at 0600 in Roma! It was much colder than our usual Omani weather. After the driver dropped us off close to our apartment, we ran into the closest bar for hot chocolate and crossiants. Just like every corner in Oman has a "coffeeshop", Italy has a "Bar" but thats where you find some of the best pastries=)

After our morning bar run, we walked a few blocks to the cutest "Italian" building. There was even an accordion player on the corner and he played "Mi Amore". How I wished I had my video camera ready. Italian love was in the air.

Our apartment was just below the Piazza in the Trastevere area.

There was a huge fountain in the middle of the Piazza.

The Santa Maria church is the building in the background and is one of the oldest churches in the city.

Ponta Sisto bridge connecting Trastevere and downtown Rome and is about a 6 block walk to the Coliseum.

We watched the city come alive. It was amazing to see the bakers coming to the outdoor water (which always runs) to wash pans. I also saw them put their finger in the water spout and there is a hole at the top that water comes out for a drinking fountain.

Walking the streets we also were corralled to the side and were able to see a movie being made.

They even had some local police near by to moniter the film production.

The allies between buildings are narrow and almost like a puzzle but down these allies are some of the best pizza restaurante.

My boy always full of energy and ready for adventure.

The lights were hung up all around the buildings.

A great beginning to our newest venture.

Wahiba Sands - Desert crossing

Wahiba Sands is a region of desert in Oman between Muscat and Sur.

For the casual visitor, it is best to convoy across the sands with a guide.

Lets say a 4wheel drive is essential.

The desert has no provisions available. Just miles and miles of beautiful dunes calling to you, but be careful the dunes don't take prisoners.

Pictures can't describe the beauty or the unforgiving sands. This poor guy just took a 12 foot dive and lost his 2 front wheels.

We also played a little. All the kids had glow in the dark necklaces and we sent off several lanterns into the black night.

This jeep was a friend of ours. He couldn't get up... so down he went!

And so did his tires.

Fun toys all around! This powered paraglider soared through the skies.

Every few hundred yards, someone gets stuck. That is the highlight of the day.

If you can't get around them, make your own route.

King of the Hill...I'd hate to lose this one.

So, the tow trucks got stuck trying to rescue the white Prado. So, three jeeps were needed to pull out each other.

The rescuer being rescued.

Here I am ready to go!

I didn't get too far.

The gentle slopes of sand turning into hundred feet deep black holes of sand. It was scary. My SUV slide four feet on the side of a dune and I jumped and ran from the car thinking it was going to role at any minute. A guide ran up to me and asked if I was scared. I said "Yes!" He said "Can I drive your car?" I said "Absolutely!" I needed a breather after experiencing what I felt like was a near death experience.