The preparations begin

Dinner and coaching with Jhennifer.  Review of possible itineraries and absolute must-see excursions.  The inside scoop on the best place to go for gelato in Rome and a vey rationale philosophy for trying gelato (once in the morning to try a new or unfamiliar flavor; once in the afternoo to get something you really like in case the morning experiment was not a pleasant one).

Vatican tour: booked
Galleria Borghese: booked

Double-checked the location of my hotel, Hotel Abruzzi, which is near the Pantheon and its proximity to St. Peter's.  St. Peter's opens fairly early so I now know I can drop off my things at my hotel and head straight to the Basilica to climb the cupola. . . and tour the Basilica while I'm there.

I have my basic Italian .mp3 lessons downloading.  I have Cuttlefish Bones, a book of poetry by Eugenio Montale.  I have my book about Bernini and Borromini and my book with fun facts about Italy. . .plus maps and guidebooks.  All I have to do is pack and go get on a plane.  On Monday.  In mean time, it's off to Floria to celebrate a bit of Christmas.