Lying hidden atop the Andes in the Cusco region of Peru, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in South America.

These ruins were once an estate for the emperor Pachacuti
cc-by-sa / Charlesjsharp

Long ago it provided an estate for the emperor Pachacuti. It was built around the year 1450 but was abandoned a century later at the time of the Spanish Conquest. The Spanish never found the city because of its height of over 7,875 feet above sea level. This height not only shields Machu Picchu from the gazes of those below, but also provides a breathtakingly beautiful view of the surrounding Urubamba Valley, tropical rainforest, and Andes mountains. 

Machu Picchu was rediscovered in 1911 by Hiram Bingham III, an American historian. Since then, many of its one hundred forty structures have been reconstructed to look more like the originals
photo by Hiram Bingham

While visiting Machu Picchu’s structures, one can marvel at their beauty and precision. The ruins of this ancient Incan city include temples, terraces and residential buildings for the nobility and those serving them. There are stone stairways, storage buildings and a mausoleum, all built with their sun-god in mind, and meticulously cut from blocks of stone that have lasted for centuries. The site is accessible by the ancient Inca Trail that is about a two-day journey by foot.

Another stunning view of the ruins
cc-by-sa / Christophe Meneboeuf

Since Machu Picchu is only about 40 miles away from Cuzco, visitors could participate in many other activities. There are plenty of sightseeing tours including Piasc Market and the city of Cusco. There are adventure tours with horseback riding and zip-lining. Visit the Sacred Valley with a traditional Quechua village and shops that include local craft items. There is also hiking through the tropical Amazon rainforest, or Colca Canyon which is famous for its stunning Andean condors and is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, and many more things to do and see. Local restaurants and eateries feature Peruvian cuisine which is generally spicy, but also includes delicious seafood and fresh vegetables.  

The views surrounding the ruins are breathtaking
photo by Fabricio Guzmán

But before your mind begins to drift elsewhere, remember Machu Picchu, which is now one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, one of the last few well preserved Incan civilization sites on Earth, and the one and only “Lost City of the Incas.”

Mother's Beach Marina Del Rey

Mother’s Beach, Marina del Rey – that was where my son and I were heading this past Saturday.  It was just the two of us (I’m divorced) and we were off on one of our many local adventures here in Southern California.  With a name like Mother’s Beach, I wasn’t sure what to expect.  All I kept picturing was hordes of territorial mothers and their children running us off the beach!  I hadn’t heard of the place before and we’d only just received the invite the day before, so I didn’t have a chance to look it up online. 

It was August 28th 2010, and this was the last weekend before the new fall school season.  It was starting out to be another beautiful sunny California summer day, so I knew the beaches and Marina area would be in high demand. It was only a 30 minute drive from our house to Mother’s Beach, and when we arrived we found plenty of parking on Panay Way just off Via Marina. 

Marina Del Rey, translated from Spanish as King’s Marina, is the largest man made Marina in the world.  It is a crescent shaped beach within a stones through of hotels and motels such as the Marina del Rey Marriott, the Foghorn Harbor Inn and the Best Western Jamaica Bay Inn.  As you walk in from the lot, ($8 for the whole day which is pretty reasonable) there’s a play area with swings, climbing frames and even a pirate ship where children of all ages can play.  As you make your way onto the sand itself, you see the cordoned off area of water to swim and play in, which extends outwards for 75 feet or so and runs three quarters the length of the beach – a coastal area stretching about 1/3 of a mile long.  There is even a lifeguard hut that comes complete with its own lifeguard -don’t laugh, but I’ve come across many on the ocean side that are shuttered and unmanned. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised when I saw what lay in front of me.  We were invited here for a birthday party, and I was relieved to see not only mother’s playing with their children but also dad’s, grandmas and grandpas enjoying the fun. 

After giving it some thought, I believe ‘Mother’s Beach’ is very appropriately named because it’s a great place to bring little children. There are no waves, the beach slopes very gently into the water and despite being in the heart of the marina, the area is marked by a series of buoys, that indicates the line swimmers shouldn’t cross, and also that boats should avoid. I saw a number of boats making their way in or out of their moorings just beyond, but none came even close to the line. 

It’s a wonderful beach for children to get used to the feel of the ocean without the threat of getting knocked over by waves or boogie boarders. My son loved it, and it gave him a chance to practice his swimming without the fear of a ‘shark attack’, something that is nearer the top of his thoughts despite all my reassurances.  At his age I can’t blame him for such irrational fears, especially with all the Hollywood shark films playing on cable 24 hours a day.  I’m a single parent and I’m finding it harder and harder to regulate his TV time! 

We had pizza for lunch, care of the birthday party, but we could have had snacks or something more substantial at a number of stores and restaurants within 5 minutes walk of the beach.  Indeed Mother’s Beach is flanked by many local restaurants like the Cheesecake Factory, a favorite of children and adults alike.  I have to say, some of the smells coming from that restaurant made my mouth water.  With all the hotels lining the area the place seemed more like a resort than a public beach. 

It was a fun and relaxing day all round.  The beach was nowhere near as crowded as I had anticipated despite the wonderful weekend weather.  There was plenty of wide open space to run around and play ball or Frisbee, and many of the kids did just that.  As we were leaving my son and I agreed that this was definitely a place worth visiting again. 

Author: Mark McAlinden

Instead of stagecoaches and cowboys, we were greeted by space shuttles and astronauts. If you go by the idea that space is the next unexplored frontier like the western part of the United States once was, then the valiant astronauts are today’s equivalent of yesterday’s brave cowboys.  

I don’t think my boys cared much whether they bumped into the past, present, or future in Houston. However, here are three “kid-friendly” places in Houston, your family MUST visit.  

Space Center Houston at the Johnson Space Center  

Houston Johnson Space Center

Apart from “Toy Story’s” Buzz Lightyear, my two boys, both born in the late 1990s, are not as exposed to astronauts and space exploration as I was, growing up in the 1970s, with the “space race” between the United States and Russia. Therefore, a day-long trip to Space Center Houston at the Johnson Space Center was an opportunity for the kids to be introduced to all the marvel of space exploration. Moreover, their old dad, who does remember the late 1970s with Skylab and what seemed like monthly space shuttle takeoffs in the 1980s, felt nostalgic for a time when my eyes were just as wide open with wonder.  

At the Johnson Space Center, we were immediately immersed in a five-hour tour called the “Level 9 Tour” where we got an up-close and personal look at real life in NASA—how the astronauts train, the often stressful work at Mission Control, and more.  

This comprehensive behind-the-scenes tour took us to where we least expected. We got to visit Level 3 where the Astronaut’s Cafeteria is housed. We even got lunch (included on the Level 9 package) with some astronauts in training. What a thrill for the boys and myself to meet these often unsung heroes. Subsequently, we blasted off for the next site and saw a space vehicle mock-up facility complete with observation catwalk.  

As if that wasn’t enough to encourage my kids to dream of becoming astronauts (as I once did), the stop at the new Mission Control Center alongside Building 30N with the historic Mission Control Center filled us with a sense of history as the baton was seamlessly passed down between the two locations and generations.  

Next, we went through a space environment simulation lab (also called “the vacuum chamber”) where the astronauts test their mettle. Afterwards, the Sonny Carter Training Facility had more inside info on what all aspiring astronauts go through with a neutral buoyancy lab that can be experienced from the observation catwalk.  

Finally, we took a tram tour, taking us through the Astronaut’s Gallery to see a collection of spacesuits taken from the Space Program’s history, including John Young’s ejection suit (from the Apollo 16 moon mission) and Judy Resnik’s T-38 flight suit (from the doomed Challenger mission). We were reminded of both the victories and tragedies of the United States’ Space Program. However, getting to see the portraits of every astronaut there ever was, kept us all in high spirits.  

At the end of the visit, there was still more to see, but the boys decided to change gears at the Kids Space Place with its kid-friendly, interactive presentations. There was also a themed area that explored the various elements of manned space flights and the space program from a pint-sized point-of-view.  

Battleship Texas and San Jacinto Monument and Museum  

San Jacinto Monument Texas

The following day of our Houston adventure, we got a little bit “grounded” to the past with a visit to the Battleship Texas and the San Jacinto Monument and Museum. Both were indeed popular tourist attractions, commemorating, respectively, the United States’ role in World War I and II and Texas’ war of independence from Mexico.  

The towering San Jacinto Monument proudly displays Texas’ symbolic Lone Star. At the base of this monument, you will find a museum that houses much of Texas’ rich culture and history. Across from the monument, on the nearby waters, sits the Battleship Texas (also called the USS Texas).  

On the Battleship Texas, a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide told us the grand, sweeping history of the naval ship along with more personal stories of life onboard for its personnel through World Wars I and II. We even got to climb to the flying bridge, almost 60 feet above the water. Then, 20 feet in the opposite direction, we went below the water to the cramped engine room where the men’s sleeping quarters have been authentically restored along with the adjoining medical facilities. In the engine room, we also viewed guns, anchors, and even an amazing collection of trophies and other awards connected to the vessel and its men.  

Next, we moved to the Monument where we rode the elevator 489 feet above the ground to the Observation Floor. Not only were we able to see Houston’s gorgeous city view from here but also Houston’s busy ship channel and harbor.  

At the base of the Monument, we went to the museum-side where we relived the famous battle for Texan independence by talking a stroll with a tour guide through the San Jacinto Battleground. Granite markers throughout our walk identified prominent events that happened at each spot.  

Meanwhile, inside the museum itself, exhibits greeted us and unveiled more of the story. We especially appreciated the watercolor paintings depicting the war by Sam Chamberlain, an artist, writer, and soldier who traveled through the Southwest and Mexico.  

Afterwards, an early dinner at the nearby recreation park complete with picnic tables and water fountains hit the spot with some sandwiches and snacks we packed along.  

Houston Museum of Natural Science  

Houston Museum of Natural Science

That Houston’s own Houston Museum of Natural Science is considered by many to be on par with the world-renowned Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. speaks volumes about the exhibits you will find inside. In fact, as many visitors flock here yearly as descend on the more famous Metropolitan Museum of Art & the Museum of Natural History, both in New York City.  

So when the kids and I decided to go here on our third day in Houston, we were not disappointed at the destination that is also popular with the locals. Here, some of the favorite permanent exhibits include the Paleontology Hall where past rulers of the area, the dinosaurs still tower and rule. Next, we learned the ways oil and natural gas are made at the “made-for-kids” Wiess Energy Hall. The boys somehow managed to avoid an explosion at the Welch Chemistry Hall where they participated in chemical reaction experiments. They even deepened their introduction to chemical processes by learning how our daily lives run on chemistry.  

Meanwhile, at the Strake Hall of Malacology, we learned more about shells while at the Cullen Hall of Gems and Minerals; we saw crystallized minerals in action.  

At the Serengeti Plain, we marveled at the complex ecosystem of the fertile African region. We then met the Houston Museum of Natural Science’s resident mummy, Ankh-hap, and learned more about Egyptian culture by examining his life.  

From the past, we went back to the future at the Isaac Arnold Hall of Space Science to see an actual moon rock and the Mercury spacecraft itself from the early days of the United States Space Program—all the way back to 1959.  

The Foucault Pendulum exhibit taught the boys with fun, touchable exhibits. Afterwards, a stop at Discovery Place gave them a lesson on the relationship between energy and matter with some hands-on displays.  

There were even more current exhibits like the CSI: The Experience (based on the hit TV shows), Verdura: The Life & Work of a Master Jeweler, Morena Moderna: Virgin de Guadalupe, and Lucy’s Legacy: The Hidden Treasures of Ethiopia. It was a fun-filled yet educational afternoon all in all that I am sure sparked a lot of questions and a desire to learn more in my always curious kids.  

So before you assume that the only things you will discover on a family trip to Texas are tumbleweeds and tombstones, think again. This bustling metropolis has its eye to space, while at the same time, keeps its feet grounded in its past.  

And if you do want to visit more of Houston’s Wild West hotspots, we recommend the George Ranch Historical Park, a 480-acre living historical site complete with costumed historical re-enactors, the Heritage Society historic museum and park, and the Historic Houston Heights Shopping District, stuffed with antiques, vintage clothing, and modern-day stuff you can actually buy.  

My boys and I cannot wait to travel and explore more of Texas. This huge state is sure to hold many more BIG surprises!

When faced with so many choices of places to visit while in a far-off destination like Rome, one must be cautious not to get overwhelmed.  Meticulous research and detailed planning is good, but maintaining  a  laid-back attitude is also key.  After all, it is a vacation, and the primary goal should be to relax and enjoy.   A schedule of daily activities/events should be considered more as a guideline rather than a strict to-do list.  With that philosophy in mind, here is the rest of our family’s adventure in Rome!      

What to See & Do   

Museo Explora   

Located at Via Flaminia Rome, this is Italy’s first museum especially designed for kids and families. Therefore, it makes the perfect stop on any Roman holiday when travelling with the family. The museum is creatively laid out like a small town with four areas. Each area was devoted to a topic of interest, including environment, communication, society, and the esoteric “I.” The displays were very “hands-on,” which makes it great for kids as it becomes a truly personal experience. There were almost surreal displays like a giant mouth, a supermarket, and a petrol station—all child-size, of course.      

Bioparco (Zoological Gardens)      

The Bioparco Zoological Gardens on your Roman family holiday (located at Viale del Giardino Zoologico, 1) can be a whole day indulgence.  There are over 1,000 animals from over 200 species available to captivate kids and adults alike.  There are all kinds of fascinating creatures including birds, mammals, and reptiles.   We are a family of travelers who are very fond of animals, making this the perfect treat.  For more info visit their website at http://www.bioparco.it/forma/bioparco_eng/bioparco_eng_ID737.php      

Roman Colosseum      

Colosseum Rome

The Roman Colosseum (located at Piazza del Colosseo) is of course at the top of the list when visiting Rome.   It is the most impressive remnant of the once great Roman Empire and the largest building of its era. During our visit, we learned that the elliptical building could seat 55,000 people and has 80 entrances. This marvel served the Romans for 450 years as the city’s all-around entertainment center with gladiatorial games (my boys’ main reason for being here) and circuses.    

It has been pillaged, burned, toppled by earthquakes, and even renovated over 2,000 years since it was built, but the Collosseum still stands proudly today and is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable buildings worldwide. At night, it is lit from inside and is absolutely mesmerizing.    

Speaking of Rome at night, the kids loved the Piazza Navona (Piazza Navona, Rome), one of the world’s most well-known addresses. This is a city square in Rome that comes alive especially at night with sketch artists and street performers. There are even brilliant fountains (including a recognizable one dedicated to the sea god Neptune) and interesting sculptures. We “people-watched” at one of its busy sidewalk cafes.    

Ancient Rome Walking Tour This tour starts at the Colosseum/Piazza Navona and takes you by foot through key places in Roman history, including the Collosseum, the ancient Roman Forum, Capitoline Hill, Palatine Hill, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon,  and Constantine’s Arch. On foot is the only way to experience the city so make sure the kids (and you) wear comfy shoes for this three hour romp led by knowledgeable guides.We learned about the Forum’s role in ancient Rome and how its influence can still be seen today in our daily life. We got the scoop on Rome from its early origins to its glory days (and sad decline) as an Empire.  Each group was limited to 25 people. Therefore, the kids had the green light to ask lots of questions.   

Roman Bones, Ghosts, and Ghouls at the Capuchin Crypt   

Located in Santa Maria della Concezione Church, Via Vaneto 27, this was another hit with my kids. My little ghouls didn’t break into a sweat like I did as we descended down the ancient Capuchin Crypt below the Santa Maria della Concezione Church to view the skulls and bones of the Capuchin monks scattered throughout this crypt. They formed all sorts of artistic designs as the actual human skulls and bones were used as decoration. There were thousands of them in the five vaulted chapels (the guide said 4,000 monks were counted). There were even lampshades made from human skin. All my kids could utter was “Kewl.” All I could do was shiver in my boots!   

Planetarium & Museo Civilta Romana    

A museum about Roman civilization, the Museo Civilta Romana and the Planetarium (located at Piazza G. Agnelli, 10) are adjacent to each other.  This means you can journey through space, learning about things like our Solar System and the Moon Landing, and then switch gears instantly.  Once back on earth, you can travel back in time and absorb Rome’s rich history through a detailed scale model of the ancient city as it once stood.     

The Caffarella    

Located in the middle of the busy city of Rome is the sprawling park, the Caffarella, located at Largo Tacchi Venturi  (Via Appia Antica).  This is a charming place for the family to spend a relaxing day away from all the “touristy” activities.  Don’t be surprised if you see passing flocks of sheep, and fresh cheese and eggs for sale at local farmyards.  There are plenty of things to explore including bubbling grottoes, streams, and even ancient tombs nearby which will surely fascinate the kids.    

The Janiculum Hill    

The Janiculum Hill in Piazza Garibaldi will require a bit of a climbing.  The climb and the view will take your breath away.  Once you reach the top, you will find a setting right out of a storybook, with a gorgeous merry-go-round, an Italian puppet show, and a view of Rome you can’t get anywhere else.  As for me, I enjoyed sipping cappuccino and eating some Italian cookies at the coffee bar above.      

Sistine Chapel      

Built by the Vatican between 1477 and 1481, this historic structure (located at the Vatican Palace, Viale del Vaticano) is an unintentional museum of Renaissance art with walls by the great masters such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio, among many others.  Here you can see Michelangelo’s ceiling masterpiece, “The Last Judgment,” awe-inspiring for all ages indeed!  Website: http://www.vatican.va      

St. Peter’s Basilica      

Along with the Collosseum and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City was on our list of “must see”.  It is considered one of the holiest sites in Christian history where St. Peter died and is buried.  The elliptical-shaped St. Peter’s Square features the world-famous fountains of Bernini and Carlo Maderno.       

Tecnolandia      

Tecnolandia is located at Viale della Pittura.  It reminded me quite a bit of Rome’s version of “Tomorrow Land” (a Disneyland attraction).   The kids had a hard time deciding which of the displays or gadgets to try first.  This interactive museum is made for curious kids and adults who never outgrew the need to push buttons.  You can play around with various experiments and gadgets with the expert guidance of the Tecnolandia staff.  See how it all works!      

Time Elevator Rome

Time Elevator    

Make sure to fasten your seatbelts.  The Time Elevator (located at Vai dei SS, Apostoli, 20) would give the chariot races a run for their money.  Well, not really, but it would astonish even the worldly Romans as you literally take a ride through Roman history beginning way back in the prehistoric era.   You get to witness some of the city’s most defining events like Julius Caesar’s assassination (allegedly by Nero), the Collosseum’s glory days, the sweeping Renaissance, and much more. Not only do you see it in full 3D (IMAX-like) cinematic action but you also feel it thanks to in-seat special effects, including a motion base platform guaranteed to shake things up. What’s more, we left the 45-minute ride actually learning something. The kids even pointed to sites they saw on the Time Elevator during the rest of our trip!  Check out their website at http://www.timeelevator.it      

Museo dei Bambini di Roma (Children’s Museum)      

While the main narration during the Children’s Museum of Rome (located at Via Flaminia, 82) tour is in Italian (a great experience nonetheless for the kids even if they can’t understand it), a convenient English translation is provided by an English-speaking staff member.  The numerous exhibits cover everything from how babies are made to how the ecosystem works.  All in all, the displays are all fascinating.  Website:  http://www.mdbr.it      

Museo Civico di Zoologia      

The Museuo Civico Zoologia in Rome (located at Via Aldrovandi, 18) features more than 5,000 specimens you can observe, including insects, birds, and sea life.  They are spread out over 18 zones each with their own themed-collections. What’s more, new exhibits are added constantly, making each visit a different experience. Website:  http://www.museodizoologia.it/index.htm      

Castel Saint Angelo Rome

Castel Sant’Angelo   

(located at Lungotevere Castello 50, Rome) is the well-known name for the Mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, a cylindrical building (like the Collosseum) on the right bank of the Tiber River. Its long history includes being used as part of the city wall, a fortress, a papal residence, a military prison, a barracks, and of course, as a mausoleum. Today, however, it is a proud national museum.     

It gets its current nickname thanks to the bronze statue of an angel sitting on top. It was made in the 18^thcentury by Flemish sculptor Pieter Verschaffet. According to our tour guide, the angel (St. Michael) had supposedly appeared on the rooftop in 590 A.D. His arrival signalled the end of a plague that ravaged Rome. It inspired the former mausoleum to be more popularly called “Castel Sant’ Angelo.”     

It is indeed one of the city’s most famous landmarks, and unfortunately, Emperor Hadrian’s ashes, once contained in an urn here, are long gone.     

Roman Gladiator School     

(located at via Morsasco 9, Rome) was undoubtedly a hit with my boys! What’s more, the classes were all held within clear view of the Colosseum for added excitement. Now before you shake your head at what a bad parent I am, this one day class is made for adults and kids to learn more about this part of Roman history.     

Your expert instructors are the “Gruppo Storico Romano,” women and men who are passionate about keeping history alive by teaching it.     

We began with a history lesson giving us all a background about who the gladiators were in Rome. The instructors used museum exhibits to show daily life through the eyes of a gladiator and highlight their unique and varied fighting styles. Furthermore, we got to choose ancient gladiator names that we used throughout the day.     

Next, our core training started as we took an active part in how the real gladiators prepared themselves (don’t worry, not really as exhausting as the real gladiators had it). We even wore togas over our clothes, learning to accessorize with sandals, belts, and wooden training swords or a “rudis.”     

Finally, we learned some basic offensive and defensive techniques, armed with our rudis. We even got some hands-on experience with the “retiarius” or trident and net. A tournament was optional but adults could show off their moves safely and under strict supervision.     

All in all, history came alive for my boys on what could otherwise have been another bland history tour.     

We even earned certificates of completion as souvenirs!     

Aquafelix      

If you need a kid-friendly break from all the historic sites and culture in Rome, take a quick stop at Aquafelix (located at Autostrada Roma-Civitavecchia, Uscita Civitavecchia Nord).  This water park features water slides, wave machines, and even a huge Jacuzzi.  In addition, you will find a relaxing lagoon and waterfalls.  There are nearby shops and restaurants for a welcome break within your break.      

Luna Park      

Luna Park is one of Italy’s oldest and largest amusement parks (located at Via delle Tre Fontane).  It has over 130 rides for both older and younger kids.  There are even roller coasters and an old-fashioned House of Horrors that are sure to amuse you as well.      

Zoo Marine      

Marine mammals and aquatic birds are the main attraction at Zoo Marine (located at Torvaianca, Pomezia in Rome).  Hourly shows let you watch many of them like at Dolphins’ island (with its friendly cast of dolphins), Pinniped’s Bay (with seal, otter, and sea lion superstars), and the colorful Tropical Bird’s Forest.  Their website is: http://www.zoomarine.it/indexuk.php      

Villa Borghese      

North of central Rome, this beautiful park (located at Piazzale Flamini) lets the family enjoy a leisurely walk to burn off all that yummy Italian food you are sure to eat on your trip.  Dropping by on a Sunday will surely make you feel like a local since this spot is a popular destination for locals who enjoy reading on the grass, picnicking, bicycle riding, and more. Website: http://www.villaborghese.it      

With all the sights to see in Rome, our family did not have a minute to spare.  But despite our long list of places to visit and things to do, we were relaxed and content with the fact that we could not do everything.  After all, this list was there as a guideline only and not as a work schedule!   We were there to enjoy ourselves and I am glad to say we never lost sight of that fact.  We were flexible and took things as they came during our jam-packed four days.  If we wanted to spend more time at one spot, we did.  If we missed something on our itinerary, we would either reschedule or skip it depending on its importance.  Missed attractions are just one more reason to return to Rome for an encore visit!

Last January, while packing away the Christmas decorations, I brought up the topic, “Where would you guys want to go for vacation this summer?”  This inquiry quickly turned into a full-fledged brainstorming session. 

One of the things I asked to keep the ideas coming was, “what city have you seen in movies that really interested you?”  With two boys, Jason 12, and Eric, 8, both fans of the classic movie “Ben Hur” which they play and replay on the classics movie channel, I got a united shout of “Rome!” 

Of course, don’t agree immediately with your kids even if you’ve been dying to go there yourself; even their ideas need to fit both your budget and time constraints.  Therefore, spare them the disappointment if such a vacation isn’t possible. Thankfully, Santa was generous that past holiday season and I got a sizeable bonus from my company. 

Next, we did a lot of research for the trip (which we will share with you later on). This is where the kids really shined.  They scoured the Internet (with supervision, of course) and collected information about Rome.  Their research project included places to stay, things to do and see, where to eat, and even where to shop for souvenirs.  If your kids are older, you can even ask them to email the local tourism authority for more pointers to make the family adventure really stand out. 

Before your departure, divide up responsibilities during the trip such as bringing snacks, entertainment, and other things you need to look for on your journey especially when flying.  Now let the Williams family adventure in Rome begin! 

Suggestions on places to stay 

Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie (Via del Babuino 9, Rome) certainly exudes a distinct Old World hospitality with its eager-to-please staff, spacious rooms (large by European standards), and convenient location at the heart of the city right between the Piazza del Popolo and the famous Spanish Steps. If your family is fortunate enough to enjoy five star luxuries on your Roman holiday, this is the place to stay. However, if your budget puts it a bit out of reach, enjoy a sumptuous meal and enjoy the remarkable view at the La Jardin Hotel or the de Russie Hotel instead. The specially designed “secret” garden of ancient trees and antique roses is highly recommended during the summer season. Special kids’ programs are offered as well. 

Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo 

Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo

Stuffed with all sorts of luxurious trappings, the Bettoja Hotel Mediterraneo (Located at Via Cavour 15) looked very at home in the Old World with its romantic art-deco architecture complete with mosaics, inlaid paneling, and marble columns. They have a complimentary breakfast buffet and newspaper, convenient when you don’t have a partner looking after the kids while you grab a leisurely meal outside.  What’s more, all the rooms feature comfy upholstered furnishings, parquet floors, 1940s-style beds, and even Oriental carpets. 

Grand Hotel Palazzo Della Fonte (Via dei Villini 7, Fluggi Phone)  is for families looking for a kid-friendly hotel near Rome but not necessarily in Rome.  Instead this hotel is 60-minutes from the sometimes hot, always busy city at the heart of a world-renowned Italian spa town (maybe the most well-known, in fact) called Fluggi. Instead of being surrounded by tourist hotspots, you will have to settle for a lush, mountain setting. Don’t worry, if you are looking for a bit of history, the town has its own medieval castle, an ancient bell tower, and a sprawling villa. Babysitting service is among its many amenities. Even small pets are allowed if our Pomeranian Riley was indeed coming along (he stayed with a neighbor). 

Rome's Hotel Gambrinus

 Hotel Gambrinus 

(Via Piave 35, Rome) This hotel was more within our family’s budget. Therefore, we checked-in.  It is even conveniently and centrally located in the city’s historic district near the Via Veneto thoroughfare and close to tourist sites like the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, and the Spanish Steps. The boys were immediately drawn to the cast of a Roman gladiator’s armour in the Hotel Gambrinus’ lobby. For single parents like me and families with younger kids, the in-room babysitting service comes at a reasonable surcharge. 

Hotel Homs 

The Hotel Homs (located at Via Della Vite 71-72) is indeed a family-friendly abode.  They offer childcare service in case you’d like to go out alone or want to visit a location not suitable for kids. This 5-level boutique hotel is at the center of Rome as well, making it convenient.  Wireless internet, a complimentary selection of  magazines, on-site dry cleaning service, and a hotel limo just sweeten the package. 

Aleph A Boscolo Luxury Hotel (Via di San Basilio 15, Rome) is a designer hotel that seems more fashionista-friendly than family-friendly.  In fact, it was inspired by a vision of heaven and hell radiating in the sprawling black marble floors and red leather everywhere (what a vision that must have been). The boys liked the fact there were samurai warrior models guarding the location. It also has a rooftop garden. Even fashionistas must travel with their kids because the hotel offers complete childcare and babysitting services. 

Suggestions on places to eat 

‘Gusto (located at Piazza Augusto, Imperatore 7, Rome) is more trendy than touristy. Located near the Spanish Steps and Via del Corso, this restaurant also features a bookstore, wine bar, and pizzeria.  An outdoor dining area is made especially for soaking up the “hard-to-believe I’m here” atmosphere. You can even see the Mausoleum of Augustus across while dining on pizza or the buffets of six small Italian dishes to give you and the kids a sampler of the menu. 

Ristorante Babette 

The art film “Babette’s Feast” inspired the likewise named Ristorante Babette (located at via Margutta 1D/3). World-renowned chef Silvia Sallorenzo creates culinary magic with an exceptional pistachio, zucchini, and saffron pesto sauce followed by grilled beef fillet in a mouthwatering basil sauce.  Their website can be found at  http://www.babetteristorante.it 

Panattonni (located at Viale Trastevere 53-57, Rome) is a morbid dining experience in the way boys seem to like it. For one thing, this restaurant is proudly nicknamed “The Mortuary” due to its dining tables, which resemble marble burial slabs. However, things aren’t so dead here with plenty of locals buzzing and visitors coming for its wood-oven-baked, crispy, thin-crust pizzas. Orders are even filled at bullet-train speeds. 

Crazy Bull Café 

Looking for a piece of home in Rome? Try the Crazy Bull Café (located at 90 Via Francesco Crispi) for good old-fashioned American cuisine that you can write home about.  This includes hotdogs, Texas-style beans, and stuffed potatoes.  Make sure to save some space for All-American desserts like Apple Pie with a scoop of Vanilla ice cream (not gelato).  There are also 1950s-style Art Deco chairs to rest your weary tourist’s Gluteus maximus on (not to be confused with Circus Maximus).   Check out their website at http://www.crazybull.it 

Il Fornaio Bakery (located at Via Santorre di Santarosa 21, Rome) is a commuter’s lunch haven for the locals who seem to stop here for a quick bite, but we could have spent the whole day at this bakery with its tantalizing selection of baked goods, pizzas (of course), and desserts. We sampled the fried rice balls with a tomato sauce and mozzarella filling, called suppli di riso. For a heavier meal, there is a large selection of Panini (Italian sandwiches) and pizzas.  End your meal with a Scillian cannoli for dessert. Heaven. 

Suggestions on places to shop

Bartolucci Florence

Bartolucci (located at Via dei Pastini 98) features Old World-style wooden toys made for three generations (60 plus years) by the Bartolucci family. Everything from clocks to cars to planes are all expertly carved in pine. The kids encountered an army of small Pinocchios led by a life-sized Pinocchio carving.  He was riding on a full-sized bike and everything including the bike was carved out of wood! The boys even brought home wooden signs personalized with their names engraved. 

Bonpoint Paris (25 Piazza di San Lorenzo) features classic French children’s wear with a modern twist you’d expect in Italy where this store is located. The clothes are very expensive, but I could not resist purchasing little Eric an outfit even if it meant splurge a bit. After all, it may be a long time before we have another chance to return. 

Citta del Sole 

If your family needs more amusement, Citta del Sole (located at Via della Scrofa, 65-66-66a) is your best shopping prospect.  It offers a wide selection of hard-to-find toys and games.  In fact, you can spend your whole vacation browsing here (and I get the feeling the kids would not mind that one bit).  Many of the products are in Italian, but there are also many in English.  Family board games, role-playing games, and games for younger kids stuff the shelves. 

I Granai 

The over 150 shops at I Granai (located at Via Tazio Nuvolari, Ardeatino ) have made it a popular shopping hotspot in all of the Eternal City.  Clothes and accessories might tempt you to pull out your credit card and splurge a bit, but don’t worry, everything is actually affordably priced.  This also includes some furnishings and other household items and appliances.  You can end your shopping adventure feeling very chic and European (in your new outfit) by sipping a cappuccino at one of the numerous cafes in the area. 

Mel Giannino Stoppani Children’s Bookstore (Piazza Apostoli 59/65) is the only place you need to go for children’s books in Rome. While they only carry a small selection of books in English, there were plenty of picture books with little-to-no words for browsing through. Some of our favorite personal souvenirs are books for kids from other countries in their native languages. 

My son Jason put together a checklist of things we needed to cover for our trip to be “complete.”  He and his younger brother found A LOT of useful information online as you can see.  This not only made my job of planning the trip easier, but it also made me realize single parents can manage and enjoy family vacations all on their own if need be. 

- A place for the family to stay – Check
- Places we can enjoy a nice lunch or dinner at (breakfast we’d take at the hotel especially if it was free!) – Check
- Where can we could buy nice gifts for family and friends to share our trip even if just in souvenir form. – Check
- Things to see and do, including attractions, theme parks, parks,  museums, historical sites, and whatever sound interesting that we come across
– Stay tuned for the next installment of “Roaming in Rome Part II.” There are too many to squeeze in here, which means your family will not get bored!

Memphis is the largest city in the state, third largest in the South Eastern area of the United States, and the nineteenth largest in the country. It is hardly the rural, rock-n-roll obsessed destination my grandkids thought it would be. A quick glance at the city guide in our hotel room at the Days Inn Memphis at Graceland at 3839 Elvis Presley Blvd. (Yup, it’s across from Graceland) showed more museums, art galleries, shopping malls, and parks than we could count with both hands. In fact, a lobby staffer proudly hailed the city’s international appeal with galleries dedicated to impressionism and 19^th Century Chinese art (who’d have guessed), both of which you would find, respectively, at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens and the Peabody Place Museum. Of course, while this was news to me, these weren’t in the stars with Scottie and Millie already planning our itinerary.   

Well, I can be thankful that Graceland made their list. After all, I must have mentioned every hour that, for Grandma Dorothy, it was my whole reason for going—apart from spending quality time with my grandkids.   

Woodruff-Fontaine House in Memphis Victorian Village

We would save the best for last and started our adventures at the Victorian Village. As the kids put it, it’s as old as “Grams.”  They stand corrected; Memphis’ Victorian Village was built in the mid-1800s. I am a World War 2 model.  However, they were right, I love old things (just ask Grandpa Daniel back home), and the whole eastern block of downtown Memphis is known as the Victorian Village District at 671 Jefferson Avenue. Our short jaunt there made me nostalgic for small town life. The row of historic houses is open to the public Tuesday thru Saturday.   

We took a walking tour along Adam’s Avenue and through the remaining examples of Memphis’ wealthy past when it’s most affluent citizens built Italian style villas like the Mallory-Neely House (closed on our visit), the Greek Revival-style Pillow-McIntyre House, and the French-Victorian Woodruff-Fontaine House. Millie’s favourite, of course, was the Victorian Gingerbread playhouse in the area, the antique furnishings (“dollhouse”-chic, Millie christened it), and the Victorian era clothing with uncomfortable-looking cinched waists and reams of velvet that were displayed at the Woodruff-Fontaine House’s in-house museum.   

Provide an educational experience for the kids during our trip. Check.  Now it was time to go for some good old-fashioned F-U-N at Mud Island located at 125 North Front Street. We found Mud Island River Park also in downtown Memphis in a small peninsula bordered by the Mississippi River on the west and the Wolf River Harbour on the east. Upon our arrival, we rode a Swiss-manufactured monorail during which we absorbed the marvels of downtown Memphis, the world-famous Mississippi River, and Mud Island itself with its popular River Walk.   

A trip to Mud Island does require one educational stop (the kids protested too, at first) at the Mississippi River Museum.  When we arrived they immediately took an interest in learning about the early Native Americans who lived on the land, marvelling at their pottery, tools, and trade goods. They also learned about the first European explorers of the area through their maps and primitive technology. The third group Scottie and Millie were happy to learn  about were Memphis’ first settlers with their pioneer tools, glass China, and textiles. It was the evolution of the Mississippi’s transportation that really caught the kids’ imagination as a display showed us the progress from man-powered canoes to steam-powered riverboats.   

Of course, kids will be kids, and they naturally found the most fascinating part of the tour to be the Theatre of Disasters Gallery that ended our stop at Mud Island. The full audio and video presentation recreated tragedies on the river much to the kid’s heightened fascination. I have to admit it’s one of my favourites as well.   

It was only mid-afternoon, but lunch was already on our minds. It was my personal mission to treat my grandkids to a lunch for which Elvis himself would have give a thumbs up.  Jim Neely’s Interstate BBQ is located at 2265 South 3^rd Street. This family-friendly restaurant gave us the best BBQ for our buck. I ordered the BBQ spaghetti for the kiddies. It is such a unique, memorable dish that you might be tempted to order it yourself if you can live with the mess. However, for the adults, I recommend a little of this and a little of that…literally. The Sampler Platter is indeed a trip to Hog Heaven (it says so on the menu) with pork ribs, beef ribs, links, beef brisket, and pork shoulder, along with sides, all for $18.75 (you might not need to eat for the rest of the trip after this meal!)  

There are family packs and child’s plates available too. The sweet potato pie was a satisfying end to our family feast in honour of Elvis.   

Replica of America’s first self-service grocery at the Pink Palace

After a quick stop at our hotel to change out of our BBQ-stained clothes, we dropped by the Pink Palace only because it was Millie’s turn to choose and she “thinks in pink.” Located at 3050 Central Avenue, don’t let the fact that it is a museum fool you into thinking its hum-drum. At this immense location, one of the largest museums in the South East, sure we learned about the yellow fever epidemic in Memphis, but the kids also got a slice of Americana with the Piggly Wiggly exhibit, including a walk-through replica of the United States’ first ever self-service grocery store that is still in operation today. In fact, the very concept of a self-service grocery store was patented by Piggly Wiggly founder Charles Saunders. Just goes to show you—there’s nothing new under the sun!  So we had a full day of kid-friendly fun, but now our second day was Gram’s time to shine!   

Hello Graceland!   

Graceland Memphis

Graceland needs no address—just ask any Memphian (that’s what people from Memphis are called). If you do need one, Graceland is at 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd. on Highway 51 South. The former home of the legendary Elvis Presley is second only to the White House as the most visited home in the United States. Almost 600,000 visitors from all over the world flock here yearly like me.   

And as we strode into the 14-acre estate, my giddiness infected the kids who learned more about the mansion and its former owner via a one and a half hour audio guided tour that took us through the house, including the living room, bedrooms (Elvis’ parents lived there too), kitchen, dining room, TV room, music room, and pool room, among many other rooms. Guest starring on the audio tour was Elvis himself who added commentaries and his own memories.  The King’s daughter Lisa Marie Presley was there too. She gave us a rare look at life growing up in Graceland. The mansion tour ended at the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried.   

Our day, of course, did not end there. Next, we dropped by Elvis’ Car Museum which houses 33 cars owned by the king. Scottie was wide eyed as he observed the various classics including the Pink Cadillac, Harley Davidson motorcycles, Stutz Blackhawks, a 1956 Cadillac El Dorado convertible, a 1975 Dino Ferrari, and a piece of movie history, the red MG from the movie “Blue Hawaii” starring Elvis.   

My personal favourite leg of the Graceland tour was the Elvis Jumpsuits All-Access, showcasing the world’s largest exhibit of the King’s costumes, including all 56 of his famous stage outfits. What true Elvis fan wouldn’t feel their destiny fulfilled being in the same space as these artefacts chronicling the evolution of Elvis Presley’s look through time.  You can even buy souvenirs at this stop in the tour.   

Youthful Grandma Dorothy

Finally, the last leg of Grandma Dorothy’s dream vacation was the Elvis After Dark exhibit that featured rare photos and memorabilia from the King’s life away from the spotlight. Included were clothing, personal items, photos, and more. The EAD exhibit remains open after everything else in Graceland has closed.   

All in all, the kids experienced a once-in-a-lifetime getaway with grandma that included a ton of history from Victorian mansions to the history-making music of the King to little-known Americana that will make them appreciate their next trip to the supermarket. As for me, I saw another side to my annual trip to Memphis, Tennessee that will add a little bit more Elvis Presley-style pizzazz to my future visits. Thanks, Scottie and Millie!

At the airport in Honolulu waiting for our delayed American Airlines flight. The flight was cancelled shortly after.

My family planned a reunion trip for the month of February in Hawaii at the Marriott Ko Olina Resort in Oahu.  My husband and I booked first class flights on American Airlines departing LAX and arriving in Honolulu, while our adult children with their spouses and children booked economy/coach on the same flight.  Our reservations were booked over a month prior to our departure.  We paid for a First Class fare with restrictions, having read carefully the restrictions and decided to purchase along with it insurance in case we should get sick and have to make changes to our itinerary.  The total cost for my husband and I was $4,351.20 plus insurance cost (two tickets). The cost for 2 coach tickets was $778.80 which is what the rest of our family paid.

Our flight going to Honolulu was delayed about 2 hours due to mechanical problems with the plane.  We understood that delays do happen and waited patiently for them to bring in the replacement plane.  We eventually arrived and for the next 4 days we enjoyed a wonderful vacation at the Marriott.  It was our first time visiting that side of the Island and we really enjoyed it.

Our return flight #162 from Honolulu on American Airlines was again delayed at first for over an hour only to subsequently be cancelled due to a missing part for the airplane.  Rather than replacing the plane the way they did on our flight to Hawaii, the airline announcer told all the waiting passengers that there would not be a replacement flight and instead we would need to get in line and try to book ourselves on an already partially filled fight #284.  They told us it was “first come first serve” and that this was the last outgoing flight of the day. You can only imagine the mad rush to the counter in order to find room on that flight. Our son and daughter had very young children travelling with them including a newborn, and they were in a panic.  Thankfully they managed to book their seats on that flight, but when our turn arrived, there was no longer any room available on first class.  We were grateful to be accommodated in coach with the understanding that we would be reimbursed the difference of our expense between first class and economy after we returned.  The lady at the counter told us to call American Airlines upon our return and that they could arrange for us to receive a refund.  She was very helpful and even told us she was typing in notes about the situation into the computer and gave us a “locator” code which we assumed was similar to a trouble ticket number.

From the AA.com website where I selected "FirstPremium" with restrictions

The next day when I contacted American Airlines to get our prorated refund, the agents on the phone were rude and dismissive.  One of them laughed and told us that our flight for which we paid $4,351.20 were in fact economy tickets!  I told them they were mistaken and that I had documentation proving this.  I further explained that  the rest of our family paid only $778.80 for each couple and still this was met with nothing but disdain and arrogance.  I tried to contact the refund office and was again told the same thing.

All our documentation showed “First Class” including our printed screen shots of the website, and our email confirmation.  Later on a woman named Ms. Barnholdt told us that our flights were really economy flights “upgradable to first class, based on availability”.  This was flat out false, and if we had seen any such wording we most certainly would not have bought such “iffy” tickets at 5 or 6 times the normal coach ticket price.  It was a classic case of bait and switch, something one might expect from an unknown and shady outfit.  That’s why being treated the way we did by American Airlines was nothing short of shocking.

Waiting at the airport with our family for the delayed flight.

We pretty much gave up trying after all the futile attempts to get our refund.  It was a tiring and frustrating exercise  and we felt we had no recourse until my son suggested that we take American Airlines to small claims court.  The prorated refund amount of $1,750 we were asking was well below the small claims ceiling and he told us how to go about serving them.  All he did was look up the American Airlines local California agent on the Secretary of State website and bingo.

Well, in the end we were vindicated by law.  We filed the small claim in court and the judge saw the case for what it was and judged in our favor; despite the woman who came to argue on behalf of American Airlines and resorted to a lie by stating that the flight was delayed and not cancelled.  First she tried to say that we purchased a coach ticket instead of First Class, but the judge almost laughed when we showed him how much we paid.  The American Airlines representative tried to say it was an economy ticket but that it was “automatically upgraded.”  Our documentation showing that the tickets were First Class cabin and the receipts we brought contradicted her statement.  When the judge said to her “it’s a scam, it’s all a scam…”, my son who was sitting back in the audience almost burst out laughing.  I have to admit it felt good to be proven right, but I just couldn’t believe how little class (no pun intended)  this once great airline was displaying. 

In 30 years we have not taken anyone to court either small claims or otherwise. Their refusal to make good on their commitment and their treatment of a paying customer was completely deplorable and unacceptable.  We were very unhappy when our American Airlines flight was cancelled with no effort to replace the plane, but we were stunned when the people we spoke to at American Airlines completely refused to honor our agreement of First Class seating by at least refunding our hard earned money for the prorated portion of that return flight.  We had plenty of evidence supporting our case including their own printed rules, screen shots of the entire process of purchasing the tickets, email receipts, etc., but they still persisted in wasting our time.  Insult to injury. 

American Airlines repeatedly told us on the phone and in writing that our First Class ticket was “actually a coach fare that allows for an automatic upgrade when available to the premium cabin”, yet there was no evidence of this anywhere and was in fact contrary to everything that we had.  We have not been to the AA.com website since this horrible incident, but I hope that whoever is in charge of the design and content of the site took the time to correct their misinformation and corrupt policy.  As you can imagine our entire family decided never to fly again with American Airlines.  They did eventually issue our prorated refund after the judgment was filed against them, but as expected there was no apology from the airline, and after our experience it was obvious to us that they are an outfit of very low integrity and not one to be trusted.