A photo workshop has been my long-held dream; a photo workshop in Rome was over the top - for me. My husband will tell anyone who asks that he has taken 12 pictures in his entire life - the limit of a roll of film in a Brownie camera. So, on this trip, I am solo.

Traveling from Seattle is almost 20 hours - a good excuse to book a hotel car. …

One of our number wanted to photograph the Spanish Steps in early morning light - we were out of the hotel before six (glad I had dozed the day before) and had the light and the Steps virtually to ourselves. Magical; serene, timeless. We returned to Steps many times: busy afternoons with people milling everywhere; and at night, when people just …

The entrance to the Ghetto is through the Portico di Ottavia, built by Augustus for his sister; a ruin full of columns and remnants of walls and buildings, some incorporated into modern structures. The ghetto itself is both an historic and a living neighborhood, like so much of Rome. There is an active synagogue, a solitary plaque marking the …

The Capitoline Hill, overlooking the Forum, is one of the seven hills of Rome. It has been a focus for Roman life since the earliest times of settlement. Contemplating the ruins of the Forum from this vantage point is literally breathtaking. The Museum itself is a magnet for weddings - one after the other wedding party assembled, went in, …

Our tour leaders had arranged coveted tickets in the seated area in Saint Peter's Square. And I missed it! 24-hour flu; not a chance of stirring from the hotel. My comrades took amazing photos: Pope Francis touring the crowds after the Mass, splendid cardinals and other Church luminaries, enthusiastic spectators. But none for me. I am …

Our last day in Rome. Perhaps it was sour grapes after the day before, but I didn't especially enjoy the visit to the Vatican, although one can hardly fail to be impressed. It is hard to feel spiritual in the midst of a total mob scene. At some point, I gave up looking at the Basilica and just watched the crowd looking at the Basilica.

Another …