Roman Holiday (01.2012)
An unexpected, unplanned, non-budgeted trip to Rome courtesy of Visa International.
We had no idea Visa was sponsoring a contest, but we use our [Russian] Visa cards all the time. What a nice, welcome surprise to learn Rustem had won an all-expense paid trip for two to Rome over the Russian New Year holidays. In fact, we almost lost out because I didn't take the call seriously when some marketing agency called while Rustem was out of town on a business trip. They didn't say what the call was about so I just told them to send him an email. That never arrived but, fortunately, they did call back. Four nights at Rome's Savoy commencing January 3rd. The crowds were enormous since Romans were on holiday, too. Still, not a bad holiday present. Thank you Visa International!
Read MoreWe had no idea Visa was sponsoring a contest, but we use our [Russian] Visa cards all the time. What a nice, welcome surprise to learn Rustem had won an all-expense paid trip for two to Rome over the Russian New Year holidays. In fact, we almost lost out because I didn't take the call seriously when some marketing agency called while Rustem was out of town on a business trip. They didn't say what the call was about so I just told them to send him an email. That never arrived but, fortunately, they did call back. Four nights at Rome's Savoy commencing January 3rd. The crowds were enormous since Romans were on holiday, too. Still, not a bad holiday present. Thank you Visa International!
Heading up the steps of the Capitoline Hill with a view of the Palazzo Senatorio (the old senate building) and statues of Castor and Pollux.
RomeRomaRome ItalyItalyРимИталияRuSuRuSu PhotographyRoma CapitaleCastor and PolluxGeminiCordonataCapitoline HillCampidoglioPiazza del Campidoglio
![A gift from Visa - we'll be off to Rome! (12.24.2011)<br />
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We didn't enter nor have any knowledge of this Visa sponsored contest - just kept using the card, but it's now been confirmed that Rustem's won a trip for two to Rome. We take off on January 3rd for 4 nights at The Savoy. Not a bad holiday present :) Thank you Visa International!<br />
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Wondering about the dates? Well, Russia basically shuts down from December 31st to January 10th. New Year's Eve is like Christmas - a family event typically spent at home watching holiday classics on TV. January 7th is Orthodox Christmas, now a State holiday. January 13th is old Russian New Year [by the Gregorian calendar] &, though most people celebrate the Old New Year, it's a work day none-the-less. <br />
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Many of you know this was a tough year for us so I hope our trip to Rome sets the tone for 2012! <br />
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Merry Christmas to all! May your Christmas be magical.](https://photos.smugmug.com/Vacations/Rome/i-MCLQQNC/0/b85b2f88/Ti/P1070045B%20copy-2-Ti.jpg)
fotoeffects
on May 27, 2012Lovely architecture!
Julie
on May 26, 2012Postcard Perfect!