:: CovChap Casual Pics Gallery ::

The entire Cov Chap community helped Tom and Pam celebrate
their 25th Anniversary in the Ryan homeland -
the gleaming Emerald Isle of Ireland with assorted stops in Italy.

The Colosseum in Rome was inaugurated by the emperor Titus in 80 A.D. The vast ellipse, with tiers of seating for 50,000 spectators, was Rome's first permanent amphitheater.

The Arch of Constantine dates to 315 A.D. Its Corinthian style commemorates the triumph of Constantine I after his victory over Maxentius in the battle at the Milvian Bridge.

These Roman ruins date to hundreds of years before Christ. They're outside Rome - and provide us with a sense of ancient history and architectural tradition...

Ornate architecture looming over modern Rome reflects the majesty and might of the ancient Roman Empire.

The Pantheon, one of the great spiritual buildings of the world, was built as a Roman temple and later consecrated as a Catholic Church. It dates to about 90 years after the crucifixion of Jesus.

A Roman spire dating back to the 2nd Century towers over the city...

The Marketplace Square in ancient Rome served as a gathering place.

Pam smiles after the concierge at the Bed and Breakfast in Rome brings her the Veal Parmegian platter she ordered to prepare for another long day of sightseeing.

Michelangelo's moving "Pieta" depicts the Mother of Jesus holding the his body. It's at the Vatican in St. Peter's Cathedral - behind glass since it was attacked by a man with a hammer in 1987.

An audience with the Pope on a rainy day is always a great idea. This mass was attended by thousands - - including the Ryans, who hovered in the elements as the Catholics inside received the Elements.

A beautifully architected bridge spans the river...

A high hotel-room scene showing majestic centuries-old architecture...

The ruins of ancient Rome lie as a silent testament to man's inability to create permanence and perfection.

A vast herd of Vespa motor scooters greets the Ryans after they arrive in Florence.

An elegant mural in Florence...

Here's the street from the left side of the Ryan's Bed & Breakfast in Florence.

A rowing crew glides by on the river by Florence.

And, here's the street from the right side of the Ryan's Bed & Breakfast in Florence. What a great view of this ornate and romantic city...

Tuscany

Certaldo

San Gimigrano

Tom and Pam beamat the vast hilltop panorama near San Gimigrano.

Volterra

Colte diVal d'relsa

Siena

Chianti

The world famous Chianti grape fields produce some of the world's most respected wine. ("A fruity bouquet - - dry and musky, with audacious tart overtones...")

Arezzo

The canals of Venice, Italy lap against the centuries-old streets and buildings. Note the contrast of modern construction projects in the midst of centuries-old architecture.

The famous Venetian canals used to provide necessary transportation. Now, motorized ferries transport tourists to Bed & Breakfasts like this one where Tom and Pam stayed.

This is Ireland as seen from the window of the B&B in Dingle Bay

Pam emerges from inside an Irish "Beehive Hut". These ancient dwellings on the Irish countryside date from thousands of years before Christ.

Irish Shore

These stone dwellings along the shores of Ireland have provided welcome shelter for thousands of years.

The ceaseless, teeming ocean pounds against the rocky shore and imposing crags of Ireland.

A misty Irish rain falls in the waves off the shore of the Emerald Isle. Ireland generally has a mild, wet climate. (Read more here...)

Ireland famine House

Tom photographed this picture of one of his Irish ancestors...