In the late spring of 2012, to celebrate my 70th birthday on June 8, my daughter Diana, some close friends and I took a wonderful trip through Rome and Sicily. The highlight was a trek up glorious Mt. Etna, the famed active volcano on Sicily's east coast - we explored natural springs and enjoyed breathtaking views. A bit of la dolce vita to kick off my eighth decade! Photos by Andre Fasciola
![The Pantheon, meaning, " To Every God", was rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian in about 126 AD. Originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was originally used as a temple to the ancient gods of Rome. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome, and it has been in continuous use since the 7th century.
The inscription across the façade says M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT (or in full, "M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] f[ilius] co[n] s[ul] tertium fecit,") which translates to "Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time."](http://drweil.smugmug.com/DrWeilTravel/Dr-Weil-in-Italy/i-JPmRghg/0/Ti/pantheon-Ti.jpg "The Pantheon, meaning, \" To Every God\", was rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian in about 126 AD. Originally commissioned by Marcus Agrippa, the Pantheon was originally used as a temple to the ancient gods of Rome. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome, and it has been in continuous use since the 7th century.
The inscription across the façade says M·AGRIPPA·L·F·COS·TERTIVM·FECIT (or in full, \"M[arcus] Agrippa L[ucii] f[ilius] co[n] s[ul] tertium fecit,\") which translates to \"Marcus Agrippa, son of Lucius, made this building when consul for the third time.\"")
Taken from the hilltop castle Castelmola along the coast. In the background is Mt. Etna, an active volcano.
Taken from the hilltop castle Castelmola along the coast. In the background is Mt. Etna, an active volcano.