Jason Morgan's Travelogue: Rome

An Engagement In Rome

When I decided to propose to Jen, I wanted it to be a memorable occasion. It was easy to know what to avoid. The candlelit restaurant scene felt stale. An intricate wild goose chase felt frustrating. The ring-at-the-bottom-of-the-glass felt sexist.

Then I discovered a very affordable trip to Rome. ... (more)

Leaving America.
Jen's last ringless moment on the continent.

Anticipation!

The Hotel Galeno
Don't let the trimmed shrubbery and smooth paving stones fool you:...

The Colosseum
You've seen it before. But did you know that these small rooms under the...

17 Minutes.
That's how long it took 80,000 people to leave the Colosseum back in...

Arch of Constantine

Flashback to College
"On the next slide, a detail of the Arch of Constantine, note how...

The Christians Couldn't Tear It Down...
...so they just built a basilica inside it. You can see the horizontal...

"Turn Me Over, I'm Done On This Side".
The last words of 3rd century martyr San Lorenzo as he was slowly grilled to...

The Pantheon
It's technically a basilica now, but that's a bit like calling...

The Eye In The Sky
The most famous skylight in the history of humanity. No big deal.

Stormy Weather
Rome is very rainy in February. We took advantage of a brief lull to snap a...

Piazza Navona
In the heat of the summer, Romans would flood this square knee-high...

You Park Like An Asshole.

Thinkers
Julius Caesar bows his head in deep reflection as Aristotle looks on.

Dramatic Framing
Doorways like this are found all over the Museo Nazionale di Roma.

Minerva
Jen seeks enlightenment from the goddess of wisdom.

He's a God. Wouldn't You?
I love the startled look in his eye.

Shameless Mugging.

C and F.
My first thought was Cold and Freezing. Three minutes of fruitless waiting...

Dumb Comedy Is Universal

Piazza di Popolo.

The Vittorio Emmanuel
This was built in the middle of the city to celebrate Italy's...

The Security Line at the Vatican Museum
We only waited forty minutes, but it can stretch to two hours when the hordes...

School of Athens

My Sister Allison Joins Us From London
Her appearances are rarer than the dodo bird's. She stayed in a...

Statues On St. Peter's Basilica.

St. Peter's Square

Head of Constantine.
It's about fifteen feet tall.

Jen's Podophobia.
She wouldn't touch it.

What A Relief
Clowning around at the Capitoline Museum.

Sunset at the Castel Sant'Angelo.

Lovers' Corner
We ought to sell this picture to Gucci. (Big ups to Al for her sneaky...

This One's For You, Mom.
Her recurring fantasy: Feet up, drink in hand, spectacular view.

Quasimodo?
...or my ghoulish sister dragging herself out of the castle keep?

View From The Palatine Hill
We climbed to the imperial hilltop for this view of the Roman Forum.

A Plane Tree

The Imperial Stadium
Used for footraces, horse races, and gardening.

The Proposal Site
The ruins of the Domus Augustana. When I saw this little clearing, I...

"Jason, Why Are You Smiling?"

Engaged!

The Sign Says It All.

article published 02/18/2007

Comments

Add a comment

Congrats to one of my oldest friends, I am so happy for the both of you and can't wait to see what your future holds. Much love and happiness your way!
— Caren, March 12, 2007

Congratulations you two! We are excited about meeting Jen and adding yet another branch to our family tree. (Run, Jen... Just kidding!) Best wishes for a happy life together. Love, Aunt Jan and Uncle Mike
— Aunt Jan and Uncle Mike, February 26, 2007

Congrats
Wow.. you couldn't ask for a more perfect setting. Long and happy life together ~ Best Wishes, Erin = )
— Erin Hooper, February 24, 2007

Congrats!
Just read the news, and congrats! What a wonderful trip for you both!
— Roxy, February 24, 2007

Congratulations Jason! We are so happy for you and know that you will be very happy together. The Smiley's
— Mary Smiley, February 23, 2007

Oh, my! What a beautiful trip! Congratulations! Thanks for posting this, Jason, it made me cry. :)
— Allie, February 23, 2007

Congratulations to both of you! Way to go Jason, for making it a surprise and picking a memorable spot!
— Ned Vasquez, February 23, 2007

Half Way There
It is said that marriage is one-half of faith. That is saying a lot. Because of such, there is a laden difficulty factor attached that kind of value. You both keep in mind that "struggle" is ordained in order that the two of you can grow into a Oneness. Remember, that after every difficulty, comes ease. Kudos to you both for takinga brave step. May your days be filled with happiness and joy. Peace.
— Raphael B Johnson, February 22, 2007

Congrats!!! Jen-Welcome to the family, Italy is is unique place to become engaged. We look forward to meeting you :)
— uncle john and aunt sue, February 22, 2007

FELICIDADES!!! I am very happy for both of you. You are perfect for each other. Wishing many years of happiness together. Lets get together soon to celebrate. Hugs.
— Marlon, February 21, 2007

Welcome to our family, Jason! We are glad you two had such a memorable experience. A good relationship only gets better each day, and we know that you two feel the same way. Love from the two of us!!!
— Cathy and Brian Harvey, February 21, 2007

I nearly screamed in the middle in the middle of the office (alas, working on a very different show than Perfect Proposal) when I read the news -- CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! What wonderful news! You weren't kidding about 2007 being a very special year for us all!

We are so happy for you both and can't wait to give you our personal congrats in May. Welcome to the club my friends.....cheers!
— Isa Brzozka, February 21, 2007

Hooray! Congrats you two! I wish you both happiness!
— John, February 21, 2007

Hell's yeah! Congrats, old friend. Looks like a perfectly executed proposal, worthy of Isa's (alas, cancelled) show.
— Brian, February 21, 2007

Félicitations! Congratulations! Congratulazioni!
— Laure, February 21, 2007

Congrats guys
I proposed at Victoria Falls in September 2006 - one of the happiest moments of my life and also one of the wettest. May you have many happy years together. Rich

P.S. Jen - there is a little place in Bologna, Italy that my fiancee Tanya still swears is the best gelateria in the world. Us guys will stand back and leave you to fight it out as we don't know what all the fuss is about : )
— Tanya/Richard, February 19, 2007

Congratulations!
— Chris and Rich Hanley, February 18, 2007

Bookmark with del.icio.us | Digg this article