ROME (AP) — New York City’s mayor Bill De Blasio has taken in the famous view from the Rome mayor’s balcony overlooking the Roman Forum on the first day of his Italian family vacation.

De Blasio told reporters after meeting Mayor Ignazio Marino on Sunday that he “found a new brother,” and recalled the strong ties between Rome and New York.

Earlier, the De Blasio family stopped by a cafe on Piazza Navona for a granita al caffe — an iced coffee drink popular on hot summer days.

De Blasio’s much-discussed family holiday was delayed by a day so the mayor could wrap up some city business. He is planning to visit Venice, Naples and the villages where his grandparents grew up during the stay.

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