Arrivederci Roma
Seems to be a day of saying goodbyes. I've become very used to my favorite bar here around the corner form school, where I start my day with a capuccino and brioche, usually warm out of the oven. The young barrista now knows me, and as soon as I walk in, she goes to grab the brioche to hand to me as she starts making my capuccino. Here she is, but I should have snapped this as she turned around.
Said good bye to her, and she said she hoped I'd be back soon .
School is now out, and now time for a much needed vacation. Said ciao to my classmates, all who will be continuing on without me. I think I hit if off best with the Cavita, the Japanese girl in the picture.
Tomasso, (not his real Korean name) was just ordained a priest yesterday in a mass with the Pope.
For lunch stopped into a great hole-in-the-wall place that according to the sign, dates back to 1898. As you walk in, there is a big porchetta roast, that they take slices off to make a nice panino. Had one with a glass of red, and stood outside at a table to enjoy it. Inside of restaurant was packed with locals (meaning all 7 places were taken.) Total bill, 4 euro.
Back home, and Greta made a special trip over here to say good bye to me, and make her case one more time as to why there is really no good reason to leave Roma. She does present compelling arguments. She and I popped downstairs to the bar for a last caffe, sigaretta, and hugs goodbye, as we traded email addresses. She is very sweet.
So, vacation finally begins tomorrow. I hop fast train out of here to Napoli to arrive about 11:00. I will spend day with Davide seeing Napoli and perhaps Sorrento. Then, hop the ferry boat to depart at 8 p.m. to arrive at sunrise Sunday in Palermo harbor. I have room with bed for the trip, and I hear there is a decent bar on board where I might find a scotch, just for a change of pace from my vino e grappa. Plan is to stay in Palermo Sun. and Mon. night. That is if I can find room. Forgot to calculate in my plans that it is Pasqua. I may be sleeping on a beach. Then, leave Tues. morn for Selinunte. Carlo, a student of Maria's owns property there, and he booked me into a B&B called Sicilia Cuore Mio for Tues and Wed night. He also arranged for his brother to show me his properties while I'm there. So, I'm open to suggestions. Do you prefer to visit a larger home, but a bit more inland, or a smaller condo closer to the sea? I suppose this means I have to pack tonight.
Here's a couple shots from yesterday's wanderings. Oh, should mention excellent dinner from last night of fresh acciughe fritto. Maria had picked up fresh anchovies at market, and fried them, then served with another pasta course. Anchovies were very tasty.
Basilica Santa di Pudenzianna dates back to IV century, and she is sister to Santa Prassede, basilica outside my window here.
Near Piazza della Repubblica.
Signing off from Roma, and see you soon from Sicila via Napoli. Ciao
Said good bye to her, and she said she hoped I'd be back soon .
School is now out, and now time for a much needed vacation. Said ciao to my classmates, all who will be continuing on without me. I think I hit if off best with the Cavita, the Japanese girl in the picture.
For lunch stopped into a great hole-in-the-wall place that according to the sign, dates back to 1898. As you walk in, there is a big porchetta roast, that they take slices off to make a nice panino. Had one with a glass of red, and stood outside at a table to enjoy it. Inside of restaurant was packed with locals (meaning all 7 places were taken.) Total bill, 4 euro.
Back home, and Greta made a special trip over here to say good bye to me, and make her case one more time as to why there is really no good reason to leave Roma. She does present compelling arguments. She and I popped downstairs to the bar for a last caffe, sigaretta, and hugs goodbye, as we traded email addresses. She is very sweet.
So, vacation finally begins tomorrow. I hop fast train out of here to Napoli to arrive about 11:00. I will spend day with Davide seeing Napoli and perhaps Sorrento. Then, hop the ferry boat to depart at 8 p.m. to arrive at sunrise Sunday in Palermo harbor. I have room with bed for the trip, and I hear there is a decent bar on board where I might find a scotch, just for a change of pace from my vino e grappa. Plan is to stay in Palermo Sun. and Mon. night. That is if I can find room. Forgot to calculate in my plans that it is Pasqua. I may be sleeping on a beach. Then, leave Tues. morn for Selinunte. Carlo, a student of Maria's owns property there, and he booked me into a B&B called Sicilia Cuore Mio for Tues and Wed night. He also arranged for his brother to show me his properties while I'm there. So, I'm open to suggestions. Do you prefer to visit a larger home, but a bit more inland, or a smaller condo closer to the sea? I suppose this means I have to pack tonight.
Here's a couple shots from yesterday's wanderings. Oh, should mention excellent dinner from last night of fresh acciughe fritto. Maria had picked up fresh anchovies at market, and fried them, then served with another pasta course. Anchovies were very tasty.
Signing off from Roma, and see you soon from Sicila via Napoli. Ciao
I think Selinunte was one of the places we visited on our trip to Sicily. If it is it has beautifrul ruins and the hotel we had stayed at had a beautiful view of the ocean and beach. Did I say it was beautiful? Have a safe trip.
ReplyDeleteI think a nice flat a bit inland, but within driving distance from the sea, would be very nice. But, ultimately, it is you who will live there, so ignore my two cents worth. Think of your daughters and grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to meet Elda. Either way, please give my love to Davide, and enjoy his insider's tour of Napoli. It makes NYC's wildest neighborhoods look like daycare.
I'm a bit sad that this is your last week in Italy. I have enjoyed your posts, and seeing you so utterly happy. That is perhaps the best wish for a friend, and I'm glad you've had it realized. I look forward to your soul and root searching in bella Sicilia. I hope you find all that you are looking for in beautiful Palermo as well.
Buona Pasqua, buona Pasquetta, buona vacanza dell' ultima settimana tu sei in Italia, mio bello amico. Abbracci forti, Caterina.
After watching a lot of "House Hunters International" I know a few key things to look for. 1. You should be able to find a reasonably priced, fully furnished living space. 2. It should be inland enough to enjoy to save on the cost of "beach front property". 3. You should still be in reasonable reach of the beach. I hope that Carlo's brother knows his stuff and is on top of his game. I'm going to look on Zillow a little tonight and see what I can find out. Enjoy the site seeing. And I'll let you know what I find...is there a price point you are looking to stay under, or in Italy is there no price on the perfect home? Either way, I'll keep you posted on what I find.
ReplyDeleteTurns out I can't help much...all this Euro talk gets me confused. And don't even get me started on square meters. What does that even mean!?!? Crazy Europeans. Looks like you're gonna have to trust this guy cause I'm no help. Good Luck. Oh, except everything looks super cute and old and rustic, so that's exciting. Just keep an eye out for all the places that "may require restructuring work", that seems like a phrase that pops up a lot. Guess when things get old they need extra work.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I think it would be best if you get out here asap. You can help me measure square meters. (You make me laugh)
ReplyDeleteGiuseppe, I think I prefer being close to the sea . . . yeah that would suit me fine. I don't need much space. Oh and I like balconies . . . try to find a place with a balcony. So, by the sea, with balcony . . . oh yeah also get someplace near some nice cafe's OK. Let me know
ReplyDeleteNP