Imperatore Pingitore II

Thought this emperor looked a little familiar.  Probably an ancestor from way back when.

If you know me, you know that I have now totally lost my mind, or been inhabited by aliens.  I spent the morning at two different flea markets with 3 women.  Maria Grazia invited me to join her and two of her friends.  If I had this offer in Minnesota, it would have taken a gun to my head to get me there, and I probably would have just said go ahead and shoot.  But, it was a good time.  They are just like MN flea markets, except instead of being full of american junk, they have lots of Italian junk.  Could have picked up a VCR, an Olivetti typewriter, and a Singer sewing machine like mom had for good price.  But, didn't know how to get them home.

Maria Grazia and two fantastic friends, Roberta and Alba.
My reward for enduring this was to return home with the three of them and Maria made lunch of pasta with light sauce of pecorino, olive oil and pepper, with salad.  Alba, in honor of my Siciliano ancestors had stopped to pick up cannoli. (Please don't tell mom, she will be very jealous, as these are her favorite.)  Lots of  laughs.  Was telling Alba about last night's story about forgetting my wallet, and she immediately said, "Oh, a typical Siciliano man." But, said in Italian with good Roma accent.
We then all headed out to Musei Capitolini.  Here's a few highlights:

Medusa by Bernini.

Hadrian

Marcus Aurelius
Constantino


View from rooftop terrace where we ended with glass of wine.  Roberta just retired as professor of Greek and Latin at scuola superiore (Italian High School), and she served as our personal guide, giving running commentary on all we were seeing.  It was all in Italian, but she is brilliant, and I may have learned a few things.

Since, my Uncle Jim has been a bit delusional, thinking he's in cathedrals (or maybe not so delusional) I've been stopping in a few basilicas lighing candles for him.  (Again, please don't tell mom, as she may get the wrong idea and think I've returned to the church.)  But, it has been interesting and peaceful experience.  And, interesting sidelight, you can get better deals on votive candles if you shop around. For example, at Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, they suggest 2 euro contribution, and what you get is an electronic candle that lights up.  But, around the corner at Santa Prassede, for a mere .30 euro, you get the whole real candle, with real flame.  That's what I opted for.  Not sure it's the best idea to be bargain hunting when it comes to votive candles and prayers, but just seems like God would appreciate a real flame, and a deal when he sees one.

Back home for pasta con broccoletta.  And, bottiglia di vino rosso for change of pace.  Ended evening watching Garrison Keillor Prairie Home Companion movie in Italian.  Very funny.  All the lines were dubbed in by Italians.  So, got to hear Meryl Streep, Woody Harrelson, Lindsey Lohan, Kevin Kline and Garrison, himsel,f through other Italian voices.  But, the songs were left in as original voices with Italian subtitles.

Off to sleep, and then new class tomorrow with the advanced kids. Ciao




c

Comments

  1. EmilyRoseApril 10, 2011 at 4:44 PM

    Your Mother will be so happy that you have even set foot in a church to say a prayer, good for you. You must really like writing after the long day you had. I know it can be relaxing, you must have gotten your second wind after dinner because you looked really tired when we talked earlier. I'm laughing at what you said about going to the flea markets because it is so true, but like you said you don't care what you do as long as there is food at the end of the experience, so Maria must be a very good cook, and looks and sounds like she is good company as well.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousApril 10, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    I read this aloud to your partner in crime to let him know that it's time for him to try that--he has to go with only one woman, so we can spend more time there.

    I can always offer a choice-- antiquing or IKEA.

    Probably, there are certain people in the States making careful note of this. There may be other flea markets in your future.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Joe PingatoreApril 10, 2011 at 7:03 PM

    Sorry, please completely disregard this last post. Somehow someone hacked into my account, and is messing with me. Obviously, I did NOT go to a flea market with 3 women. I will check security settings here, and hope to resolve the problem soon. Ciao

    ReplyDelete
  4. MarthaApril 10, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    Darn those hackers. Man its amazing how uncanny the resemblance is between you and your ancient ancestors. Its almost like I'm looking at a picture of you.

    ReplyDelete

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