We returned to Rome with a big welcome from our cousins—Luciana and Adriana. Returned the car on time and got all the dates and times lined up for dinners, lunches, and drinks with more cousins, and even a tour of the mosque in Rome that Adriana painstakingly set up (required security clearances.) The day of our first big dinner for ten, Bonnie had us take covid tests because Giuliano Benelli, one of the guests, is 93 years old. We were negative, but shockingly Luciana tested positive! Bonnie couldn’t believe she was seeing a second black line on the test! Quick change of plans. We put on masks, cancelled all the gatherings, packed and left Luciana’s apartment, and relocated to a hotel in central Rome. Bonnie and I continued to test negative.
The bright side is that Bonnie gathered all her expertise and selected a hotel that is truly central—close to all the tourist spots including the Spanish Steps. Only a ten-minute walk. The unexpected three days in central Rome gave us both time to relax a little before our journey home. We spent our days wandering the streets and getting to know neighborhoods better. Luciana is fine. She remains isolated and feels comfortable.
Exciting end to the great three months of travel. We plan to return in two years and are encouraging Luciana to come to California in September.
First things First – Return the Car
Cousins and Montesacro
Poke is invading all parts of Italy, including MontesacroYaki’s refuge from RobertDinner at Adriana and Gino Secondo’sLunch in the neighborhood at Rosati’sLunch in the neighborhood with Marta, Liam, and LucianaLiam!
Rome – Lodging
Family run. Very nice folks. Quality service.
Rome and the Holiday Lights
Rinascente—The expensive one of the two in Rome.Piazza Navona—A disappointment to Robert. For the holidays it is basically occupied by carnival vendors. Not like in 1973 when he went with Zio Alfredo to see the display of presepis (crèches).
Roming
White truffles 5,300 euro per kilo (about $160 per ounce)
Tour of the Vatican
We had not been to the Vatican since Michaela gave us and Robert’s parents a tour in 2001. It was time to go again. In early December the crowds were not too bad. Although the tour was a bit rushed, we learned more.
The symbol of one of the popes of past. Similar to the logo for Serra S’Abbondio., the Sabbatini home town.Robert has always enjoyed the Gallery of Maps. They were completed between 1580 and 1583 and one clearly shows Frontone, Serra, and Isola. The latter two are the birthplaces of Robert’s grandfather and grandmother.
I Cibi e Le Bibete a Roma
Very good! Roman cuisine, like artichokes, as you can see. We went back for dinner.Don’t bother going here.We posted a closeup of the steak above because this seems to be the default – sangue (blood). But in some places in Italy this is called rare or even medium rare. Robert plans to take a photo of a medium rare steak and use it in the future to show waiters what he would like.The gelateria had this on the wall. Robert remembers Uncle Johnny talking about he and Uncle Rico being there when they were filming the scene on the river. They were told to keep quiet.Nice place. Roman cuisine. We got there around around 7:30 for dinner. The place was almost full with about half of the restaurant clearing out by about 8:00. Early for Italians. When Robert asked the waitress if this was because they catered mostly to tourists, she replied “Si.” Even so, the food and service were authentic.This is our second time. Nice place. The staff were energized and happy, especially after Robert handed out holiday buttons!
Robert, Robby Micheli was kind enough to forward your ipensionati travel log to me in 2019. It has been so many years since we last saw each other . I don’t know if you remember me. Arduino and Pia Galassi were my father and mother in law. I was married to David. I feel through all of your Emails We have met again and I have gotten to know your lovely wife Bonnie. Her love of Gelato,CokeZero and sharing her selections of the beautiful fashions and jewelry she’s chosen on your adventure. I just wanted to thank you for letting me be a butterfly 🦋 on your backpack. Taking me to places I’ve heard about but never have been. What a joy. Thank you,Thank you to you and Bonnie for sharing 2019 and 2022. Have a safe flight home and Boun Natale Sandra
SANDRA: Yes it has been a while! So nice to hear from you and so happy that you enjoyed our posts. We enjoyed putting them together as they allowed us to record our experiences “on the fly”— those things that you might not remember in time. We will be on the road again this spring. Thanks so much. And Buon Natalie to you too! ROBERTo e La BONNIE
Thank you for the wonderful vicarious experience.
Robert, Robby Micheli was kind enough to forward your ipensionati travel log to me in 2019. It has been so many years since we last saw each other . I don’t know if you remember me. Arduino and Pia Galassi were my father and mother in law. I was married to David. I feel through all of your Emails We have met again and I have gotten to know your lovely wife Bonnie. Her love of Gelato,CokeZero and sharing her selections of the beautiful fashions and jewelry she’s chosen on your adventure. I just wanted to thank you for letting me be a butterfly 🦋 on your backpack. Taking me to places I’ve heard about but never have been. What a joy. Thank you,Thank you to you and Bonnie for sharing 2019 and 2022. Have a safe flight home and Boun Natale Sandra
SANDRA: Yes it has been a while! So nice to hear from you and so happy that you enjoyed our posts. We enjoyed putting them together as they allowed us to record our experiences “on the fly”— those things that you might not remember in time. We will be on the road again this spring. Thanks so much. And Buon Natalie to you too! ROBERTo e La BONNIE