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XX Settembre, in Rome on John's Birthday

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Joe and I, in front of the Pantheon, my favorite structure. Poor Alessandro, commissioned to drive the foreigners to the airport at dark o'clock. Teresa joined him, saying they'll attend mass together after dropping us off. We gave many sleepy hugs goodbye, and promised to return once we know when my nephew Sam is getting married. We have quite a few things happening in 2027. The flight was quick and uneventful, and soon we were back in Capitani Guest House with the lively Cristiana. This place is beginning to feel like a third home! After a brief nap and change of clothes, we took Cristiana's strong recommendation to take the autobus to Rome centro. Big cushy chairs, AC (it's in the 90sF here), and a smooth ride, with only a couple of stops, all for €7, dropping us off at Termini. We're meeting Maria Grazia at 5:30, so we had plenty of time for lunch and a deeper exploration of this extraordinary city. I remember loving Urbana 47 in the Monti neighborhood, from my...

Torneo (Tournament)

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  Joe, Karen, Rachi and doubles partner Marco Champions! Rachi playing, despite the drizzle. Final day of the tennis tournament. We had a nice start to the morning, at Artigiana. I had both a cornetto and a pistachio granita with my cappuccino, because, hey — it's my last breakfast here. The Last Breakfast  Just because I still want one of these I wanted to pick up a few things to bring home from Lidl, mainly pistachio flour and sesame biscotti. Joe joined me, and we got a few other sundries; deodorant brands we like, some taralli, etc. He turned homeward after Lidl, and I continued on to Vesti Bene. I bought a bag to replace mine, which is too vertical, and a strap is broken. I found an inexpensive one, but, spoiler alert, I didn't end up using it. That's ok. Many times we make quick overnight trips with Vincenzo and Mariella; it's perfect leaving it here for that purpose. As I walked home, I felt a sudden sharp pain on my ankle. It felt like a bee sting. This would be...