Sogni di Sicilia

I'm grateful for this practice run of extended heat, although sleeping is hard, as AC is more of a novelty here. I spent the morning cleaning up the bird detritus, after a night filled with waking up in pools of sweat. The vigne is much more "fresh," but it's packed, and the shower situation is scarce for the week's occupancy.  I was able to take a nap at the vigne, which helped. And the heat's not terrible; it's just the sleeping that's a bear. Explaining the dead bird to Andrea, and knowing in the States we may deal with it a certain way, I asked how best to dispose of it. "Umido," she replied, meaning I should put it out on the garbage day when organics are collected. So, he'll hang with the potato peels. Matteo snuggled up to me on the sofa, and we read together. We also played with toy slime, until he escaped and went next door to where Rodi's husband, Vasile, was hacking down a Mall-of-America-sized lot of mountain weeds to make...

Well; a while since we've been back here for family, anyway. The flight was a bit exhausting, but the vivacious Cristiana in Fiumicino got us back on our feet. It stresses to me even more how much I need a 2-day stop between here and Bangkok this fall. A fresh (97⁰F "fresh") morning with Cristiana's caffè and homemade torta, cornetti, and fresh fruit, before we bid Fiumicino goodbye and flew to Catania. How great to see Vincenzo and Mariella, who claimed us at the airport! We chatted nonstop in the car. Since EVERYONE is coming to town for the 70th birthday bash, Liliana's wedding, and the baptism, we are staying at the apartment instead of the vigne, albeit just for sleeping and showering. Otherwise, that's where we'll all gather. It sounds as if there are nearly 200 attendees per event (although not all staying at the vigne or house). Elena greeted us wildly, and I scooped up new baby Giulio, refusing to give him up unless necessary. He's a happy and...

Rome, I love you. Even your airport. Arrivederci a la prossima. Maritozzi Panini Sfogliatella

We're near Rome's main airport, in Isola Sacra, or, more commonly known as "Fiumicino". We are missing my niece by just handfuls of hours! We should've planned better, as she would be a trip within a trip (I mean this in the best way; she's electric). After a good night's sleep in a cute and comfy B&B (Zefiro), we're finally carving out enough time to visit the scavi as intact as Pompeii: Ostia Antica. I've wanted to get here for years, and have never had time for that one little side trip. Well, now we're staying in the land of the side trip! Ostia Antica is only 15 minutes by car from our B&B. A veritable ancient marketplace, trading post, sites of the first purveyors of 'fast food,' with still-standing thermal pots set up like modern-day banquet steamers. On the beach. And it's a beautiful day! What could be better? If it were open. It's Monday, so as with many museums, including outdoor ones, it's closed. This is...

Our gracious host of B&B Quindici allowed us to leave our luggage and keep the parking pass as long as we need. It's Sunday. Davide is riding here on his motorcycle to meet us for lunch. We used the morning to walk to the beachy side of the peninsula. It's a warm and sunny day; only a sweater is needed this morning. Crowds waiting for the cinema to open Huge Christmas bear at piano. Street art. Barbershop and 12:00 shadow Lido directions You missed a letter, bruh! Big-ass Babbo Natale and cello Old women walking  Our B&B alley We met Davide at Comeilmare and had a delightful lunch, laughing, talking, eating, hugging. He totally gets me but doesn't make me feel bad for any of my 'character flaws'. It's been fun watching him mature over the years, and I adore him.  He got back on his motorcycle, we got into our car, and we each paced off in opposite directions from the same starting point, like duelers with motors instead of pistols. ******** We arrived in...