XX Settembre, in Rome on John's Birthday
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...