Dreams from Biancavilla

My beautiful plate from Mariella didn’t make it through the flight. Our wonderful hosts have a sauna! A small but sweet gift we’ll leave for them. Just a small glimpse of the TSA line-up… Serpentine lines went for blocks. Daily blogging takes a bit of commitment, I’ve learned. Especially when I’m on the move.  The latest travel jaunt was grueling, the worst of it being a broken hand-painted Caltigirone platter (a special gift from Mariella), and losing the pretty scarf (bought in Sicily) on the train. We were also damn tired, which didn’t help matters (albeit a partway self-inflicted condition). The next few weeks involve a lot of moving around, so I’ll take a break and post when I can; it’ll be more consistent when I’m back “on the job” again. I’m back in Minnesota just briefly, and it will be great to see both my family and Joe’s. Peek in on occasion—I still like to blab!

Restaurant of my nickname  “Tamponi” are Covid tests New ruins Circus Maximus Lucy, this one’s for you Floor of Santa Maria in Cosmedin Santa Maria in Cosmedin Sarcophagi  ’Merigo Isola Tiburina Tevere River Locks of love Poetry and Streets of Trastevere Santa Maria in Trastevere Basilica of the torture illustrations  Torture depictions follow— Rated R I take a pic of this on via Merulana each visit to Rome Preparing for street demonstrators  Tiny but important Basilica della Prassede Our hotel staircases are sparkling and smell so good! Our last day of “vacation” in Rome was a busy one! Luckily, we were blessed with a warm, sunny day; I even got a little color between my mask and sunglasses. First things first: hit the pharmacy for a Tampone, or, Covid test. Just as in New York, there are pop up tents everywhere, making it super easy. Also as in New York, Rome has a great place for a caffe or a snack if you want to wait a few minutes for printed results. Surprise, surprise—we are nega