I woke up this morning with a little bit of a sore throat, I was very sad and a little over tired so all I could do was cry. But don’t worry my tears last only 2 minutes, which is when I pulled my head out of my ass and remembered… I am in ROME! I just have to take care of myself the best I can and keep going. I got dressed for my day at the Colosseo and went to see Carlo for my morning directions. Bless Carlo’s soul, he has been so patient with me and all of my reservation requests, I simply adore him. As every morning, no map, no taxi, and of course, call if I need a nything; he smiles and sends me on my way. No matter how far it is, I am walking, it is therapeutic, beautiful, my “downtime”. It was a little chilly out today, but nevertheless, I walk, cardigan in hand.
I get to the Coloesso and again, walk to the front of the line to retrieve my ticket placed on hold by Carlo the previous day. The remains of the Colosseo are breathtaking, for a moment I closed my eyes and actually imagined myself seeing an event as a Roman, it was surreal. The amphitheater is huge, I felt like an a little grain of sand on the largest beach… Although there were not thousands of paintings to admire, or the need to dedicate an entire day to the Colosseo, the sight is no less incredible or lacking importance and beauty.
After I left the Colosseo, I made my way to the Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see the infamous Bocco della Verità (Mouth of Truth). Again, legend has it that if a liar was to stick his hand in the mouth of the large face carved from stone, it will get bitten off. When I told Adri I would know a few people who would be leaving with only one hand, she quickly reminded me of my “my husband is waiting for me” excuse I used to skip the line at the Vatican. Touché, Adri, touché.
Just then, it started to rain and it rained all day, harder at various times, much like San Diego. As a result, I did the only thing I could do; go shopping… how else was I supposed to keep dry? But try #2; much like try #1, I didn’t have any luck. I had my second gelato; it was okay, not nearly in the same ballpark as Giollitri’s, however, it was still very enjoyable.
When I got back to the hotel, I was exhausted; I took a little nap and then emailed Massimo letting him know that I would be coming in for actual dinner this time. Emy and Adri took the night off, rightfully so, they were not on vacation and had already done SO much for me. Max was again very gracious and told me he would be happy to host me. When I finally peeled myself off my bed I took a shower and pulled myself together.
Etablí adorable as ever, I finally met Max… remember, I have only emailed with him but never actually met him. Francesco was there, enjoying dinner and wine. In addition to my known friends, were Daniele and Patrick, two handsome, inviting, fashionable men are also friends with Max & Co, and now me. Naturally we all sat together, drank, ate, laughed and talked up a storm. My waiter, Giuseppe, was adorable, reminded me of my friend Jerry from home, as in Chicago. He loved to talk rugby and why he quit, he was now on to surfing… but I could tell he was longing to play rugby again. There wasn’t a glass of wine he recommended that I didn’t like and I let Francesco order dinner for me and he did a great job… honestly, there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this place. People, ambiance, food, wine, everything was just warm and authentic. If I lived in Roma, it would be my neighborhood eatery. After a long day and night, Francesco “scooted” me home… haha, “scooted”= drove, but on a scooter!
I am greeted by the evening staff with big smiles and I smile back, just feeling so happy and fulfilled. I, of course, try not to think I am leaving in two days and fall asleep with one of the biggest smiles on my face I think I have ever had. I drift off dreaming of how much I wish I never had to leave.
I hope this feeling never goes away, and I hope everyone can feel like this in their life.
Baci!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xoxo,
Me
I get to the Coloesso and again, walk to the front of the line to retrieve my ticket placed on hold by Carlo the previous day. The remains of the Colosseo are breathtaking, for a moment I closed my eyes and actually imagined myself seeing an event as a Roman, it was surreal. The amphitheater is huge, I felt like an a little grain of sand on the largest beach… Although there were not thousands of paintings to admire, or the need to dedicate an entire day to the Colosseo, the sight is no less incredible or lacking importance and beauty.
After I left the Colosseo, I made my way to the Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see the infamous Bocco della Verità (Mouth of Truth). Again, legend has it that if a liar was to stick his hand in the mouth of the large face carved from stone, it will get bitten off. When I told Adri I would know a few people who would be leaving with only one hand, she quickly reminded me of my “my husband is waiting for me” excuse I used to skip the line at the Vatican. Touché, Adri, touché.
Just then, it started to rain and it rained all day, harder at various times, much like San Diego. As a result, I did the only thing I could do; go shopping… how else was I supposed to keep dry? But try #2; much like try #1, I didn’t have any luck. I had my second gelato; it was okay, not nearly in the same ballpark as Giollitri’s, however, it was still very enjoyable.
When I got back to the hotel, I was exhausted; I took a little nap and then emailed Massimo letting him know that I would be coming in for actual dinner this time. Emy and Adri took the night off, rightfully so, they were not on vacation and had already done SO much for me. Max was again very gracious and told me he would be happy to host me. When I finally peeled myself off my bed I took a shower and pulled myself together.
Etablí adorable as ever, I finally met Max… remember, I have only emailed with him but never actually met him. Francesco was there, enjoying dinner and wine. In addition to my known friends, were Daniele and Patrick, two handsome, inviting, fashionable men are also friends with Max & Co, and now me. Naturally we all sat together, drank, ate, laughed and talked up a storm. My waiter, Giuseppe, was adorable, reminded me of my friend Jerry from home, as in Chicago. He loved to talk rugby and why he quit, he was now on to surfing… but I could tell he was longing to play rugby again. There wasn’t a glass of wine he recommended that I didn’t like and I let Francesco order dinner for me and he did a great job… honestly, there wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about this place. People, ambiance, food, wine, everything was just warm and authentic. If I lived in Roma, it would be my neighborhood eatery. After a long day and night, Francesco “scooted” me home… haha, “scooted”= drove, but on a scooter!
I am greeted by the evening staff with big smiles and I smile back, just feeling so happy and fulfilled. I, of course, try not to think I am leaving in two days and fall asleep with one of the biggest smiles on my face I think I have ever had. I drift off dreaming of how much I wish I never had to leave.
I hope this feeling never goes away, and I hope everyone can feel like this in their life.
Baci!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
xoxo,
Me
