Never did sleep on the plane. We arrived a bit late due to headwinds, but got my bag upon arrival and got the bus to Termini for €5 – quite the bargain. At Termini caught the Metro to the Cavour station and faced about a jillion stairs going up. A nice young woman took my bag to the top and I crossed the street and went down another jillion stairs and walked the two blocks to the Convent of Santa Sofia where I will stay. My favorite Sister is back in her native Brazil. Asked if Father Peter was in residence. Father Peter is a character Marci and I met two years ago. Old bearded guy from New Hampshire who comes here for 2-3 months each year and is a priest ‘wannabe’. Wears the same red T-shirt and huge (can’t miss it!) wooden cross around his neck. We got the idea he never really left the convent except to buy something cheap to eat at a grocery.
I rested and slept most of the afternoon waiting on Evan’s old girlfriend to come see me and bring her 4 month old baby girl. Simona always makes the long drive into town to see me and it is always appreciated. Her baby, Maja (pronounced Maya) is chunky and adorable! A good baby! We had gelato in the piazza before she, Vladamir and Maja went back home. I always cry when she leaves! I brought Maja a summer blanket, two stuffed bears and a monkey hat I will try to post a picture.
After they left I walked the two blocks to Al Cardello Ristorante where Alex is the chef. It is at Via Del Cardello #1. Two blocks from the convent and the Colosseo. Marci and I met Alex the last 5 days of our trip and ate with him for 5 days. He fixes the best Italian food I have ever eaten. I dont order from the menu – just let him fix what he wants and I have never been disappointed! Last night he prepared fresh homemade pasta with Porcini mushrooms and Italian parsley. Simple and delicious. Alex is quite the character! His English is perfect as he had an English teacher from New Joisey! Alex called his wife Daniella to come see a surprise – me! She knows about two words in English, but a sweet and pretty lady. They now have a dog named Atlas.
Returned to Convent, hot shower and bed. Slept about 4 hours , so got up and wrote this. Going to try to get back to sleep b