Day 2-3

Day #2 Went to osteria Dell anima for dinner, which was very good. Had the gnocchi with gorgonzola and spinach sauce. Managed to fall asleep before my dad making the snoring less of an issue. Slept quite well, think the wine at dinner helped.  Today we slept late and then walked to Castel Sant Angelo and did the full self guided tour. The best thing about the tour was the amazing 360' views of Rome. My dad took a ton of pictures. They have rooms set up with artifacts and paintings. My dad walked thru the first set of rooms the way I like to, quickly. And then I think it was the 3rd set of rooms I turned back and he was gone. Found him at the door just hanging out, and he said "I've seen enough old guns for the day". I agreed but pointed out that the terrace at the top of the castle was also thru the room of guns so he joined me but went straight up the stairs to the roof. From the roof the views were amazing. You could see Rome in every direction.  Next we headed to Alice pizza near the Vatican. Really good broccoli/sausage and potato/cheese pizzas. I have to say the crust beats even NY. Then on to the Vatican which my dad described as "boring" and refused to wear pants to go inside the Sistine chapel. It was really hot out. Walked back and stopped at Barnum cafe. I asked for a cafe with ice....forgetting cafe was really an espresso. Rested a little bit and then went to the Trevi fountain. This was the second "wow" from my dad. He initially refused to throw a coin(which assures you will return to Rome) but i made him, he'll thank me if he gets to come back to rome one day. Went to Tavierna pavione for dinner, had a rice ball which I haven't had in ages. It's a fried rice ball with a little sauce, mozzarella and spices. My great-grandmother used to put peas in them too. The rest of the food there was ok, nothing extraordinary.  Day #3 In the morning, went back to campo di fiori for a cappuccino, and stopped at palazzo espada to see the hallway that was built to look long but really is an optical illusion. Then the long ride to the cruise ship. Spent a couple hours exploring and then I finally got a run in (8 miles). Quick shower and then off to dinner. My dad asked me to watch what he ate especially with the buffet, so he doesn't gain back all the weight he lost for the trip (something like 40 lbs)....I'm sure he will regret that request. Tomorrow Sicily....craving a cannoli.

Comments

[Laurie Fiorito Woychick]

Tell dad I said he CAN'T go to Italy and remain on a diet. Just get him to the fitness center on the cruise ship a couple of times. Enjoy :) I really wish we were with you, but I am glad you were able to take a father-son trip.