Rome is amazing.

I have been here two days, jet lagged, but happy to be here.

The adventure started with Luftanza losing Jesse’s bag. He was not happy. Per fortuna, I suggested to him that he bring a change of clothes in his backpack.  His bag will show up someday.

Now he is a bit happier, Francesco and Micaela from Cortona have arrived.

Now, everyone is happy, having the first incredible meal of the trip, at my favorite local trattoria, Trattoria da Enzo (thanks Lisabette and Jaime!) Melt in your mouth Burrata (a type of mozzarella, insomma) Carciofi e fiori di zucca. Da morire- to die for. If you are ever in Rome, do not miss this place. This is not a heavily touristed trattoria, a good sign.

Day 2.

I am up at the crack of dawn and explore the neighborhood. There is a wonderful quality about being up early in any Italian city or town. It is a more local and authentic atmosphere. Here, Roman businessmen going to work in their elegant attire, shopkeepers  washing the sidewalk in front of their stores, workers slamming down the first caffe in the bars.  Not many tourists are up yet. Heaven.

Second caffe of many to come this morning, Gran Caffe’ Santos.  A fitting name. It is truly a caffe of saints.

Castel Sant’Angelo.

The timbrificio, sign maker, complete with baby doll in the corner of his display window. Why he has a baby doll there is anyones guess, but it caught my eye immediately.

Just another fantastic courtyard that I saw from the street.

Newspaper man.

Piazza Navona. Usually crowded with people, a scene. This morning, practically no one.

Fontana di Quattro Fiumi by one of my all time favorite sculptors, Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The church of Sant’ Agnese in Agone by Francesco Borromini.  Evidently the two artists/architects were rivals, and Bernini could not stand the atrocity that was this church across the way from his fountain. Bernini created this guy, with a gesture of his hand pointed towards the church clearly saying “Che schifo!” or what a mess! His expression is one of distain and disgust. A big fuck you from Bernini to Borromini. Love that.

And the wonderful Chiostro di Bramante, around the corner from where we are staying.

My third caffe of the morning at Caffe della Pace, a very old established caffe. I settle down at one of the outside tables, with wi-fi connection and proceed to write this post. Life is good today.