Today was an easy day and we didn't start out until about 1 pm. after I had made Italian coffee for Marie and I. I think I have it down now and it turned out very good and dark just the way I like it. We then headed out and we made our way to the Piazza Navona. It was full of crowds of people from all over, Germans, Belgians, East Indians, English, Irish, Americans and of course Italians. The fountains are all so interesting to look at and of course were the center of attention. Restaurants abound in the area and are all supposed to be very good. We walked around the Piazza for awhile until Gracie decided she was thirsty and hungry. Our search for a restaurant began and they were all full of customers, everyone wanting to sit outside. We finally decided to eat at Osteria dell Anima but we had to sit inside because we didn't want to wait for a table outside, that was decided by Gracie repeating over and over that she was hungry. We started out with Bruschetta and Deep fried Zucchinni blossoms which were delicous. I had a beer and that was delicious too. Marie ordered salad and Lasagna and I ordered Rigationi Carbonera with a salad. Gracie shared what we had and it was great meal satisfying all of us. Afterward we ordered Strawberry Gelato for Gracie and well, Marie and I had some too. There was plenty for all of us. The staff here was very courteous which made the meal even better. Done with our meal we headed out again visiting a beautiful church nearby. The name of the church was Santa Maria dell Anima and it was a sight to behold. Huge paintings all around and sculpture that belongs in a museum. We decided to pick up a few postcards here due to it's beauty.
We then headed back to the apartment for a much needed rest and after Gracie had a short nap we made a few phone calls and about 9:30 pm headed back towards the Piazza Narvona stopping by for Gelato first. The shop owner blew Gracie a kiss as we decided what to order and she blew one back causing him to break into a big smile. Gracie had a small cone with vanilla, Marie had a large cone with baked ricotta and almond and I had milk chocolate. Yummy! The shop was called Gelato de Teatro and I am sure we will stop by again. We sat outside enjoying our gelato and snapping pictures.
Once done with our Dolce it was time to head to the Piazza Narvona and upon arriving it was still crowded and even more beautiful at night. The fountains were all lit up and there were children running through the Piazza. Gracie decided to run to and began playing with two little Italian children who had been running around when we arrived. They ran around at times holding hands and jumping, laughing and having a great time. We let her play for about half an hour and looking at my watch and seeing it was close to 11 pm we figured it was time to head back to the apartment. Arriving at the apartment Marie and I decided it wasn't such an easy day after all and we were hoping since Gracie took an early nap maybe she would fall asleep earlier. We were hoping too since we let her play so much she would be tired. Here I sit typing at 12:50 am and she is still awake but looks as if she will be asleep in a few minutes, the earliest she has settled down since we have been here. I am crossing my fingers hoping she will be asleep in the next 15 minutes. I am tired too and think I will end here so, Buona Nottae from wonderful Rome, Italy.
