On the Train to Rome - "Habemus papa", We Have a New Pope!
Last month, the Tandem Spirits had to go to the U.S. Embassy in Rome to complete some administrate tasks. Since appointments were only available in the morning, we took the train to Rome after work on Thursday. We had picked up pizza from Pizzeria Rita e Luca, an excellent place near our house, and enjoyed it on the train. During that train ride we also got the news “Habemus papa”, we have a Pope. You could feel the excitement as people were on the phone or talking together about who it might be. Everyone had an idea of who it would be. Then we heard someone whisper “Un papa Americano”. We immediately went to the NY Times for confirmation. From what we’ve read so far about Robert Francis Prevost and his work in Peru, Pope Leo seems to be a good choice.
The Esquilino Neighborhood in Rome - An International Vibe
We spent the night at Hotel Moscatello in the Esquilino neighborhood near Termini station. Our room was fine. It was clean, the bed was comfortable, the light was better than in any hotel we been in over the last ten years, and the bathroom was big with a good shower. After checking in, we had another slice of pizza and went out to check out the neighborhood and have a drink. We walked through a large park, Piazza Emanuele II di Savoia, which had a lot of people wandering through, playing soccer, or relaxing in grassy areas. This part of town is also interesting for the buildings with porticos, and for its ethnic nature. A lot of Asian and East Asian people live there and you can smell the various spices such as curry, cumin and coriander.
We stopped at Gatsby Café for drinks. In addition to their standard drinks, they had some specialty cocktails printed on Tartot Cards. James had La Morte and Virginia had Il Sole. It was a good place to relax and do some people watching.
When we returned to our room we discovered that there was one drawback to the hotel, no soundproofing. The guys in the room next to us were very loud and had their TV on full blast. We decided to watch a film on Netflix to drown out the sound. Fortunately they quieted down at midnight.
At the US Embassy
Friday morning we walked to the Embassy. It’s always good to arrive early as you never know if there will be a line or how long it will take to get through security. The Italian military guards there are pretty efficient. There is a separate line for US citizens, but what they are really looking at is your appointment time. Once you show them your appointment you have to put all your electronics – phone, watch, charger, power pack, ear buds etc – in a large plastic bag. They put that in a bin and give you a number so you can pick it up when you leave. In the American Services area you take a number and wait to be called. The wait seems like forever when you don’t have your watch. The woman we spoke with was pleasant and helpful. We were actually done by 10:15
The Chiesa Sant'Ignazio
We stopped at a bar and lingered over cappuccinos since we hand’t had any coffee yet. It was a beautiful day, and after our caffeine fix we made our way down to the Corso and over to Piazza Sant’Ignazio. The Chiesa Sant’Ignazio is interesting architecturally because the roof is flat, but inside, the ceiling was painted in a way that gives the optical illusion of a dome. There is a mirror positioned so people can see it more clearly.
Picasso lo straniero (Picasso, the foreigner
Given that we had to be in Rome, we took the opportunity to get tickets to an exhibit we wanted to see at Palazzo Cipolla, Picasso lo straniero (Picasso, the foreigner). It focuses on how being a foreigner living in France shaped many aspects of his life, including his artwork. The exhibit was organized by various periods beginning with his arrival in France. It also highlighted various associations with artists in France, smugglers, influential art dealers, and the theater.
Lunch at Ginger, Sapori & Salute
We had lunch at Ginger, Sapori & Salute. Virginia had Tonnerallli alla gricia with squash blossoms and James had the Ginger bowl with Rice and vegetables. We split a heavenly Marsala Zabaione for dessert.
The National Museum - Round II
Our next stop was a return visit to the Museo Nazionle Romano at Palazzo Massimo. On our last visit we had time to see the first and part of the second floors. This time we took the elevator and started on the third floor. There were spectucular exhibits featuring frescos from entire rooms that had excavated during various building projects in Rome.
A Spritz at Roma Termini
Before our train back to Foligno, we had time to relax and enjoy a spritz at Termini station. The station has been transformed from an unwelcoming and kind of seedy place to a light and modern station with shopping downstairs and a number of spots to grab a bite to eat or drink upstairs. There is also a grocery store, a post office and a bank.
