Who Even Are You?

Our last day in Rome began with a little sleep in followed by a walk to a bakery nearby. I wanted to buy maritozzi or is it maritozzo? It is like a brioche doughnut filled with a sweet cream (I think).Whatever it was, it was delicious but filling. They even tied it up in a cute little package for Mike to carry home.

We also stopped at a chemist as unfortunately my sinuses have decided they hate me again and I’ve been brewing an infection over the last few weeks. I had one just before we left for the trip that I struggled to get rid of, it could be the same one. I’ve booked in to see my surgeon when we return but want to try and sort this out quick as flying with a sinus infection is excruciating. I’ve got antibiotics but wanted a good old nasal rinse to assist. The chemist said they don’t really do that but he gave me some aerosol type seawater to shove up there for a hefty fee. Sold!

Today we had a cooking class booked at a restaurant near Piazza Navona. We were in a large group consisting of all Americans and one English couple. Ours were the only kids. The lesson started with tiramisu and both boys got

called up to take part in the demonstration. They were a little uncomfortable with the attention but the group were lovely and they did a great job. Even if Kayden and his left handed awkwardness is hard to watch sometimes.

We then got onto the pasta making. We enjoyed the experience and each had our own station to make fettuccine by hand. I don’t think we’ll be making it at home any time soon though! It gave us a real appreciation for the food we have been consuming over the last few weeks. I also have an appreciation for home ec teachers. Oh my goodness! Watching Max and Kayden not pay attention during instruction was giving me all kinds of frustration. Especially since I was pretty sure the pasta we created was about to become cooked communally (gross). Once the pasta was finished we chose our sauce and the restaurant prepared it for us and delivered it to our table. Thumbs up from everyone. As I ate it I reminded myself that boiling water will kill other peoples germs. The tiramisu was hit and miss for us all. It was a bit rich for us perhaps after a big pasta.

After lunch we spent the afternoon walking around shopping. The boys were on a mission to find statue of David souvenirs. They of course thought they make perfect gifts for their friends. Even though we have not even gone to Florence. Max found a hideous red, green and white willy magnet that he thought his friends will enjoy playing paper, scissors, rock to win. And Kayden bought a bobble head David. Large bobble head, small penis. Hilarious.

For our last evening in Rome we didn’t have to travel far to visit a nice restaurant called Cul De Sac. Mike and I enjoyed delicious lasagna. There was cold cut meats and cheese for Isla who is over the pasta for the moment. And the boys had amatriciana which is the pigs cheek pasta. I eyed off another couple with some incredibly red looking tomatoes and buffalo mozzarella and I asked for a plate of that too.

For the last 19 years Mike and I have been in a relationship and the guy has not ever eaten fresh tomatoes. Now that we are in Italy he suddenly “doesn’t

mind them”. I watch in shock when I see him eating tomatoes with salt, olive oil and fresh buffalo mozzarella daily. Sometimes twice a day! What on Earth!!!!! Although I must say that the tomatoes here are stunning. Visually as much as taste wise. He even drank white wine on our food tour and said he enjoyed a red at dinner one night. Who even are you? Who on Earth is this Italian stallion??

So our dinner was really nice as we all enjoyed our final night in Rome. It was one of the cheapest yet at €70 I think. Funnily we are finding that the soft drink the kids have is more expensive than Mike’s Peroni beers. I am finding the house white and red wines to be really nice. Especially in Cinque Terre and Lucca. You pay 4-5 euro for a small jug which is equal to 2 glasses. It looks like a milk jug. A “quart” (250ml) is plenty for me as a newcomer to the red wine appreciation club.

As our night came to a close, the kids were making way too much eye contact with a busker playing the violin and giggling at them as they came closer. Mike and I warned them the busker wanted money. The kids were happy to oblige for the entertainment and giggles they provided. Even if their musical talent was questionable/painful to listen to.

Rome was fabulous and a nice balance of busy tours and activities as well as down time in a sweet apartment. We’re slowing down a little more now on our trip. The kids are not complaining, but we notice they are getting more and more keen to get back to the apartments after an activity. We get it.

Tomorrow we are up early and heading to the island of Ischia for another mini beach holiday. We have to catch a taxi, a train and then another taxi. Followed by a ferry and another taxi. Long day. Hopefully Ischia will hit the spot on what we are after.