Parioli

At last I decided to take a stroll in my own neighborhood, Parioli. Not that we haven't been around, but it's been by bike or by car. I walked to the Viale Parioli to see what I could find. First, the Street Market. It seems if you want a deal, you have to buy your shoes, clothes, toiletries, books, etc. on the street. The quality of the items for sale does not appear inferior to the store variety. I spotted some nice suede boots (made in Italy) for 79 euros.

I was looking for the "covered market" selling fruits and vegetables and meats and cheeses on the street. I'd heard that every neighborhood has one, but alas, I could not find one in this section of Parioli. However, I did find a cool "bar" for caffe, as well as a few nice-looking, little restaurants. I also found a "Beauty Point" selling all kinds of cosmetics (for ridiculous prices) and toiletries, as well as a stationery shop and a shoe repair....all of which may come in handy at some point.

Josh and I had lunch together at home, and shortly after, it was time to take the "American Brownies" to the International Food Festival at RIS. The lower school was beginning it's International week where each grade studies a different country. Olivia's class, with three Americans, chose to study the U.S.A. Avery's class, with the teacher from South Africa, chose to study South Africa. Each class (meaning the parents) was to prepare a dish typical of the country they were studying. What's more American that Brownies? (Apple Pie, but I couldn't find the crust and I wasn't going to make one). The American table at the Festival had the most amount of food including cookies, cupcakes, candy bars (?), carmel corn, popcorn and of course, brownies.

The event was well attended by parents and, once school was dismissed, kids as well. Represented were Sweden, Spain, France, Germany, South Africa, Afghanistan, America, Australia, Israel, Argentina and Russia. Each item, cost one euro, and all proceeds were being donated to a children's charity to help fight hunger. Our kids each got to choose two treats, and Josh had a sausage from the German table.

In other news, AquAniene reopened over the weekend and so both girls were back on schedule for swimming at the new facility. That meant they had an early dinner of pasta bolognese and they were off. (Actually the exit didn't go very smoothly but that's another story). Avery napped and ate later with Josh and I.

When Josh was at AquAniene, the coach asked that he speak to the director. The director needed him to complete some paperwork for Charlotte to get her "teseramento" which is her license to swim in competition. However (and the conversation is always circular) it appears that if Charlotte swims in meets with preliminary heats, and she qualifies for the finals, she may not be allowed to swim in the finals (as a non-resident) according the the Italian National Federation. But of course, they still do not have the "final answer." Hmmm. It's always somthing. It's life in Italy.