Olivia's Day

We had Olivia’s “parent-teacher” conference at RIS this morning. But it was really more like an Olivia “show and tell.” Unlike a traditional parent-teacher meeting, the school designed these conferences to be inclusive of the student so that the student could be involved in his or her own assessment. First, Olivia took us to the computer lab where she showed us several presentations she’d created and stored. Then we went to the library where showed us the section of books she prefers. She likes to learn about nature and animals of all types. I asked Olivia to read to us, so she chose a book about blue whales and we sat on the carpet as she read, occasionally pausing to turn the book and show us the pictures. Then we went to her classroom where Olivia showed us her portfolio of work including math, writing samples and reports. For each example, she had written a comment about how well she thought she’d completed the work. Finally, her teacher joined us and explained that Olivia would discuss with us three things she hoped to improve or accomplish in the coming term. Miss Pettifer wrote down the three target areas along with suggestions for how she, or we, could help Olivia achieve them. Olivia put her signature to the list. Last but not least it was time to see Miss Ivana. In Italian too, Olivia read to us and showed us her portfolio. She has really come a long way. I was glad it was a morning all about Olivia. – which followed yesterday’s "afternoon of Olivia." It was rewarding all around.

Josh and I returned home to pack for our overnight trip to Riccione. Then, we picked Larry up in front of St. Peter’s after his visit to the Basilica this morning. Unfortunately, it was much more crowded today than it had been on Monday, and that prevented him from making it up to the cupola. It was gorgeous, sunny and 70 degrees, so we decided we had to have lunch outside somewhere. We drove to Piazza del Popolo and passed on Dal Bolgnese in favor of a quiet lunch at Osteria Margutta – scene of our very first dinner after arriving in Rome (see Day 1 blog). We were the only guests eating outside as their tables were in the shade, but never-mind.

After lunch, we dropped Larry off near Galleria Borghese where he had a 3pm reservation, and we took off for Riccione. As promised, it was a four-hour drive. Fortunately, we got out of Rome just before the heavy Friday rush hour traffic. The drive was actually quite beautiful, particularly the area of the Parco Nazionale del Gran Sasso in Abruzzo. We took the route due East to the Adriatic, and then up the coast.

This is NOT the Residence Inn in Brown Deer, WI

As soon as arrived in Riccione, it was clear that we were in a beach town. Josh had chosen a very cute hotel on the water, called (appropriately for us) Hotel Roma. It’s a small place and has maybe two-dozen rooms, just as most of the hotels lining the boardwalk. Our room was one of six in a new wing (closer to the water) and it was brand new with wide plank wooden floors, a hi-tech bathroom with a sky light and a rain shower, and an enormous outdoor terrace with a wicker sofa and two club chairs. Not only was the room very nice, but the staff was even nicer. What was surprising about this place was that they did not require a credit card when Josh had made the reservation. Then, when we arrived, and Josh handed over his card, and the receptionist said she didn’t need it – she’d settle up with Josh tomorrow when we check out. How many times have you ever been given a hotel room key without any security. We asked about a good place for dinner – fish presumably -- and another employee (or perhaps it was the proprietor) not only gave us restaurant suggestions but also told us what we should order…and what we shouldn’t.

We checked out the beach and strolled along the boardwalk to dinner at Gher. One of several restaurants located in the harbor, this one was our hotel-man’s favorite. We did as we were instructed. We ordered the spiedini – skewered grilled fish. We chose calamarini (baby calamari), gamberi, and then sardines only because the waiter insisted. We also had the sole al testo. This is a small fish (not the Dover sole type) and is prepared in a certain way that I can’t describe but it included vinegar. This was the tastiest and most delicate fish I had ever eaten. In fact, it was served first. Then, the grilled sardines were the best of the spiedini, just as the waiter said. The sole was so good, we ended up ordering two more rounds (remember, these are small fish). Each time, our waiter masterfully de-boned and prepared the fish tableside. I could have eaten five more, but Josh was tired from the drive (he drove the whole way) and it was time to retire.