Galleria Borghese and Cafe AquAniene

It was sunny and bright this morning. It appears the pattern is for cool mornings and warm afternoons. I got my workout in at Aniene, before coming home to make a nice tortelloni porcini which Josh and I ate outdoors. Then we rode over to the Galleria Borghese for our 1pm reservation. So glad to be seeing this place again. Last time, due to an exhibition, we did not see the rooms in the correct order. Today, we were able to enter up the main staircase and into the stunning entrance gallery filled with ancient roman statues and mosaics, along with beautifully frescoed walls and ceiling. As we toured the rooms, we took extra time in the galleries where Bernini's sculptures are found. I think you could stare at the Bernini sculptures of Apollo and Daphne, and Pluto and Prosperina for hours they are so intricate and mesmerizing. We were also able to appreciate the room of Caravaggio's paintings this time. Last time we were here, some were in the process of being organized for a Caravaggio/Bacon show. Even today, the boy with the fruit was missing as it's in the Exhibit of Carravaggio at the Scuderie. Still, there were four others by Carravaggio that were stunning. Aside from all the magnificent collection of art, it's the palazzo itself that is so richly decorated putting you into another era completely.

It was certainly an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Afterwards I rode home. I noticed the weather was changing. Sure enough by the time I left to pick up the kids from school it had begun to rain. But not normal rain. Huge, enormous drops of rain, like someone was dumping a bucket of water from the sky. Once at home, I had yet to go grocery shopping, which I did.

Later, I picked Olivia up from her swim lesson and we enjoyed a treat upstairs at the Cafe' -- she had a gelato, and I had a spritz. Who knew they made such good cocktails at the gym. And, who knew they made cocktails at all. But not only was the drink tasty, it was accompanied by mini-panini, chips and (haven't seen this yet in Italy) corn nuts! Olivia and I had a nice time talking and munching.