Sicily week for Charlotte

Charlotte left for Sicily this morning. We sent her off to the airport with a couple of friends. One of the girls’ mom offered to drive them. My ankle was feeling much better but I opted to join Josh on a bike ride through town rather than spend time at the gym working out. Cycling is pretty easy on the ankle; plus it was a beautiful day to spend outdoors.

Josh had an errand to run first, so we met afterwards at Piazza Sant Ignazio, in front of the church. Josh had yet to see the beautifully frescoed ceiling by Andrea Pozzo – and I was happy to see it again. Afterwards we rode over to the early renaissance Basilca Sant Agostino to see the painting of Madonna di Loreto by Caravaggio on display there. It’s a great painting but my favorites are still the pair in Santa Maria del Popolo; and Josh loves the Calling of St. Matthew painting of Caravaggio's in San Luigi dei Francesi. Everyone has their favorite church in Rome.

Then we rode over to Teatro della Pace to Lo Zozzone. This is a wonderful, casual place where all types of sandwiches are made on fresh pizza bianca. After lunch, Josh went to visit a gallery owner and I headed home. It was really a fabulous day for cycling around town.

This afternoon, I attended a meeting for Olivia’s class regarding the class trip to Abruzzo next week. Many of the Italian parents were concerned about safety following the death of two children while on a school trip last week.

Avery stayed after school for calcio, so I had only Olivia for the car ride home – that felt strangely calm. I made fish for dinner tonight; some Rombo for the kids before Olivia had to leave for swimming, and a Branzino for the adults (who had more time to disassemble the whole fish) later. It was still so lovely outside that Josh and I dined al fresco. When I collected Olivia from swim practice, I was handed a slip of paper to sign her up for swim meet on May 8th; one event per child.

Charlotte called to check in with us and to tell us she was having a fun time. They toured the town of Catania today which included climbing on the rocks at the beach, visiting a church with a sun dial, and going to the Sicilian puppet museum (how sweet!). Then the class went for gelato before returning to the hotel for dinner. Charlotte is rooming with Benedetta, Marinella and Ludovica. I can’t imagine she will get much sleep this week. I’m think I'll stay out of her way for a couple of days when she gets back to Rome.