We spent most of the morning getting ready for Olivia's birthday party this afternoon. We drove back to Mondi to pick up the cake -- and had another round of cappuccio and cornettos. Then I went to the market to buy the rest of the provisions for the party.
At 1 o'clock Josh and I went to RIS for the last time. Josh rode his bike so he could ride Avery home. I drove the car so I could bring all the girls home for the party. Charlotte was going to walk, or get a ride. But first she was busy with the ceremonial last-day-of school egg, flour and water-balloon throwing festivities. I squeezed all seven 3rd grade girls into the Peugot and drove home.
We had a luncheon for the girls in our garden. It was All-American cuisine: hot-dogs, potato chips, carrot sticks and watermelon. Never have I met such a group of high-maintenance 8 year-olds. They asked for a clean plate after the hot dog, and before the watermelon. Some didn't want aqua naturale but asked for frizzante instead. One only eats her carrot sticks with olive oil. Another wouldn't eat the hot dog because it was sliding out of the bun. Geez. It was a real eye-opener.
After lunch, we had sang "Tanti Auguri" to Olivia, as well as "Happy Birthday," and I served the cake. One girl doesn't eat cake, so she just had extra cookies (I served the chocolate pane e stelle per Olivia's request). While the cake looked lovely, I must admit I don't care for all that cream inside. In fact, there was hardly any cake at all; it was mostly gijanduja cream filling. Italians like their cream - think cannolis and profiteroles! Afterwards, Olivia opened her presents before we reloaded the car and headed to the bowling alley.
The bowling was a huge hit with all the girls. While Josh set all the girls up with shoes and registered them for two lanes, I returned home to pick up Charlotte and Avery so they could bowl too. Apparently more "high-maintenance" behavior was exhibited when some of the girls announced that they didn't want to carry their own shoes to the lane. No matter. It turns out, between Charlotte, Olivia and all her friends, and Avery -- Avery had the highest score. He bowled 113! Granted the bumpers were up so there were no gutter balls, but everyone had the same advantage. The girls all had a riot -- a few didn't want to leave. We let everyone play an arcade game before going home.
After bowling, Avery -- the bowling king-pin -- napped. Charlotte went to swim practice. Olivia played with one of her friends who returned to our house. Also, on very short notice, prospective tenants came to the villa for a visit. We allowed the showing as a favor to the real estate agent because they are clients of his and he wanted them to see several places. And, because they are interested in renting a place for September 1st, so their prospective tenancy would have no impact on us. The visitors turned out to be a lovely couple from New York City with two young children; and they are embarking on a year abroad much as we had. Coincidentally, the husband is a hedge fund manager and plans to work from Rome for the year.
In other real-estate related news, we also heard from the agent that the owner has now reluctantly agreed to amend our contract, granting us an extension until July 4. I wonder when we'll get that in writing -- or not?
Later, we all ate burgers at home (it's really been an all-American day), and then Josh and I went out for a passeggiatta along the Tevere. During the summer months, near Isola Tiburina, the Tiber's banks fill up with restaurants, bars, and stalls selling all kinds of authentic merchandise. There is also entertainment -- if you want to call it that. Not only was it fun to check out, but it became a productive shopping expedition as well. We strolled, bought some leather goods, strolled, had a freshly-made limonata, bought some straw goods and strolled some more. Some of the food and restaurants on offer looked good and we thought we ought to return for dinner tomorrow night.
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