Arrivederci Roma! -- A sentimental day

After breakfast, Josh and I left the kids at the hotel watching a movie while we went to the bank to close our account. Despite the fact that Josh had called twice to inquire about the procedure and was assured that we just needed to come in and sign a document, when we were seated today, we were informed that it takes a few days to close an account and it can’t possibly be done today.

Long story short, we “deposited” 50euros against any additional purchases and fees that hadn’t shown up yet, and we were able to get the account closed. Any additional funds will be wired back to us in the States. Would this be our final experience with the lack of real-time technology in Italy?

Back at the hotel, we all changed and got ready to go to AquAniene for a swim. Fortunately, Luca tipped us off to the fact that the café was closed this week so we knew to buy more provisions before arriving. The girls swam; Avery didn’t want to wear a swim cap as per the club rules, so he barely got in the water. I enjoyed a sauna – my last at Aniene. Then we had a picnic together in the cafe area.

We returned to the hotel so Avery could nap, and so Josh could make a trip to Stefano’s office where we had stored our belongings while traveling this summer. He needed to take an inventory, and re-pack our bags to prepare for our departure tomorrow. Meanwhile, Avery decided not to take a nap but rather watched a movie with the girls. As such, it was a good thing we talked to Morris today about coming over to the hotel this evening. He ended up babysitting Avery, while Josh and I took the girls to dinner --- La Pariolina, by popular request. On our way over, we called Alessia who was just back from her vacation in Turkey. She and Vittoria (Avery’s classmate) joined us, as did a friend of hers. We had a really good “last supper” and this time I did order the filetto di Manzo. It was really good – not from a Tuscan cow but still really delicious.

After dinner we ventured to the Pantheon for gelato. Josh was anxious to get back to the hotel. Instead of making a trip to Stefano’s tonight, he decided he’d get up early in the morning instead. Tonight, I slept with Avery and Josh shared a room with the girls.

So much to think about for the next day’s logistics, hard to focus on the fact that we were leaving. But I did spend some time out on the balcony of the room just staring out at the quiet streets of the neighborhood.