Thursday, December 20, 2012

Lunch and Walk with Ana and Claudia



Italy Journal
Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Lunch and Walk with Ana and Claudia


Ana, from Peter’s cohort, and her visiting sister Claudia, came to our house today for lunch. I didn’t intend for Peter to take time out of his paper writing to cook for us, but he insisted; and I shopped for the tomatoes, pasta, veggies and cake in time for him to do a great job preparing our lunch. Thank you, Peter!

It was fun to hear about Ana’s and Peter’s experiences in their research for their papers, and Claudia told us all about her work in the States with a non-profit company that she enjoys.

After lunch, Peter went back to his office in our bedroom to work on his paper some more, and Ana stayed at our dining room table to work on her paper some more in a quiet place. Claudia and I left to explore the area.

Our first stop was Zizzola, the ancient building on top of the highest hill. The view in the fog was not the best, and the building was locked; but she got the idea about what the place was all about.

From Zizzola, we went by a wonderful church, Chiesa di S. Chiara, which has the triple oval ceilings. I go into that sanctuary any time I get near there, and Claudia seemed transfixed by the beauty of it.  I love that space.

Continuing our travels, Claudia and I visited the front door of Giolito’s cheese shop, but it was not to open again for another 25 minutes. What else? Just enough time for gelato! We each got a piccola copeta (tiny cup) of pistachio and cream gelato, went next door to our apartment to check in there, and headed back to Giolito’s for her cheese. The owner Fiorenzo was there and happily helped her choose, purchase and vacuum pack the NINE cheeses she got. I was chided for letting her buy so much cheese to take on the airplane, but Lee Anne came in just as Claudia was in her buying frenzy, and I got distracted talking to Lee Anne. So sorry, Claudia, maybe you could force yourself to find some friends that could help you eat that much cheese!

By the time we got back to our house, Ana had needed a break, so she had moved to a coffee shop that has wifi to continue her writing. I deposited Claudia at the coffee shop with Ana and went on my way to home.

What a fun day! Thanks, Ana and Claudia, for joining us to make it special.

Ciao!

Colleen

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