ALL SAINTS DAY IN ITALY 1 NOV and ALL SOULS DAY TOMORROW 2 NOV

Today was a national holiday in Italy, All Saints day.  To celebrate we went to a church in Prati, Parrocchia Sacro Cuore.  They have a piccolo museo del purgatorio. ( A little museum of purgatory!).

The story goes that in about 1912 there was a fire in this church and in the flames of the fire was a face of a tormented soul in purgatory.  Many saw this and realized that our prayers are necessary.  The priest set out on a mission to collect data of departed souls requesting prayers from purgatroy, and that is what is in this little glass case museum!!

 I also liked that they collected money for bread for the poor inside the church in a little box.  'Pane dei poveri'

The church had a welcoming vibe and you could take pictures.

COMMUNITY RATING FOR THE PRATI CHURCH SACRO CUORE

COMMUNITY  * * * * * ( welcoming and feeding the poor in the area)

Holloween in Rome

Yesterday was Halloween and I am still in Rome.  My friends Karen and Mary were visiting so we all dressed up and went to Piazza Navona, Campo di Fiori and a private party for Expats at 'The Grotto'.  It was all a lot of fun.  Karen and I were Witches ( with witch hats!) and we dressed Mary up as a little Ragedy Ann Doll. 

It was a fun evening and we met a lot of people.  Trick or treated in Piazza Navona, Mary got a tomato and a ravioli.  Karen and I got chocolate balls from Animis.

A high point for me was that an Italian couple stopped and asked us for directions and I was able to tell them in Italian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And they understood them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

                                             Mary Panhandling in Piazza Navona " trick or treat"!!!

                                           Me and Karen Johnson

Just a silly evening!!!

FALL FOOD IN ROME

The season is changing here in Rome.  I came across a wonderful display outside a restaurant near Trevi Fountain yesterday I thought you would enjoy.  It's funny, here in Rome many of the restaurants love to display their fresh mushrooms to lure people in!!  I have been getting an eyefull!!

There are also the chestnuts sold on the corner roasted the old fashioned way with logs. 

The Romans have reasonable portions, but I still see some waste at restaurants because it is not common or fashionable to take home any leftovers.  Like Greece, you just leave it to show a status symbol.

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION IN ROME     * * * ( Portion size EXCELLENT, but low score due to no takehome boxes and people over ordering)

BIRDS CIRCLE ROME, FOR AT LEAST AN HOUR , IT WAS SPOOKY!

Yesterday Karen and Mary and I were walking home and we saw all these birds circling the Vatican and surrounding area.  More kept coming, I mean there were MILLIONS in the air like large clouds.  They were putting on an air show of some sorts.  The sky was at times black with birds!!   I tried to capture some pictures but do not think they will do justice.  If you can enlarge them you wil see what I mean!!

Karen Johnson and friends arrive safely back to Rome!

Julie, Karen and I

                                                                 Julie, Mary, Me and Karen( cut off!)

Last week Diane Sandman and I met Karen Jonhson, Gayle, Brook and Julie in Rome and wished them Bon Voyage as they cruised off on a two week adventure.  They went to Greece, Siciy, Turkey, Egypt, Rhodes and I am sure a few other places I forgot! everybody said that they had gained weight!!

I was lucky enough to see them again on their return and Julie and Karen even spent the night with Mary and I.  We had a nice dinner out along with a stop to one of our favorite Gelato stores.  Here are a few photos.....

COMMUNITY IN ROME  * * * * *   ( due to meeting old and new friends there!!)

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION  * * * * *  ( WE SHARED 3 entrees BETWEEN 4 people--NO WASTE!!)

Mary Feeney Arrives in Rome!!

A very good friend of mine, Mary Feeney arrived in Rome a few days ago.  It is great to be able to share this beatuful city with good friends!!

BAR TABACCHI TAVOLA CALDA is my favorite lunch spot in all of Rome!

If you get the opportunity to ever come to Rome, take it! It is truly one of the most beautiful and cultural places on the planet.

And when there you should go to lunch at Bar Tabacchi, Tavola Calda on Via Cicerone, 68-70. 06 3235511.

They have different food everyday and let you choose the portion sizes!! The food is seasonal and fresh. It is a simple counter service, and full of a mixed class of working locals.

The last time I was there with Karin Slabaugh they were so busy at the register that they told me to eat first and pay after!! Diane Sandman and I enjoyed many lunches there too.

This place reminds my of so many of the 'community kitchens' that are sprouting up. Maybe I can talk to them about volunteer options and get them involved in the One World Everybody Eats movement!!

Oh yes, your plate of food is 6 EUR.

FOOD WASTE REDUCTION * * * * * ( they let you choose your own portions!!!)

COMMUNITY * * * * * ( we felt right at home at Tavola Calda when they let us eat first, then go to the register!!)