Like Christmas Everyday

After a Spritz, We Stop at the Ritz

By far too grand a piece to fit in a suitcase:

But there’s always room if you linger long enough.

Pardon Me, While I Drone On

Around La Rocca Albornoziana more than once:

After Spring Has Sprung

Young and old alike pop up at Crispini in Spoleto:

A man walks into … 9Cento

He sits down beside us, studies the menu, and orders his food.

When his half bottle of wine arrives, he samples it like a pro.

Later, he motions toward me as if he wishes to borrow our salt.

Turns out, he wants me to finish the sip of wine in my glass.

When he pours me a taste from his bottle, I follow his ritual.

Grazie, I say, extending a precious bit for Rebecca to taste.

Upon closer inspection, I confirm my appreciation for Barolo.

As lunch unwinds, the gentleman holds the bottle to the light.

Enough wine is left for him to extend his generosity again.

As the man pays and turns to leave, Buona giornata I say.

Un cane, un bambino o una anziano

When journeying the Italian way, a piedi,
You sojourn with this choice of company.

At the End of Where We Began

The Rest of the Story

Been There, Done That

Two tourists, map securely in hand, walk up to a sign
Where two veterans, map at home, are found to stand.

The joke was on both of us, as we easily explained,
Since the German explorers spoke English just fine.

Because of the ongoing work, the monumental complex is not visitable.

Full Speed Ahead

Past the barriers and the universal symbol to stop,
Down alleyways and around corners (where they bend

Beyond view), we come upon the historical landmark
(A sign from a time still now recorded on town maps).