Tuesday-Wednesday, 16-17 September. We stayed at Marco's three nights, during which time we saw all but one of Rosa's children. (The other, Emanuele, lives in Germany with his wife Dorina.) We had dinner with Marco's family at their home all three nights, even though we offered to take them to a restaurant.

On Tuesday evening, we were joined by Sonia (Rosa's only daughter), as well as Daniele (4th son), his wife Elena and daughter Daria, almost 11. Federica prepared a delicious dinner, and we all had a great time. (I learned from Elena that Federica really loved Elena's expensive perfume, but would not buy it for herself because it was so expensive.)

Us with Sonia & Federica

Daniele's family & us

Luca, Daria & Andea

On Wednesday afternoon, Marco led us on a long walk through Montorio, most of which we had not seen before. It was very beautiful and peaceful. We followed the Fiumicello (Little River) almost all the way to the cemetery where Rosa in inurned. We had been there before (by car) to see the grave of her husband Giancarlo in a different part of the cemetery. The Fiumicello was dug by hand centuries ago, perhaps as a Roman aqueduct.

Jane at the Fiumicello

The Fiumicello goes on . . .

. . . and on

Cemetery entrance

Giancarlo's grave

Jane at Rosa's crypt

That evening, Stephano (2nd son) came with “the twins, Andrea and Sara, age 3. They were really wild. We could understand why Federica had said it was better not to go to a restaurant. Of the small gifts we brought them, they enjoyed the packages of balloons the most, letting the air out and chasing them as they looped around the room. Again Federica prepared a delicious meal and it was a wonderful visit.

 

Federica slaving away