Each day starts with a (slow and steady) expedition. Today – Day 3 in Roma – sees the Deadly Duo head for St Peter’s Square. Since we’ve been married for over 52 years we weren’t surprised to find the significantly enhanced security to access this vast square, since we’d been – oh, 60 years ago. Firstly no metal water bottles. Secondly you have to go through baggage scanners. Finally we’re in, together with hundreds of others. It’s around 10:30 am and the big feature is playing on the huge screens – Pope Leo XIV holding his regular Wednesday gathering. Who knew? Certainly not us – we’re astonishingly ignorant of big things when travelling (Notting Hill carnival, European Cup etc). Crowds of the faithful hanging on every word. Good sound system, by the way.
A trip to the Spanish Steps and the market in Campo De’ Flori and then back for dinner. Tonight traditional Roman cuisine at Checco er Carattiere, about three minutes from where we’re staying. Been going since 1935 and now under the careful eye of the family’s fourth generation. Great simple food – chargrilled veg and delicious Parma ham, Aubergine Parmigiana and pasta with Parmesan and pork cheek sauce, and a shared nocciola and zabaione gelato to finish. Simply wonderful food, and with bread (2eu each), 1 litre of San Pelligino and a mezzo litre of red wine…107eu all in. Astonishing. Amazing. Molto buorno.
Local, friendly, traditional restaurant Checco er Carattiere
Inside…
Outside
The Pope in full proclamation mode…a lot of it made sense
The Spanish steps…
