ferragosto

today is ferragosto. it's a national holiday in italy. and almost a national crime if you stay in your town on this day.

there was a time years ago when you had to leave. nothing was open. no markets, stores, restaurants, shops... nothing. now that the big cities here are starting to open up a little to the mentality of competition, there are more places open. in the 3 years that we've been here we've seen more and more places open in august in general, but it's especially noticeable on the 15th.

i woke up way too early today, for some unknown reason. the family got up around 9 ish. we showered, watched the pope do his thing and went out for a walk. we met up with gerard for lunch at antica taverna. some wine, some food, some grappa. went home, i had a kip and woke up around 730. aubrey made a great dinner of chicken cutlets and potatos. now luca is asleep. aubrey too. and here i am.

i'm still feeling weird about the move. i am excited to be going back. it just seems as if we are killing time now. 28 days left. and we're ready to go. mentally and (almost) physically. even tho more shops and places are open rome is still pretty dead. gerard is getting ready to go to germany. the pomezians have left for thier stateside visit. rich has been in israel for 2 weeks. we're here... just killing time.

i am really looking forward to our vacation in late september at the shore! it will be our first since malta in 2002. and our first real family vacation. we're going back to the same resort where i went with my family since i was like 5 years old. i'm sure my memories of the place will be no match for what really lies ahead, but i think it will be a great little blast from the past. i can't wait to build sandcastles with luca on the beach. and wake up to the oceanfront private balcony with my cup of coffee.

aubrey pointed out last week that it seems everytime we move, we've taken a vacation shortly after. bloomfied... rome, the first time. rome... mailta. back to jersey...wildwood crest. funny.

maybe we can squeeze in a quick weekend in scotland to visit judy before 13 september.