Abbiamo Tornato!

And... we're back!

After a 3.5 month hiatus, I am once again in Rome. As usual, nothing has changed, not even the things that look different. The restaurant on my corner, for instance, has completely renovated its facade, throwing over their stone walls and large fish tank for huge glass walls and copies of Caravaggio paintings. The visual difference is significant, but the same waiters stand outside the new doors, holding menus that definitely have been in use for as long as I have lived here.

Transitioning back is pretty easy, in part because I am once again moving into Casa Rolex, my Roma Homa since 2008. Riccardo, my landlord, is a rarity in the business, since he discounts my rent, speaks politely to my neck, and always returns my security deposit. He has outdone himself this time, though; since my arrival was late in the evening last night, after the shops were closed, he left me 'pizza e dolci' on the counter in my kitchen. Brilliant.

I am jumping right into work early tomorrow morning, which will be an extra adventure since today is St. Patrick's Day. It will be a quiet celebration (no green beer!), and with any luck, an early night!