![]() Heat and humidity are the call of the week and the foreseeable future, and the rubbish on the streets of the Eternal City, at least in parts. I know this is everywhere in the western world it seems. As you know, the past three summers I have lived in Roma, different parts as I took and apartment, here, and apartment there and for sure, July was the hottest month and then it seems to dissipate. This year, July, has been especially stifling and while it is only half done, the heat wave continues, but again, I have heard this across Europe and in the US as well. The excitement of being here in Italy, given the current climate in America, no pun intended, is still there and just the other day, Rosa and finalized the design of the kitchen, so one headache down. I do see the condo coming together by October, which is when we need to be out of the condo, we are currently in downstairs from our new home. I am writing this post from Perugia where we arrived late, on what was supposed to be a fast regional train of 2 ½ hours, that turned into a 4 ½ ordeal, as we made several long stops due to train breakdowns, in stations, maybe the grid shutting down due to the excessive heat, some up to 25/30 minutes for reasons unknown. At least there was air conditioning and at the end, the conductor offered a snack for the inconvenience, but we are here and fortunately, we were able to get some good food at a restaurant, about 10:30 pm last night called the Black Cat and it was very good, been around for 50 years, but unlike Roma, places here in Perugia close earlier, so we ordered from some premade items and enjoyed dinner. Perugia is known for a number of things, to me and my knowledge about Perugia, is chocolate and Rosa immediately said it is more. I did not expect though, the emotionally charged comments. Apparently, she has a connection to this town, as one of her grandparents owned a house here and as a child with her two sisters, came to visit. She also told me that eventually. The house was sold and then destroyed, only to be replaced by a bakery, I think she said. In any case, we are going to visit the area in which this house was, visit Perugina chocolate, explore other parts of the town today, so more to share next week with some good pictures. This is my first time here, but the real reason we are here at this time of year, is that tonight, a first for both of us, we are here for a concert, and you know me with concerts. Last year, this time, Rosa met me in London, and we saw Daryl Hall of Hall and Oates fame, but more importantly, Billy Joel at Hyde Park. Then went on to Brighton where she went to school. Tonight, however, at 9:00 pm, here in Perugia, wait for it, yes, a band of which I have been a fan for decades, and one I have not seen, and you know I have seen many concerts in my life, and for sure, Rosa has not is at the arena here in Perugia. We are going to see TOTO; no, we are not in Kansas anymore. I am very excited for this, and I believe even Rosa knows a song or two, especially after playing Africa a few million times at the Hard Rocks we have been to, and having the iPad, even it was Weezer’s version, or Rosanna, which I think is the only actual TOTO song on the iPad and so after venturing out to explore Perugia, before the stifling heat sets in, around 3:00 pm ish, I will be introduced to Perugia, come back for an afternoon siesta, and the be prepared to rock tonight. I did say the concert starts at 9:00 pm. The biggest event though this week is that it was Rosa’s birthday, so we got together with some of her friends in Roma on Sunday for an aperitivo, had dinner together at the Hard Rock Roma on her actual birthday, but no longer do they have the iPad to play songs we wanted and when we return to Roma later this week, we are getting together with the family for a birthday dinner, I believe Saturday, but that is for another post. Tonight, the temperature and one of the songs will match, 99. Yes, another TOTO song that is more well known. May not that hot, but for sure, the temperatures today, will hover around 93 – 95 degrees (37-38 degrees Celsius), so doing this early will be better and then relax a while as concerts start later here. One because it is outdoors, two it is hot and still being summer, the sun won’t set until later. Other than the excitement and buildup of the concert and Rosa’s birthday week, last week was a normal crazy De Lillo – Bachrach week, my working at my computer on new travel projects and Rosa out sharing her city with clients. Somewhat of a routine, but one I am happy to enjoy in the relative comfort of a Roman summer away from the chaos that is happening in America. The other usual chaotic bureaucratic chaos that is Rome, or Italy in general seems to be becoming part of my better understanding. Again, this is not my first rodeo, so nothing surprises me when I get an email from the shipping company on this side of the pond that they do not have the paperwork I sent them already and potentially having to pay a 34% import tax on top of everything else. I know I sent it, and when I spoke to the locals, they admitted that they were having email issues. In any case, I have my secret weapon. I am hoping that by November 28, 2024, I believe that is Thanksgiving, I will be able to share a proper American Thanksgiving dinner with my beautiful bride here in Roma, perhaps with some friends and family, in out new home and all of the dust will have settled. Who knows, but that is still 4 months away, and so much can happen between now and then and even though I discuss, okay complain about the bureaucracy, and having spoken to a good friend for some hours, yesterday, noted, I do not see you returning to America anytime soon. This is true as the best this for me is my wife and she is here in Italy, so always an open invitation to visit, but my intent to return the US in the near future, is not in the cards. I hope you have enjoyed my offerings each week and appreciate that you have read my blog posts and look forward to continuing with sharing. As always, thank you so much for your support of Rosa’s and my little world now that they have been merged into one. We truly appreciate your support. Next week is my amazing and beautiful wife’s birthday, and it will be crazy busy with lots going on. Stay safe, healthy, and most importantly happy, and as always, your shared comments and thoughts are most welcome!!!
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