Italian Lover

More about St. Francesco of Assisi is going to have to wait.

When I first met Rome, he swept me off my feet. All charm, 70 degree weather, sunshine, good company, good food, showed me all the sites. I went for him hook, line and sinker. Well, it's been 2 1/2 years and Rome is showing himself to be a bit of a cad. He's toying with me, leading me on. On my first day back he took me to our favorite gelato place. We laughed, talked to other tourists and told them about San Crispino's gelato; we sneeked in to the the popes' tombs at St. Peter's; we met some young American priests who know my freind Jeff. But Rome was cloudy and a little stand-offish.

On day two, Rome fooled me. I went to the Forum only to find it isn't free anymore and you can't see it without buying a ticket for the Coloseum and Palatine Hill. Well I didn't have that kind of time or money and he knew it. He wasn't goingto make me late for my lunch with Jeff. So, I left.
Rome was gracious at lunch with Jeff. We had a really nice time and the day warmed up. That evening we shared a fun time at the Carosel and took lots of pictures. Then we enjoyed a Turkish bath and prosecco on the balcony.

So, imagine my surprise this morning when Rome jilted me for the Pope. We had a meeting planned to climb St. Peter's coppula, but Rome decided to spend the morning with Benedict instead. I couldn't even view the coppula on my own. Well, two can play that game.

I ran to Spoleto. He's quiet, clean, has that small town kind of charm, is friendly if a little boring. If all the new construction says anything, he is good with his hands, and he let's me talk to other guys. He's warm and has beautiful views.

I'm heading back to Rome tonight. We'll see what he has to say for himself and what he is planning for my last day. He'll have to work hard if he wants me back. I'm not sure if it's possible. We may just have to be friends. Anyway, there's always Sorrento - and Luigi!