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Thanks Mati!
Happy thanksgiving​

On Mon, Nov 23, 2015 at 6:49 AM, Mati Bonetti de Buccini <mbuccini@mac.com>
wrote:

> Hal and Hunt -
>
> My friend Sheila lives in Rome and I asked her for some ideas for your
> kids.
> Great suggestions below for your trip.
>
> She also included her phone number and details if you need anything. She's
> a wonderful woman and dear friend.
>
> Safe travels. I'll be thinking of you.
>
> Love you
> Mati
>
> mati bonetti de buccini || mbuccini@mac.com ||
> 646.251.0559
>
> Begin forwarded message:
>
> *From:* Sheila Pierce Ortona <sheila.ortona@mac.com>
> *Date:* November 23, 2015 at 6:00:57 AM EST
> *To:* Mati Bonetti de Buccini <mbuccini@mac.com>
> *Subject:* *Re: friends in rome*
>
> Dearest Mati,
>
> Sorry it has taken me so long to get this to you. I can’t imagine how
> difficult Thanksgiving will be this year for Hallie and her family. I am so
> sorry for her, and I have put together these suggestions as a means of
> distraction with the hope that some of the beautiful light and sights of
> Rome might make smile. Here are some thoughts I have:
>
> The first thing that pops to mind is an activity for all ages: to visit
> one of Rome’s oldest chocolate shops called Moriondo & Gariglio very close
> to the Pantheon. It’s run by Lorenzo’s oldest friend from elementary school
> (they shared a desk many moons ago!), an adorable gentle giant named
> Attilio, together with his mother Piera, both as sweet as their chocolate.
> They do everything by hand, from their sweets to the boxes that they sell
> them in, and it’s unusual to see such an operation of the sort still
> working with the success it has in Rome. Tell Hallie she should ask for
> either Piera or Attilio, and say they are friends with "Sheila & Lorenzo,”
> — and the royal treatment should follow! It’s located at Via Pie di Marmo
> 21/22, +39 066990856.
>
> Close to where Hallie will be staying is the beautiful Villa Borghese
> which is a great place for a walk, a run, a trip to the zoo, and even
> rowing boats on the tiny little pond in the center of it (a sweet thing to
> do perhaps for the 10-year-old?) — not to mention visiting the gorgeous
> collection of Italian art at the Galleria Borghese.
>
> In terms of gelato, there are loads of choices but my personal favorite is
> called “La Romana” on Via Venti Settembre, 60 which isn’t exactly in centro
> but close enough to where they will be staying. There are literally lines
> out the door at this spot. Otherwise, for purists, there is also San
> Crispino near the Trevi Fountain but I find it has become a little touristy
> (the last time I was there a couple of weeks ago the gelato was served to
> me by a Filippino who spoke Hebrew!!! Globalizazzione alla grande!!). There
> are two San Crispino: one at Piazza della Maddalena, 3 (near the Pantheon)
> and the other at Via della Panetteria 42 (near the Trevi Fountain, which is
> newly restored and gorgeous!).
>
> Two cute lunch spots for simple salads, both near the Spanish Steps: Gina
> (Via di San Sebastianello, 7A) and Ginger (Via Borgognona 43). A cool spot
> for simple salads or a cappuccino with a buffet is called Salotto 42 at
> Piazza di Pietra, 42 (near the Pantheon). Next door is a nice restaurant
> for lunch, too, called l’Osteria dell’Ingegno.
>
> Fun shopping areas for the girls with funky boutiques on quaint streets
> are either along Via del Monserrato which then turns into Via dei Banchi
> Vecchi (near the Campo de’ Fiori) or behind Piazza Navona on Via del
> Governo Vecchio. The Spanish Steps is full of great shops, too, but, many,
> alas, are ones you’ll find in the States by now, too.
>
> A friend of mine named Filippo Cosmelli runs a high-end luxury travel
> enterprise which opens up secret doors in Rome, etc. If Hallie and her
> family are interested in someone who could organise a fun, family day for
> them in order to see some otherwise hidden spots, Filippo and his company
> are specialised in amazing connections, etc. Here’s his website:
> http://www.iflm.it/rome/. If they are interested, I’m happy to put them
> in touch with Filippo who speaks English perfectly. He’s the sort who
> organises a private tour of the Coliseum by night, etc. — always at a price
> but with the utmost discretion, privacy, etc. He custom-makes tours of Rome
> to places tourists either don’t know about or can’t access normally. Just a
> thought if they are interested! He works with his wife, too, named Daniela
> Bianco, tel. +39.338.290.7667.
>
> And, finally, please know that WE are here if they need anything — and I
> have a nine-year-old boy! If he wants to hang out with Luca, play soccer or
> Minecraft, or anything else, don’t hesitate to have her contact me on my
> cellphone, tel. +39.331.358.8730. We are here all week (but Luca and
> Lorenzo are going to London this coming Friday…).
>
> We’re here in any way we can help out (I live around the corner from the
> US Ambassador’s Residence).
>
> Love to you and yours, and Happy Turkey Day in advance!!
>
> xooxox
> Sheila
>
>
>


--
Hallie Olivere Bide