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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
>
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