But our apartment is six flights up, overlooking a quiet(ish) piazza. With the windows open, we can hear the chatter and the music, but when the windows are closed, only the church bells and the occasional clanging of loading and unloading can be heard.

We are right above Crispino’s gelatari, which is rumored to be the best gelato in Rome. Apparently, it had a small bit in the film of “Eat, Pray, Love”. All I can say about that is: how unfortunate that anyone would find that somehow meaningful. The gelato is great, but I had to force myself across the threshold, knowing that Julia Roberts (or her eating stand-in-I’m not certain she actually eats) had done the same.

Around the corner is Tazzo D’Oro, the coffee place. Also very good. A block away is St. Eustachio coffee bar. The coffee there is indescribable, in the good way. But, there are always tourists lined up looking for a full cup of dishwater, and they are disappointed by the thick sweet thimbleful of espresso.

There is no mistaking me for a Roman. I try my limited Italian, often thoughtlessly touch the merchandise in shops (crude), and make weak attempts to dress with a casual elegance that turns out more shabby (very shabby) chic than anything resembling an Italian woman’s birthright to style.

But when it comes to coffee- save the dishwater; give me the thimbleful of a creamy espresso.

And save me from Eat, Pray, Love. Please.

• I found my little coffee maker on-line. You, too, can find it. http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Order=BESTMATCH&Description=espresso+maker So far, I’ve tried it three or four times and have not yet found the perfect coffee to water ratio.
• It cost $60.00. Well, it is electric, you see.
• It’s a little larger than I expected, but worth packing anyway when one considers the option of hotel coffee.
• Info on the Wallace Stegner House can be found here: http://www.stegnerhouse.ca/ I’m anticipating my stay there with great delight.
• I’m concerned about the Prius recall, but not panicked. If I drove a Ford Fusion, I’d probably feel the same concern. http://www.ozcarguide.com/news-reviews/auto-news/1620-recall-ford-fusion-milan-hybrid
• Penultimate –adjective (cut and pasted from an online dictionary, so it must be right)
  

  1. next to the last: the penultimate scene of the play. 2.  of or pertaining to a penult – second to last syllable of a word.

• The Bishop House fundraiser was a success. All great readers, and there were treats.

Well, that’s the best I can do in answering some of your questions, but please keep them coming. I’m happy to share.