...........ANZIO....... AN ITALIAN CITY NEAR NETTUNO, ABOUT ONE HOUR'S DRIVE FROM ROME, AND HERE WE ARE AT THE PORT, READY TO ENJOY THE DAY, WITH SETTIMIO'S SISTER, IRENE (who is much older than her brother, (Settimio being the 'baby' of the family, and ONLY living son with 7 sisters!) Actually Settimio's mother had *14* children in total, but only 6 are still alive----His 6 brothers all died as babies, one by one of various ailments - Incredible, but True!! (Sorry if I've mentioned this before!) Irene's son, MAURIZIO, is also in these photos, here seen standing. He is very dedicated to his mother, still lives at home with her, and took this opportunity of our returning to Italy after 23 years away, to spend some time with us. It was a day we very much enjoyed and appreciated!

........Here we are, all 4 of us, at a really nice, quaint Italian seafood restaurant, where Irene treated us all to lunch. Actually here it's called, "Pranzo", which is usually the largest meal of the day for Italians. But THIS restaurant was as ridiculously expensive as the Spanish/Italian one in Rome. Poor Irene had to fork over the equivalent of $400 ($100 per person!!) Neither Settimio nor I saw the menu, or I would have insisted we go elsewhere. But Irene chose this place, right where the boats are docked, and as you can see, we had a great view!!


Don't get me wrong - We're VERY grateful for all Irene did for us; She's been TOO generous to us. We just hate to see anyone spend so much money like that! I hesitate to use the word "Waste", because each person has his/her own idea about what constitutes a "waste of money". So I need to make a disclaimer here, and an apology for referring to money so much on my Blog regarding Italy. In all honesty, I also have to point out again that Settimio and I have NEVER been "Big Spenders" when it comes to FOOD. I, for example, have willingly spent $100 to see a concert or opera, and on many other things - but a dinner - NO WAY!!