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Shawn Weidmann's avatar

One of your best lines ever:

" Judging by historical results, it’s probably wiser to take money tips from the Swiss. But I’d rather eat with the Italians."

I am jealous of your slower start - obviously it took me way too long to read this latest post because, yes, I have been too busy . . .

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Celia Cerasoli's avatar

I absolutely love reading your posts... and always learn something new about my beloved Italia! Grazie mille!

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Michelle Ciani's avatar

I so love our slow starts to January - nothing on the calendar till after La Befana sweeps away the old year for good. And the Farnesina is such a quiet gem to match the early January mood ✨

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Also wanted to say that I hope your son is doing alright in LA. I was in the music business for many years (in NYC) and I have so many friends in that world that have lost homes, studios, instruments, recordings, etc. It really is devastating to see what's happening...

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Michelle Ciani's avatar

he’s safe and though he had to evacuate his place is intact and he’s been able to go back now. Thanks for your thoughts, and yes, the devastation there is unimaginable. I hate being so far from him!

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Emma's avatar

I hope to spend a couple of days in Rome this September, before a week down in Puglia, so the Villa Farnesina will be a destination for a long walk! Trastevere is so enchanting --my favorite part of the city. Grazie mille per quest'idea! Amarei condividere una bottiglia con te e C, se siete lì?

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Margaret Skaggs's avatar

Loved the intro to V. Farnesina. Looking forward to visiting in the flesh.

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Laura Itzkowitz's avatar

Villa Farnesina is such a hidden gem. Every time I go, I marvel in awe at those frescoes and can't believe there's hardly anyone else there. Plus, based on the stories I've heard, Agostini Chigi sounds like quite the character.

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Gillian Longworth McGuire's avatar

What a beautiful start to your year. Rome is a ceaseless wonder.

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Twila Shakespeare's avatar

Eric,…… This is one of your best ever. It made me feel it made me see it. It made me taste and all through your eyes and your words. Beautifully written, interesting and all so true. You are living your dream your Italian dream.!

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Dimitri Ehrlich's avatar

GREAT, thank you so much as always. I really enjoyed this.

New Year's resolution: I will try to slow down and eat more lentils.

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Marie Salisbury's avatar

Thank you. Of course, I'm jealous, but also, grateful you share with us :)

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Chris K Attal's avatar

Eric, I so enjoy your newsletters, and look forward to a new year full of your wit, warmth and wisdom! Reading these are the next best thing to being in Italy! Sending my best wishes to you and C.

Chris

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Sandy's avatar

A lovely way to ease into this year!

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Lizzie Wingfield's avatar

What a lovely story!!

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

So funny-- was just thinking about you a few minutes ago and hoping you guys were doing well. Not surprised that you were back in the swing of things immediately-- I would expect nothing less. You know I was never too quick out of the batter's box...

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Thanks so much-- and I always look forward to yours as well! They're like notes from the Italian family I never had :)

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Life Lived Italian's avatar

Yes-- I smiled when I saw your last post. I felt much less guilty to know I wasn't the only person in Rome reveling in the extra week :)

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