On the way to the metro this morning we pass my favourite Christmas windows by Valentino.
Breakfast is at Regoli - it is not for the faint hearted. Maritozza are sweet yeasted buns filled with whipped cream. The origin of the name is very romantic - Young grooms-to-be gave them to their fiancées, hence the name maritozzi, which means "almost husband," from the Italian word for husband, marito.
In Regoli's shop next door we buy mostaccioli - diamond shaped spice cookies covered with dark chocolate.
A short walk brings us to Panella where we admire the Christmas themed bread sculpture in the window.
Back in Centro Storico we pay a visit to a very special butchers. Angelo Feroci has been serving the well heeled local clientele for four generations. The display of meats is fantastic and the staff all wear bandanas which make them look like pirates. There is also a huge counter of ready prepared meals which is ideal when self catering.
As we are so close to the Pantheon we cannot resist a peek in and enjoy seeing the Chapel of the Annunciation which fits in with our Christmas themed trip.
There is also a very simple crib waiting for a special baby.
Obviously we can't pass by Bortolucci (Evie's toy shop!) where the Christmas tree is very cleverly decorated with wood shavings.
For lunch today we decide to return to Pizzarium so that I can get my potato pizza fix. The dough on this pizza is incredible.
On the way back through the metro station we see some interesting street art.
Our early evening passeggiata tonight starts at Café Greco. We splurge on hot chocolate in this historic café to celebrate our 10th visit to the Eternal City.
Everyone who is anyone has been seen here, including Buffalo Bill
We wander along admiring the street decorations.....
.......I particularly like these umbrellas
Time for suppli and Supplizzio supplies some of the best in the city
Not too far away is Barnum Cafe, which appears to have had a makeover and has lost the circus theme. They do lovely wines by the glass here and have a reputation for mixing good cocktails. However, the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired as the free Wi-Fi means you are surrounded by solitary souls on their laptops.
Waiting for a bus isn't a hardship when the stop is opposite such a beautiful church as the Chiesa Nuova.
We alighted near the Trevi Fountain to see the result of the recent refurbishment - it is spectacular.
Of course we throw our coins in to assure our return before making our way back to the apartment.
