Even though Rome is a very stroller “unfriendly” city, Olivia LOVES this town. Why? Because the Italians love her back. Actually they seem to love all children, and are very indulgent of them, especially “naughty” ones like mine (thank goodness).
So far Olivia has played Leapfrog, and Hide and Seek at the Colosseum, climbed forbidden ruins, picked flowers in the park, spilled hot chocolate twice, and was even a “special” guest at a Wine Tasting event.
Last night Olivia had a rapt audience of waitstaff watch her perform bad gymnastics, sing gibberish, and clapped when she cleaned her plate.
They even proclaimed her brilliant when Olivia explained to them that this country is called Italy, because people speak Italian here…and that when you go to “Paki-China,” you will need to speak Spanish or Polish.
Add this to all the candy, hugs, and constant “bella bella” proclamations that strangers give her, and it’s no wonder Olivia says, “Italy is just like the United States…except better.”
She thinks that Bella” is Italian for Olivia because so many people call her that here.
Notice Brian’s stoic but mortified look at his kids’ antics. He is telepathically messaging me, “TIFFANY, do something about this!” Ha ha but I can’t, I have to take the pictures.
Hide and Seek
Climbing the ruins
Picking flowers
Petting strange horses….