Ciao, Bella!

Finally woke up at a decent hour (jet lag must have finally worn off completely), so I had plenty of time to waste in the morning. Hung out for a couple of hours with Danny, then went into city center with Maggie (downtown) to look around the shops. Found a wonderful melon (I seem to have developed a taste for them since I've gotten here- ate it in one sitting- mind you, they are about half the size of the ones in the states and much tastier) and wandered into quite a few clothing shops (found a wonderful full black and white skirt, but they were out of my size :( } then we sat down for a cappucino and a muffin. Wandered into this cute little shop on the way home, and found a great asian inspired top (satiny black with red flowers) that I adore! Came back and seem to have lost one of the shirts I brought, so looks like it was very good timing. Relaxed for most of the afternoon, eating fruit (I've eaten more fruit in the last two days...) and watching really bad tv and news (Liverpool just won the European Championship cup, and that's about all they are talking about). Went out to a wonderful Italian restaurant (called Margherita's) that was the most over the top place- you bring your own wine, the restaurant is apparently permently decorated with Birthday and Anniversary signs (in case that's why you came), and has the most adorable little old Italian man who runs it (to Danny and Maggie "Ciao, dhaling! So happy to see you! It's been forever!") who was asking about my Italian (managed to catch a little, YAY!). Absolutely wonderful food, homemade minestrone, wonderful veggie pizza (of course, giant portions). All in all, a really nice day, had a wonderful time.
Interesting note I made: in the states you stick to the right side of the sidewalk, elevator, etc... but here they stick to the left (makes sense with the streets), but the strange part for me is that it feels very wrong to do that!