~ ~ x O x O x ~ ~

This week I finally reserved my room in the heart of Rome. It's only a couple blocks from the Vatican and within walking distance of everything, but as my friend likes to say "that's a story over coffee". Meaning, ah, that story is much too long for now.

Meanwhile, after an Italian translation marathon, I'm taking a week long vacation to enjoy my enormous family and our holiday festivities. I need this desperately. Working European hours from California is taking a heavy toll on me, I feel it.
It worries me. A lot. Goals fuel my long hours, but I need to be kinder to... me. Well, what ever little bit of me is left, that is.

Ah, but my vacation began yesterday and today I treated myself to something special. Oh, you have no idea how much I'd been craving this!

Today I took the subway to downtown San Francisco. Amidst the busy festive center, I found my crêpes filled with Italian NUTELLA (and strawberries, too) Yessss...

(That's me in the window's reflection :)

"Luna d'argento con stelle dorate,

gnomi, folletti e fatine incantate,

una pioggia di auguri e un pensiero fatato

per un Natale e un anno più che mai fortunato!"

The holidays are finally here, and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas :o)