Wanna keep up with all things Sant’Andrea? Check out the daily Sant’Andrea blog. It’s updated by resident Francesco Ranieri. He started the blog in August for people of Andreolesi descent all over the world.
Toto
November 23, 2007 By Leave a Comment
I ran out of DVD space before I could get to Toto, the man who talks to God.
Toto was in a truck accident years back and is missing many of his teeth. The accident also left him missing a couple screws.
On sunny days, Toto can be found staring straight into the sun, praying to God for teeth to grow back. Toto says he gets messages from the Good Lord, but he can’t say what he’s heard — it’s a secret.
Toto stops Daniela virtually every day on her way home for lunch. Toto points to his gummy mouth to show that God is listening — that one tooth is growing back. Unfortunately, he’s been saying the same thing for three years now.
But Daniela gives Toto a beaming smile. Says she wishes she had the same connection with the Heavens. If she did, she says, she wouldn’t have to make future dentist appointments.
‘The last guy had a heart attack’
November 22, 2007 By Leave a Comment
After our dip, Nino expressed surprised that we survived the treacherous November waters. “The last guy had a heart attack,” he said. Or at least I think that’s what he said.
They thought we were crazy
November 22, 2007 By 1 Comment
We didn’t see why everyone made such a fuss, but Uncle Bruno and I thought the 70-degree weather was perfect for a dip in the sea. In Sant’andrea, going into the water in November is pure lunacy.
Nino, who took us to the marina after a 3-hour excursion in hunt for the cheese, called us “sick.” Or at least that’s what I think that’s what he said.
I’ve been called worse.
Rome
November 21, 2007 By 1 Comment
JoAnn hit the Web a few months ago to snag us a great deal for two nights at the Arena House on Via Marco Aurelio, just two blocks away from the Colosseum. The bathroom had a leak and the drapes fell down when we tried to close them shut, but all in all, considering the location and price, it was an excellent choice. Plus, the managers were very friendly and we got a free breakfast at a nearby bakery.
We met up with cousin Dino and his family on our second day there. Dino, Helga, Roberta and Francesca were kind enough to let us pack into their Peugeot and take us on a quick tour of the city. We visited St. Peter’s Square, avoiding the long line to get into the Vatican museum; got a great view of the city from Garibaldi Square; and stood in wonderment at the artistry that is St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Best of all, we got to spend time with Dino and the family.
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