Renaldo...

There is a market next to our Hotel that sells fruits and vegetables. After a cappuchino and pastries served by a man who seems to never stop frowning, a few friends and I peruse through, in search of an apple to serve as a good snack between the Colosseum and Palatine Hill scheduled for today. We meet Renaldo, an older man who speaks fairly good English, and is actually willing to speak to us in English, which we are not used to. He shows me the book he is reading, "Tuttifrutti", an overview of all the fruits of the world-- their origins and characteristics. I can already tell this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. He teaches us where arancias (oranges) come from... They are grown in southern Italy, where the mafia is also located. "Just remember: Arancias mafia!" He points at the mela (apple) I have selected, and says "Smitty... Americano". I realize I have picked a Granny Smith apple, the only American fruit in the whole fruit stand... I cry out in embarrassment. Next time I will choose a mela that comes from Naples, which Renaldo tells us is the tastiest, with its red skin and white flesh. We all wave goodbye to this friendly man, who walks down the cobblestone street with "Tuttifrutti" in hand.
Friends, there is good history, good gelato, good views, good art, and GOOD wine in the city of Roma. I wish I had hours and hours to tell you about them, but it will have to wait. Hope my run-in with Renaldo will suffice for now.