Day 1 in Rimini

8-26-09

Tess and I decided to split up for the day so I had a quick breakfast in our hostel and then spent the first part of the morning reading my book on Iran and US foreign policy at a nearby cafe. I then took a bus to the city center and walked around to see the local sites.

I saw the Ponte di Teberio and Arco d'Augusto. I next treated myself to lunch at Trattoria la Mariana and had gnochi with seafood and wine. I met a woman named Sara who lives in Rimini and just finished her studies in law in March. She is currently working at a firm in Rimini. Sara translated for me to the waitor (she spent a year studying in London so she spoke English and Italian) and we chated about things to do in Rimini.

I then walked to the Piazza Cavou, the "fulcrum of the midevil township" and site of a statue of Pope Paul V and one of Da Vinci's favorite fountains (Fontana della Pigna). Then I went to an ancient fish market with high stone counters and fountains for cleaning the fish. I spent an hour or so reading here during the Italian "nap" time in midafteroon. I then saw the Castello Malatesian which is a fortefied castle with a project to rebuild a moat underway. Next I went to mass at the Church of St. Augustine which is in the gothic style and has frescos depicting St. John the Evangelist and the Virgin Mary. I then moved to the heart of the Roman city, Piazza Ter Martiri which was really fun and very hip. I got pesca (peach) gelato at the place Sara suggested which was the best I've ever had.

Last, I saw the Domus del Chirurgo or Surgeon's House where an ancient doctor's surgery was perfectly preserved adn the City Museum which was part of an 18th century Jeusit college and saw some beautiful art.

Tess and I also decided to skip out on Cinque Terra and head straight to Rome.