The day began to look as if rain could begin at any minute, and so, we decided to head over to the new Rinascente Department Store.  Set in a seven-story palazzo, on Via del Tritone, the store was relatively new and, according to all we had read about it, quite nice.  We thought we would give it a try.  We arrived hungry, and headed upstairs, to the restaurant.  Most of the tables were set on a covered terrace, which was not a problem, until the rain began to pour down.  It rained as if it had not rained in years!  There was no way one could sit out there, even with a covering, and not get wet.  Therefore, we quickly ate our meal, and then, headed back inside.  Now, for those who have never been inside a Rinascente location, let me tell you that this is a very high-end store.  There are no bargains here!  That said, it was fun to look around, especially when we ventured down into the lower level, which had all the Christmas items that were for sale, as well as remains of an ancient aqueduct.  The aqueduct was very interesting, as special effects, lighting, and music are used, to give visitors a brief history lesson about the site.

By the time we came out of the department store, the rain had slowed to a drizzle.  We were leaving in the morning for our next destination, Milan, and needed to head back to the apartment to pack our bags, as we were then going to go down to Trastevere, for one last meal at La Botticella.

On our way back to the apartment, we passed another store with Christmas items on display, and so, we went inside!

Little did we know, as we sat down for dinner, that this would be the last meal we would have at La Botticella!  The COVID-19 pandemic would hit, before we were able to return to Rome, and like many other restaurant owners around the globe, Giulia would be forced to close her doors.  Rome is simply not going to be the same without her, and I know that there are people from all over the world who will miss her, and the hospitality she showed to everyone who came through the doors of the restaurant.

Next up: We travel to Milan, our last destination for this trip!

Note: This blog is written in English and Spanish, and the author takes no responsibility for the quality of any other translation that may appear.  If you have enjoyed this post, please, check out our archives for more posts from Rome, as well as other Italian destinations.  Grazie!