Everyone in Italy Said Tell You Hello!

[Auburnwine]

Thank you for your kind words. The essay was great fun to write.

I'm sure that it's more than you want to know, but the "sombrero" is a fountain designed by Bernini in the middle of the village square. The "six hills" on top are the symbol of the Chigi family, who owned Arricia and who built the palace just across the Via Appia. That same symbol is atop the obelisk in front of St. Peter's.

Every night, the square is absolutely filled with people: kids kicking soccer balls, old folks gossiping and reminiscing, young lovers courting. It's regularly the scene of concerts and fire work displays.