 |
| Via Aurelia 796, today |
Rome is the Eternal City where the years and centuries pass, there are changes and transformations, but nothing ever truly disappears.
I experienced one such transformation this week thanks to
Fulvio’s book “Olio e Ricordi in Cucina”, for we were invited
to take part in a TV show celebrating extra virgin olive oil.
 |
| the old gymnasium is now a TV studio |
The morning program “Nei Cuore dei Giorni” is
an hour and a half long and we were
asked to talk about recipes, life in the old days, grandmother’s recipes such as little known “ marmellata
d’olive”.
 |
| entrance to Via Aurelia 796 today |
For me it
was a return to the past since the TV studios
are located at Via Aurelia 796 in
the same buildings that were once Notre
Dame International School…where I taught
in the 60s and 70s.
 |
| the gate, Via Aurelia, the fountain across the street is still in place |
Wanting to
avoid driving the 70 kms to Rome in the dark, early morning hours, we spent the
night in Rome.
Our B&B
looked nice on the web but it turned out to be an unhappy choice for the location on Via Boccea meant traffic noise throughout the night.
We did enjoy
a lovely meal at a nearby trattoria Antica Torre, a period building
surrounded by modern apartment blocks. The owner had restored it
keeping its ancient flavor and adding architectural details reminiscent of medieval buildings.
The appointment at the TV studio was for
8:15 but not knowing the traffic situation we started out early,
and arrived before
8 a.m. passing the Esso station and turning in at Via dei Faggella.
The
entrance to 796 has changed considerably: there is a rotary, olive trees and where once there were playing fields there are new buildings with offices of the Bishops,a congress center, Caritas
and even a nursery school.
Our
contact, one of the writers for the show
Stefano Coltellacci , met us at the
entrance, where we were signed in,
leaving a document with the portiere, formerly the
headmaster’s office.
 |
| portiere, former Headmaster's Office |
Stefano brought us downstairs to make up which was skillfully applied by Rachel from Costa Rica who had been hard at work since 6 a.m.
As we waited for the other guests to arrive, I peeked out the
windows and noted full grown trees and lawns where the school buses used to line up.
By 9 a.m. we were all inside the studio, the former gym.
While the
art director and his crew set up the
tables and arranged the props, we met
the program’s lively conductor
Lucia Ascione and
learned our cues from the staff.
 |
| corridor leading to Andre Hall, the chapel used to be on the right |
 |
| Lucia and Fulvio in the studio |
 |
| Padre Stefano on the red couch |
 |
| doors to the gym/studio |
The gym’s
structure was still there, hidden under
the stage props, cameras and
lights.
 |
| setting up for the program |
The last segment of the program with Silvio Vitelli was dedicated to past years. Here is a clip from that segment where I show off the 1976 NDI Yearbook.
A true return to the past. Your comments are welcome.
A true return to the past. Your comments are welcome.
