We went to Mass at the cathedral this morning.

It is a little less personal when you have so many strangers join the congregation in worship, and we had people from New Zealand 🇳🇿 and Poland 🇵🇱, as well as Lebanese 🇱🇧 and German 🇩🇪 in the Cathedral joining us this morning, we are all very welcoming of strangers which we see is very much appreciated.

Afterwards, we had lunch at a restaurant that we like. They open during the tourist season on a Sunday but off season they don’t always open up for city folks. I’m sure it is the case for many businesses in southern Italy 🇮🇹 where the sabbath is still observed. Yes, sounds quaint in these trying times for businesses.

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samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

It isn't just the Sabbath observance that sometimes causes problems for the tourist. The rest period/lunch break, I can't remember the Sicilian term, made us really plan on advance. That was really a problem during winter when there was limited light.

SomeMichGuy · M

@samueltyler2 YES! I needed a ticket for the subway in Rome and had not bought one before the Tabak had its "siesta" time. That was a very long time ago.

When I was last there, I believe one could buy tickets in the subway station. That waa a lesser while ago, but still a while ago.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@SomeMichGuy I don't think that is the Italian term.

Just looked it up.

In Italy, the siesta is known as "riposo". It's a time for rest and relaxation, often involving an extended lunch break, where many businesses and shops close down. While "riposo" encompasses the overall midday break, other terms like pennichella or pisolino are used to specifically describe an afternoon nap.

SomeMichGuy · M

@samueltyler2 No, I'd be surprised if Italians as a whole used a Spanish term (though I would not be surprised if the OP were to use it! 😊), but people in the US likely understand what is being conveyed.

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@SomeMichGuy it caused us real "problems" as winter tourists. Many museums use only natural light, so closed after 4, so we had to get all the visits in early. There may be better lighting no, we haven't been back since 2003

SomeMichGuy · M

@samueltyler2 Repose...big surprise. lol

samueltyler2 · 80-89, M

@SomeMichGuy maybe the op can report on that.