ROME 25/10 – Day 0: Brooklyn

This afternoon I head to Rome. I’ve been again graced with the chance to meet up with friends in Gotham.

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The first thing we did when I arrived was get Chinese food.  At least once per trip, as is customary.

Another evening was spent with a burger and a glass of beer.  Can you guess which are mine?

We have had the bagel debate before.  However, I saw a documentary about different styles of bagels.  It seems that the lighter, fluffier bagels are the preference in Brooklyn.  This is onion.  I like mine toasted for this iteration.

Yesterday we drove to Summit, NJ to visit the wonderful Summit Dominicans, the “soap sisters” whom I advertise here often on the blog in my Daily Rome Shot posts and on the side bar.

HERE

I and another priest were received by most of the community in one of their parlors, which has a barrier – proper.  They maintain a monastic enclosure.

I – STUPID STUPID STUPID – forget to get a photo with all the sisters.  I could kick myself.   Hence, I can’t share the moment.  It was wonderful to talk with them and see what they have been building, etc.   Wonderful community.

Then we went to Ellis Island on the way back to NY.  My friend who took me to Summit has access to the Island from the Jersey side.  It has been some 50 years since I’ve been there.

Also visiting Ellis was a large group of Franciscan sisters in their habits.  They said they were from Connecticut.   In this photo, hard to see, a few are sitting on the bench under the flag on the left.

Moving.  Sincerely.

Then, back to Brooklyn.

White to move and mate in 4.  Not too hard today, but it involves a tactic.

NB: I’ll hold comments with solutions ’till the next day so there won’t be “spoilers” for others.