CCR Day Trip: Orvieto - June 1, 2024

Come and discover the enchanting city of Orvieto in Umbria, on a lovely day trip just an hour from Rome. Its rich history saw Etruscans, Romans, Goths and Longobards before becoming a self-governing medieval township within the Papal States. Many of its most beautiful constructions, including the magnificent duomo, date back to this period.

Upon arrival, our English-speaking guide will meet us and accompany the group from the station to the historic centre to visit the famous Santa Maria Cathedral, providing a detailed description of the two levels, its architecture, paintings, mosaics, and bronze statues. Afterwards our guide will take us for a walk and tell us about the history and the architecture of this very picturesque city. Stops will include the gardens of the Fortezza Albornoz and the breathtaking view of the valley.

Those who wish can then have lunch together and explore more afterwards. Our guide will suggest some food and other options.

When: Saturday, June 1, 2024   

Transportation: Participants may drive to Orvieto with their own vehicle or take the one-hour train trip from Termini (about €25 return).

Meeting point and time: for those taking the train, meeting point in front of Termini Platform 14 (inside the gate) at 8:45, to take 9:05 train to Orvieto Scalo. Meeting point in Orvieto with those coming by car at 10:45 in Piazza Matteotti, the small square between railway station and funicular piazza.

Cost: €15 per CCR member, €20 for non-members for the walking tour with a certified guide. Other charges each will need to cover on their own include train or car transportation to Orvieto, funicular (€2.60 return) and bus tickets, any entrance fees, and lunch. Advance payment of the guide cost required.

N.B. Spaces are limited, so book early.

RSVP at canadarome@gmail.com by May 29, 2024.

CCR Book Club - May 21, 2024

In May, the club is going to discuss "Demon Copperhead" by Barbara Kingsolver. This Pulitzer Prize-winner for 2023 is the story of a boy born into poverty in Appalachia who dreams of being a Marvel Comics superhero. In this homage to the classic "David Copperfield" the author weaves a story that critiques an American social system that not simply fails to lift up, but actually dooms, those entrapped by poverty and drug addiction.

When: Tuesday, May 21, 2024

Time: 6 p.m.

Where: Private residence of CCR member (near Piazza Cavour); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 

Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.

Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy.

CCR at the Komen Race for the Cure - May 12, 2024

This year marks the 25th year of the Komen Race for the Cure in Italy and we'll have a team gathering to participate. Join other members of the Canadian Club of Rome to participate in the run/walk for breast cancer awareness and research!

Young and old -- women, men and kids -- are all welcome to participate.

When: Sunday, May 12, 2024

Timing: Meet Cindi and the CCR team between 9 and 9:15 a.m. in front of Ad Hoc Restaurant, Via dei Cerchi 75 (Circo Massimo). The 5 km run or 2 km walk will begin at 10 a.m. following a route through the historic centre of Rome. The Race Village will be open from the 9th to the 12 of May in the Circus Maximus, offering information and screening activities.

Registration: Sign up individually at the link on this page and write "Canadian Club of Rome" to join our team where it says "Iscriviti ad una squadra già esistente." The €15 donation to participate includes the commemorative t-shirt and knapsack, which can be picked up at the Circo Massimo Race Village or at the Komen offices on Circ. Clodia 80b between 9 and 12 May.

Email: canadarome@gmail.com to let us know if you'll be joining us, so we can watch for you at the meeting point!

CCR Book Club - April 24, 2024

"Black Water Lilies" by Michel Bussi ("Nymphéas noirs" in French) is the book pick for the month of April. One reviewer said "this very stylish crime novel" celebrates "sensuous and cerebral pleasures to get down and dirty with crime scene decomposition and suchlike. The Frenchman writes with chutzpah and all the more so as the audacious story develops."

When: Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Time: 5 p.m.
Where: Private residence of CCR member (Quartiere Flaminio); exact address sent to confirmed participants by email. Open only to current members of the CCR. 
Potluck: Please let Lucy know what you'll be bringing.
Further info & RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Lucy.

Multi-Sensory Aperitivo - April 18, 2024

Join us in this multi-sensory space where gastronomy blends with art and culture. Both an exhibition space and a fun boutique are part of this venue. An aperitif awaits you with a dedicated menu, punctuated by the sound of bells from an adjacent church. Even Quasimodo would enjoy it!

On Thursdays there's live music starting at 9:30, so you could make an evening of it if you decide to stay on.

When: Thursday, Apr. 18, 2024

Time:  6-8 p.m.

Where: Caffè Delle Esposizioni, Via Nazionale 194A

Cost: No host, i.e. each person pays for whatever they order, including water, bread, etc. For example, a cocktail or glass of wine with a charcuterie board or a vegetarian mix is €15.

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Marielle by noon on Apr. 16th to secure a spot at our table.

CCR Walks: Courtesans of Rome - April 14, 2024

Let us follow their footsteps over Rome’s cobblestones as they flick their silky fans at us. Fiammetta, Matrema-non-vole and Imperia are just a few of the most famous of Rome's cortigiane oneste, the upper class courtesans who were treated as royalty by their admirers and would-be lovers in the 15th and early 16th centuries. Their fantastical gowns, sumptuous jewels and luxurious apparel, outrageous banquets and intricate etiquette made their way into ballads, literary works and music -- often written by these very same educated, sophisticated women. Their colourful world all but disappeared with the Sack of Rome in 1527 and the strictures of the Counter-Reformation, but  their memory lives on in the streets, and we will explore it.

When: Sunday, April 14, 2024

Time: 10 a.m. walk starts; optional: meet at 9:30 for coffee or 9:45 for briefing.

Meeting Place: registered participants will be informed of the exact spot by email.

Cost: €10 for CCR members, €15 for non-members. You are financially responsible for your booking.

RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Peter before 5 p.m. April 11.