Category: Rome - A Cottage by the Sea

Rome, October 2021

10/12/2021

Three days in Rome and now on the plane home. Too busy to post. I walked approximately 10 miles a day, and got full benefit out of my 72 hour bus pass. Big bus trip was to get a covid test in order to get into the U.S.. Negative; I could have told them that. I’ve felt super healthy the entire trip.
When I get home, or very likely on Tuesday, I’ll add a slide show to this. No theme, other than places and pictures I love of Rome.
But my energy will turn to being back home. Very grateful for both. Home made the trip possible and joyful.

Fountains at Villa d'Este

9/16/2019

No solitary traveling for me yesterday. Two long-time friends and I took the Metro and then a local bus to Tivoli to visit the fountains at Villa d’Este. Water power at its best. For a moment I could forget hurricanes, flood, drought, pollution.
“The villa occupies the site of an old Benedictine convent. In the 16th century, the estate was developed by Cardinal Ippolito d”Este, son of Lucrizia Borgia (Eyewitness Rome Travel Guide, 1997).

Cloister of San Giovanni in Laterano

9/13/2019

My getting-to-Rome plan went well--first cappuccino, bus pass and bus ride. So far I’ve prayed for peace in eight churches and today isn’t even over. However, I’ve ditched my goal to visit 100 of them. Most likely it would be impossible, and it would definitely be nonsensical. I’d just be rushing in and out, snapping a picture and adding the name to my list.
In order to reach my 100 church goal, I would have missed visiting the cloister at San Giovanni in Laterano, the official papal church, and before the ceremony was moved to St. Peter’s in the mid 1800s, where popes were inaugurated.
Another change of plans. I’m not lighting a candle in every church. I always say a prayer and sometimes give to someone in need waiting near the entrance. I know some of these people are homeless because their bedding is set up right there (I don’t take photos).

First cappuccino

9/13/2019

First churches of the trip. Visited five yesterday. Off now to my favorite, San Clemente.

Off to Italy

9/11/2019

I fly to Rome tonight. I’ve flown on 9/11 before and have never considered the date when making the reservation. I don’t give it much attention today, at least not in any worrisome kind of way. I lead my life as best I can; I try to be cautious and sensible. That’s it.
As I write this I smile. There’s a good chance there will be no crowds; I will walk through the check-in and security lines with ease. And the ease will continue.
Here’s my plan, which I love anticipating. I have a direct flight to Rome. I know how to maneuver through the Fiumicino Airport to catch the train to Rome Termini where I will grab my first cappuccino of the trip. I’ll purchase a week-long bus pass and either take a bus or taxi to my hotel that is on a major bus line right in the center of everything. I’ll check in, take a forty minute nap, and out I’ll go. I’ll stop at the first church I come to and light a candle for world peace. My goal is to light a candle for peace in at least 100 of Rome’s 900 churches. Very grateful.

Roman Holiday

4/20/2019

Vatican Museum: Day Two

4/7/2018

I spent the morning at the Vatican Museum. I had reserved a ticket and audio guide on line while still in the states. A must. Bus 492 from Argentina left me at Bastioni di Michelangelo, and from there I followed the crowds and signs to the entry. Once inside,modern organization, efficiency, and technology took over and I started walking, and walking, and walking.
My specific destinations: the Pinacoteca (gallery of medieval and renaissance paintings), the Borgia apartments, and the Sistine Chapel (no photography). Along the way there was so much more to take in, including a generous display of contemporary art. This museum is not stuck in the past.
Please take a little walk with me. I confess that I did more looking than picture taking.

Trastevere: First evening in Rome

4/5/2018

Quick view of my first evening in Rome and Trastevere, were 'back in the day' the tradesmen and families lived. No time to write. I'm off on the beautiful dat.

Give yourself a "My Day"

3/16/2018

A quiet day for me here, a day that is turning out to be a “My Day,” at least until we meet friends for dinner. I want everyone, those of us who like silence, solitude and simplicity, and those who always like to be with others, to have a day like this once in a while. On a ‘My Day” there are no outside obligations or commitments. I figure out what to do as the day enfolds.
Per usual, I’m staying home, satisfying my typical pleasures of reading, writing, meditating, walking, and, I must confess, keep an eye on the news. To my surprise, I realize I have just spent a couple of hours reading “Bernini: His Life and His Rome,” by Franco Mormando, purusing “Bernini and the Art of Architecture,” by T.A. Marder, and planning the four days I’ll be in Rome in April, which seems to be shaping into a Bernini visit.

Homes away from homes: Florence and Rome

9/23/2017

     This is my favorite city. I have to shout that out again and again, but you all know that!
      Yesterday friends who spend two months in Rome every fall came up by train for the day. We walked, talked, and visited San Marco. Then we walked, talked, ate and visited Santa Croce. Next we walked, talked and ate some more until they took the train back to their home away from home.
    Rome is their city; Florence is mine. Rome is huge and spread out, with many centers of interest. Florence is small and compact, with the Duomo the center from which all spirals forth.