We've Run Amok In The Eternal City

April 28, 2008 12:55 pm

We sit in a quiet shady park overlooking a part of the Forum. After ascending the long series of staircases from the Piazza Venezia, and then finally the Cordonata, a grand staircase designed by Michelangelo which leads to the Piazza del Campidoglio (also designed by M.), we have stopped to rest and write under the trees. It is pleasant up here.

A slight breeze to cool the hot skin and a marble bench to write on. This is all I need to be happy - a place with a view to sit and recover, although it must be noted that the stairs I've encountered in Rome are a piece of cake compared to the high risers and uneven treads of Amalfi Coast staircases.

The view of the Forum spread out below us is impressive. Pillars, arches, and crumbling ruins are scattered across a wide grassy plain. And in between it all, clusters of red poppies blooming their hearts out. Onward pilgrims!

April 28, 2008 5:06 pm Back at Giolitti's

I'm getting ready to order 2 scoops of marsala custard gelato. Sister is panting of thirst like a street dog - she only wants a cold bowl of water, no gelato for her today. Such restraint! We've run amok in the Eternal City on this hot day. Plenty of walking from one end of Rome to the other. Later we hopped on the metro over to Piazza Barberini, where we dined on sage & butter ravioli,

sauteed eggplants with walnuts,

fresh pizza with rocket, a peppery green.

under the cool shade of sycamore trees.

I had a large bottle of cold water with my lunch while Sister enjoyed a bottle of white wine. This must explain her thirst now. And her frequent requests to stop and lie down.

Our seasoned waiter in white suit just arrived with our 2 orders of 3 scoops of marsala custard gelato! Whoops. Must have ordered wrong.

Took many photos of coats of arms and other heraldic symbols today. The symbols fascinate me and my list of things to google when I get home is growing. My curiosity continues to expand here like a long embroidered carpet being rolled out in an undeveloped wilderness. I don't have time to return to work! There are mysteries to solve! Investigations to be conducted! Stacks of books to read!

Comments

[Marilyn Gallas]

Thanks for the absolutely beautiful travelog. I feel like I have been there.

[eb]

oh those poppies - and move over sister - again...

I'll drink the wine...

oh my oh my oh my...

xox - eb.

[Chris]

That custard gelato in cup! talk about yer symbols!!

These photos are so marvelous. How else to say it? I love how you can walk and walk in Europe. And walk.

Did I mention I may get a new pet rat? I'll be divorced before I can even marry.

[Tyn]

opsie I guess I ordered wrong. Too bad. Have a nap on another bridge and it will all be o.k.

[Diane Cook]

m.a.~I am loving looking at your pictures. They carry me away to a land far away! One I hope to visit one day very soon~
xoxox

[Deb]

Your travelogue has moved Italy up to the top of my "Must See Places" -- thanks for this virtual adventure, it truly is a feast for the senses! And I must say that running amok is the only kind of running this girl is interested in anyway!
:-)

Deb

[Randi]

Man...this is all great stenciling material. You can recreated these images with spray paint and combine it with the original photo in your journal.

[Karen Cole]

Excellent travelogue that you're running here. Particularly exciting and inspiring since I'll be going next month....woohoo

My special interest? The food, of course!!!

....and the wildflowers growing in the Forum.

[Patricia Eaton]

Mary Ann, I am continuing my vacation "thru you." Enjoying all the scenery, the ruins, the buildings, the flowers.....those look like red poppies growing in one picture...beautiful!! The food, everything. But, my favorite thing in this post is your line, "My curiosity continues to expand here like a long embroidered carpet being rolled out in an undeveloped wilderness." What a picture that inspires in my mind! It also sounds, to me, like how we wish kids today could feel about their education. You have got to be an excellent teacher! THANKS! Pat at birdnestontheground

[Julie Prichard]

That PIZZA!!!!

[susan w]

and stencils to cut - especially that last shot of iron work!

[Laura Bray]

I'm reading about your trip with great interest as I'm off to Spain next week and you are inspiring me to look at my trip on a whole different level-to notice little, everyday things.

[Judy Wise]

Where's the pizza? (from she who wants it ALL) xo

[Sue]

Every thing is so beautiful, I want to be there!! OMG, the food!!! Look at that tomato and olive garnished plate. Thanks so much for sharing your trip.