Yesterday it was Bea’s turn to see Rome. We got off the train and headed straight to the Vatican. Bea wants to be an artist and I thought the Sistine Chapel might inspire her. She is also very keen on religion. We passed a shop with lots of pictures of the Pope outside.
“Is that God?” she asked.
The Christmas tree and the crib were a great hit with her. Nothing excites Bea quite as much as the sight of a “Baby Jesus”. Sadly there was a queue of about two miles to get into the museum so it was either wait there all day or save Michelangelo for another time and see some of Rome.
We headed for the Pantheon first. Bea thought it was fine, but was rather more interested in the shops. She managed to find a charming sequined hat (pink of course). Just like her sister, she loved the Trevi Fountain, which confirms my theory that it is a fountain built for children.
We sat in the afternoon sun at the top of the Spanish Steps while she drew two pictures of the view below us. She knows it is my favourite place in Rome and was scandalised to see some McDonald’s cups abandonded on the steps.
“At your favourite place,” she fumed. “How COULD they?”
I wonder if one day when she is a groovy young art student she will come back to the Spanish Steps and sell her drawings to lucky tourists.
Today is New Year’s Day. I lay awake most of the night listening to Italians driving home from their parties, wondering what resolutions to make. Half of me thinks resolutions are a silly habit, but at the same time I can’t seem to stop myself.
So for 2008 I resolve to write a novel, do Pilates every day and bring Leonardo (aka Spiderman) to Rome. Both Olivia and Bea have declared the Trevi Fountain their favourite place. I wonder what his will be?
And while we’re on the subject of Spiderman. I have now seen all three films (at least 40 times) and have an idea for a New Year’s resolution for Mary-Jane. She has been kidnapped by baddies (countless times), fallen at high-speed from sky-scrapers, locked in taxis suspended from giant webs in the sky. How about making 2008 they year you get another boyfriend? Just an idea….
Copyright: Helena Frith Powell 2008
I too, have fond memories of Rome and two girls.. albeit teenagers and at the same time. We had lovely supper down the “road” from the Trevi Fountain, outside in November, 2005… the “vegetarian” recommended the night before, “not so much”….. Cheers, Leanne