Rome

 

With Boris on the firing line today at Partygate, I’m amazed to hear that it’s three years since the first lockdown . Three years!!
I’m almost overwhelmed by the thought.
I’m looking at the art wall in the kitchen…..at the start of Lockdown there was only a couple of paintings there…..


The dogs and I had a serious chat this morning, 
Over in the Churchyard, in the weak sun of the morning.
Well I did most of the talking to be fair and Mary and Dorothy hung on every word as they have a want to do.
Roger spied an early bee flying in disorientated circles near the flowers on Auntie Gladys’ grave and smiled to himself .
He never listens  to anything more serious .
Albert limped over and head butted Roger who almost toppled over in shock
I left the boys to it.

I feel more energised than I have in a while. 
I feel more in control and more hopeful with things
I think I’ve been a little depressed over lockdown and a smidgen beyond it
And I told the girls so this morning.
I’m sure they nodded carefully

I have them a big smile and told them that
I’ve just booked a trip to Rome 
It’s in September and I’m going alone.
If a friend wants to join me ….then great.
If not, that’s cool too

Im going to Rome, and I will be able to fit in my best Walking Dead T shirt ….the Large one….
Not the extra large one when I do so.
I fly from London and hopefully see friends there before I go.

What do you think? I asked the gang
Dorothy blew a kiss and Mary pushed forward to be first
Roger was now watching crows in Well Street trees and hadn’t a clue

Io Vado a Roma…Bella






86 comments:

  1. See Rome and ... well, forget the rest of the quote. Just have a good time there.

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  2. Yes! Something to look forward to. May the Travel Goddess smile on your plans!!

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    Replies
    1. I’ve had too much bad luck with my holidays last year

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  3. Sounds like a great plan and good motivation!

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    Replies
    1. I really need something to look forward to

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  4. Rome is my absolute favorite city. I know of no other city that captures art, history, culture, and cuisine like Rome does. Italy may change, but Rome will forever be Rome. Italy is etched on my heart, but Rome is a part of my soul. So glad you've got a holiday on the books. You'll have fewer crowds but glorious weather in Septeber. Good on you, dear John.

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    1. Nicely written, I like this description susan

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  5. I hope the gang was excited for you. I know I am. I haven't been there in 100 years, more or less.

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  6. I imagine your furry ones would accept and consent that your trip to Rome is perfect for you John - Perhaps black shirt , smart trousers and a rather nice scarf - If I may be so bold to suggest x

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  7. So good to have plans and a plan to fulfill them!

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    Replies
    1. I think we all need a goal, a plan, something to work towards even if it’s a few days away in a new city

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  8. Great plans, and by September you'll need a medium Walking Dead T-shirt, if not a small! Just don't let all that yummy Italian food scupper the weight loss. xx

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    1. I never wore a small t shirt even when I was ten

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  9. Yellow Shoes ( soon to be completely ex Anne Brew )2:01 pm

    I can give you the address of a good basic Rome hotel, good walking distance to lots of well known stuff and particularly near the rail Termini which is a visit in itself.

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    1. Yellow Shoes3:02 pm

      Sure - it’s-
      Hotel Villafranca
      Via Villafranca, 9,
      00185
      Roma RM
      It’s listed in full on Booking.com
      There was also a very good supermarket at the end of the road - and a pharmacy for inevitable foot blisters!

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    2. Traveller5:11 pm

      Be very aware near Termini. I was targeted by a group of young children there - luckily I saw them pick me out and was prepared.

      May I suggest The Rape of Prosperina at the Gallery Borghese - need to book a ticket. I have travelled a fair bit and it is one of the most amazing things I have seen.

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    3. Indeed re "be very aware near Termini". We never will work out how my wife got her purse with 300 Euros and credit cards taken from the very bottom of a well-packed and rather full rucksack while she walked... But of course, with care (and maybe a money belt under the T-shirt), you'll be fine.

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    4. Yellow shoes…it’s booked up xx

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    5. Traveller
      Thank you
      I will go and see the sculpture
      I remember being blown away by Samson Slaying a Philistine carved by Giambologna at the V&A

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    6. Andrew, I’m a stalwart of the trains out of Barcelona …fingers crossed x

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  10. It's exciting to have a trip to look forward to!

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  11. You'll be living La Dolce Vita. Bellissima!

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  12. Barbara Anne3:21 pm

    My Dad used to say that "anticipation is often greater than realization". Enjoy the happy anticipation of a September trip to Rome!
    Good you had an attentive audience this morning!

    Hugs!

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    1. And perhaps he’s right. It’s made me feel better for sure

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  13. That's a wonderful trip to look forward to! Ciao ciao bambino!

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  14. I'm glad you're feeling more positive with the diet plans yesterday and now a trip to Rome. What's the third plan? There has to be a third.

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    1. Watch this space , I have an idea

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    2. I didn't think that once on a roll you would stop at two. Can't wait to hear what you have planned.

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    3. We all have to make an effort

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  15. One of the most fun days my daughter and I had on our trips to Italy was in Rome. Had a hilarious taxi driver, showing me pictures of trout he'd caught, and then driving myself, circling the Colosseum, feeling like Cary Grant. You'll enjoy it, no doubt.

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  16. Anonymous4:55 pm

    Sounds lovely, although I have to admit my very first thought was "GELATO".

    Ceci

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  17. With all those stylish Italian men, you are going to wear a Walking Dead T shirt?????

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  18. Anonymous5:59 pm

    That’s great! Good for you! Glad that you are feeling on the up and the holiday will help over the next few months. Dogs are great listeners, well maybe not roger yet who is still a babe. Lovely that Albert joined you. Noreen

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    1. He usually walks with us on a local walk

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  19. Lovely to have something to look forward to.

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  20. Anonymous7:35 pm

    Good for you. Frances SW

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  21. weaver7:58 pm

    I adore Rome. I know I have been for the last time but now have plenty of happy memories to call on.

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    1. Perhaps you can write a blog about your memories of the city

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  22. That sounds like a wonderful thing to look forward to. Rome! What a trip that will be! <3

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    1. I’m hope I g a quick jaunt to Florence too…with a friend

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  23. Anonymous8:34 pm

    Woo hoo! I love that you’re going to Rome and are excited. Need to talk my sister into another “big” trip soon.

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    1. Yes…..it’s an important trip on so many levels

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  24. When in Rome do as the Romans do and when elsewhere do as they would elsewhere... I am not sure you'll be allowed to wear a "Walking Dead" T-shirt within the precincts of The Vatican City.

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    1. I’ve got a pashmina

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    2. Anonymous10:33 pm

      Thank you, this is the image I needed today.

      Ceci

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  25. I think planning for travel is at the top of my list as being "good for the soul." Best wishes at WW. XXO
    Bonnie in Minneapolis

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    Replies
    1. I missed out on two trips last year through cancellation of flights and they would have done me good

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  26. Anonymous9:38 pm

    A holiday to look forward to sounds wonderful. Have you considered trying a keto diet. It was most successful for me I lost many stones and have kept it off for 2 years so far. Deb

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  27. Traveller10:32 pm

    Currently watching Stanley Tucci on iplayer - the Rome episode. He is going to a restaurant near Termini for the best pasta carbonara of his life. Watch it and take notes, the food is wonderful and Tucci is Devine.

    Just read you are planning a quick trip to Florence…another tip the Procession of the Magi http://www.museumsinflorence.com/musei/chapel_of_the_magi.html
    A glorious space.

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  28. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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    1. Sorry I don’t know why your comment was deleted there x

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  29. Your trip to Rome will be fantastic! Plus you've got time to book lots of places and activities while in Rome. Sounds like perfection to me.

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  30. Anonymous11:41 pm

    Is that an open invitation to any and sundry friends here?

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    1. Oh how lovely John - my 4 will love that - splashing in fountains and all that - must dash 3 of them haven't got passports yet x☕ ⛲🍷

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  31. My first stop back into blogging!!!! I'm back in from Budapest, which was jaw dropping gorgeous!!!!! We are supposed to go to Lake Cuomo later this summer. I hope both our trips transpire dear!!! I know you will immerse yourself.

    XOXO

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  32. What I have learned from you is that one should always have an adventure to look forward to.

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  33. Maybe by that time you'll be down to a medium.

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  34. You really did have bad luck with your holiday bookings before. Wonderful to have something to look forward to. I have had some great times visiting Rome and have happy memories. Florence also, and just love people watching and absorbing the atmosphere while having a coffee or on a walk. So much to see too!

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  35. I love Rome, we took my son there as a celebration of him getting his Masters degree and we all loved it. You need to be sat outside one of the pavement cafes overlooking the Coliseum eating pasta, drinking wine and watching the world go by, it's a lovely feeling.

    Something to really look forward to, and I always think Rome is more doable as a single person than Paris, with all it's loved up couples. Although who knows ...

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  36. Go and enjoy life.

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  37. Anonymous5:42 pm

    Document it for us unlucky few…. What’s your Insta handle?

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  38. Anonymous6:59 pm

    Roger "smiled to hmself"
    Who are you? Enid bloody Blyton?
    Cut the fantasy and stick to the facts.

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    1. Dogs smile - fact 🐶

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  39. Bravo! So glad you booked the trip. It makes a huge difference to have a voyage to look forward to...at least for me. Catch up with me when you come through London!

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  40. I have a few interesting sad stories about Rome. Have a wonderful time.

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