Today after class I had every intention of going to a Caravaggio exhibit. That all changed, however, when I arrived and there was a line of at least 100 people waiting to get in. I decided to try another day. It was another gorgeous sunny day, so I changed my plans to walk to the Villa Borghese gardens. I strolled along Via Veneto which is an old, famous, ritzy street. I also saw the American Embassy and tried to take a picture but the italian equivalent of Secret Service shouted that I was not allowed to take any photos, oops. Not to be discouraged I walked on and finally found the gardens at the end of Via Veneto.
The gardens are huge, if you look at a map of Rome, they are located north of everything, look for the giant green blob. I was blown away by how lovely everything was. The sun shining through the trees, little daisy flowers, kids on bikes, and people laying in the grass napping. It is so big there are even paved streets. It is kind of like Central Park (about to offend some New Yorkers) but I think more it is more beautiful. Just look at these pictures before you call me crazy.
I lounged, talked to my parents, and people watched. It was one of those moments when everything in the world seemed perfect. I was so happy just to be there. Then I started walking some more and just when I thought it couldn't get any more beautiful, it did. I stumbled upon a little manmade lake complete with boats, swans, and a gazebo. Stunning.
New shoes I bought today, needed some new tennis shoes to get around.
I decided it was time to head back home. I stumbled on a small bookstore, and decided to buy a book in italian. I said I was learning italian and wanted something easy to read. We finally decided on Nick Hornby. I've started glancing through the pages and I find I can at least get the gist of things. This is major progress. Also, lets be honest, it would be impossible for me to go somewhere and NOT buy a book. Those of you who have seen my parents home understand. It is a Barrett thing, this obsession with books.
Sometimes this city drives me crazy. I get tired of waiting for buses, random italians saying random things in italian to me on the street, panhandling, and all the cigarette smoking. But then, Rome steps up right when I am throwing my hands in the air, and gives me a day like today. Restoring my faith in Rome. It's the best possible day I could have.
2 comments:
This (temporary) New Yorker says "psha" to Central Park. (I prefer Prospect Park, which has a healthy blend of manicured-park and wild-park.)
The Villa Borghese gardens do look lovely though!
Ha good! I had you in mind when I wrote that ;) and my mom. Prospect Park sounds good to me and like the Villa gardens I saw today. Not so much park/villa as much as hike up and down a zillion muddy stairs gripping the hand rail for dear life. But I liked the 'wild-park' aspect :)
Post a Comment