Monday, October 31, 2011
Numa Pompilius, Second King of Rome
If you thought Romulus was a great king, just wait until you meet Numa Pompilius! Considered by many to have been Rome’s greatest king, Numa was as much into religion as Romulus was into war. Not only that, he wasn’t even a Roman. He was a Sabine.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Faith's Vase
The 29th comes around faster and faster every month! Five months have absolutely flown by!
Last month I wrote about finding my great-great-grandmother's wedding ring, and how I didn't know it yet, but that ring would subtly steer the course of my life (if you believe in that kind of thing). I also promised that in this post I would explain how a 150-year-old band of gold could have such mystical powers, but I lied. I can't do that yet. I have to tell a little more of the back story first.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Viva VEnerRDI! Gilda vs Violetta
For your weekly injection of opera (that is, for those of you who don't take daily injections) I'll take a break from my beloved Traviata, to take about my second favorite Verdi opera, Rigoletto.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Fa Bìo - Best Sandwich Shop in Rome
In my adoptive country, however, I cannot say the same is true. Despite the catchy name, panini are often rather pathetic. Usually served on a ciabatta (literally: slipper, as in, the thing you wear around the house on each foot), a flat, oblong roll that is crunchy to the point of being annoying, panini are usually composed of two, maximum three (if you’re lucky) ingredients, that can range from tomatoes to mozzarella to prosciutto. Wow, decisions, decisions!
Friday, October 21, 2011
Roman Flooding
How is it possible that just three hours of heavy rain can flood a city?
Other cities have blizzards, earthquakes, hurricanes, monsoons, tornados, tsunamis! And they trudge through, brave and battle-weary. Rome has a particularly heavy downpour and the city grinds to a halt. I left for work extra early yesterday morning, because after 7 years in this city, I know well that a half-way decent rainstorm (and particularly the first of the season) can cause major traffic delays. You see, no one wants to get wet, so many of the thousands and thousands of people who usually take a scooter to work or use public transportation, decide to take their cars instead.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Georgia O'Keeffe: An American Icon in Rome
Last time I wrote (nearly 3 weeks ago! for shame!) Rome was in the midst of a delightful extended summer, where short sleeves and sandals were still the uniform. But autumn arrived suddenly and mercilessly, and overcoats and scarves replaced their lighter counterparts from one day to the next.
There is one thing that can make up for the decided chill in the air, and that is the explosion of exhibitions beginning this month. Check out the recently updated Exhibit on now page to see what’s new.
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