Rome is Burning (Sunday, October 16, 2011)
Carsten, Louise, and their 4 children flew in last night, getting here later than expected because of some protests in the city. They had to take a shuttle from the airport to the train station, then take a train from Rome to the outside town, Zagarolo, where we are staying. The shuttle to the train station took much longer than expected, because there were protests in Rome , with police everywhere and some cars burning in the streets.
We saw them this morning at breakfast after a long night’s sleep. Their new baby, Emil, is just adorable! He’s round and fat-cheeked and very good-natured. He also has 4 mothers, as sisters Sidsel (14), Anne (13) and Line (8) take over when they can. Who could be crabby with all that love?
Ivano and Terhi are very kind, making sure we have what we need and shuttling any of their guests to the train station to make the short trek into Rome . Ivano also mentioned that he’d like to give us a briefing about seeing the area. Briefing may not be quite the correct word, as he passionately gave his views about the best and worst of touring Rome for more than an hour. But he gave us good advice.
Today we took a walk around ancient Rome . We toured the Trajan Market, which has been many things over history—a market, a public gathering place, government seat, temple, convent and military barracks. Some of it is still being excavated, but the main portion is used as a museum, and the structures hum with history. At the time we visited, they were taking down a design exhibit, so there were boxes everywhere and several of the little rooms served as frames for some sort of modern furniture design.
The whole motley crew. |
The aftereffects of the protest last night were not pronounced, but we did see one burned-out car. Our hosts mentioned that they feel like the government likes to publicize any sort of violence, because most protests are peaceful and sincere, and the violence of certain parties diminishes the impact.
The train back to Zagarolo was quite full, but it was pretty quick, and Ivano and Terhi were there to drive us back upon arrival. What a lot of driving they must do! And we are so glad, because it makes it so easy to get to Rome .
Just before we left Rome we bought a bunch of groceries, and we went back to the house that Ivano had arranged for Carsten and Louise when they decided to meet us in Rome . It is perfect for our large group gathering. We made 2 kinds of pasta and a salad, and after eating, the kids communed with the television. Together, these children have watched television in English in both America and Denmark , Danish in Denmark , and now they are watching American shows in Italian. It’s such a multicultural bonding experience. At least, it gives them some common ground. It seems “Spongebob Squarepants” is funny in any language, whether Spongebob is yelling “Arrivadercci!” or if he is called “Svampebob Fiercant”—my newest addition to my very tiny Danish vocabulary. I’m not even sure if I’m spelling it right, but anyway.
It’s so good to catch up with them, and fun to see the youngest girls take up with each other as if they’ve been best friends all their lives.