Lena

One of the few good things about being single and living in the UK is that Europe (and the opportunity to get there) is so close. Without thinking twice (well actually with a great deal of angst) I gave in to my niece Lena's wishes and met her in Rome.
It was so good to see some sunshine and so good to see her that I didn't really care if I saw any ancient art or architecture at all.
Lena has always been great fun with a dry sense of humour and an observant and sensitive way about her. It was an absolute pleasure to hang out with her as she showed me the sights of Roma.
Without her cheeky sense of naughtiness, I would never have climbed up to the top of the stairs at the institute of architects and gone onto the roof!
Would never have let myself wander the streets looking for the best ice cream....
and coffee.....
bread...
and pizza.
While following along in Lena's shadow though, I did get a glimpse of the ecclesiastical side of Rome, in shops like this...
and this I remembered that I loved studying Art history at Art school and these amazing figures in the Four Rivers Fountain by Bernini on Piazza Navona were unbelievable up close. How clever to show someone taking off their shirt beside a clear pool and the detail on that palm tree was incredible.
I'd seen photos of the Colosseum so many times before but I never realised it was beside a hill.