our last full day in italy starts before dawn with work issues
a few calls have to be made to clients down under in australia
but the early start rewarded with sunrise over a foggy valley
the view from our little house in our little town will be missed
most of the day then spent enjoying quiet time around the town
a last trip to rome is then made with a drive to piazza del popolo
the car parked riverside, a walk over the bridge and we are there
first up is a coffee shakarato at the nearest cafe to the quiet piazza
a prior plan to indulge in a segway tour is discussed but scuttled
more tempting is the opportunity to simply wander the streets
and so it is on a relatively cool evening in a relatively quiet city
we head south along via del corso with a view to palazzo venezia
one option being to then ascend the steps there for a final view
but before that we have a determination for a final gelato treat
delicious too and savoured as we cruise along this fine street
this part of town is a premium location for specialist shops
window-shopping the best option with plenty of fine displays
people-watching is also indulged with many demanding attention
the street artists in particular seem to be of a very high standard
possibly inspired by an exhibition with a short queue formed
banksy - the one and only now famous street-artist from london
it takes us about 2 seconds to agree - that's for us and in we go
we have totally enjoyed inspecting traditional art and museums
but most of it beyond our reach symbolically or intellectually
here in front of us is modern art that needs no questioning
the message is always clear, hard-hitting and socially aware
war, poverty, consumerism, imperialism all deftly challenged
a common simple yet intricate style seen in all the art displayed
this is a modern master's work - it will only grow in appreciation
and value of course with most here loaned from 'a private collection'
an hour or so knocks it over and we are then back out on the street
possibly inspired we then purchase a couple of framed photographs
dinner time - and a want to have a special meal on our last night
so we are more picky than usual as we inspect many menus
and ignore more hawkers than usual looking for the spot
seen as an empty table in a small restaurant in a busy lane
just inside the door so close to the action but also private
spaghetti vongolese, seafood gnocci and frascati wine
perfect - the generous and rich trifle-like desert too much
it beats us and we walk away with very contented tummies
back to the car and a trouble-free final cruise out of rome
the radio station playing an eclectic mix of classic tunes
an easy drive up the hill to torrita tiberina - good night...
