I did get into Rome for a few hours today, riding the Regional train in with my daughter, who had an appointment with her hair-stylist. The few hours weren’t enough, of course, but they were a pleasant and much-appreciated extra, given that the real purpose of my trip to Italy was to spend time with family, especially my granddaughter.
I’ve been so fortunate this year, managing to see her in January (a continuation of last year’s December visit — almost a month with her altogether), thena week in June in Croatia, and now these five days. But as lucky as I know I am, I suspect there will be tears tomorrow morning — I’ll try to keep them to myself until I’ve said good-bye, see if I can hold off until I’m checked in and through security. . . (very frustrated trying to check in online today and stuck in one of those abominable technological loops — have to use the old-fashioned method tomorrow, crossing my fingers it still works).
It’s likely to be a few days before I surface here again, what with a full day of travel, then dealing with the jetlag of a nine-hour time difference. In the meanwhile, let me share the sketching I did during my Slow Morningthe other day. There’s so much here that I can see how to improve, but let me stress again how much of the enjoyment in the sketching comes not from the product, but from the process. Sitting on that bench enjoying the intermittent sunshine (temperature of 17 Celsius!), not realizing until I got up that my pants were soaking up a layer of dew, immersed enough in the observing and the line-making that I easily ignored the passers-by, forgot to feel self-conscious. . .
Normally, I’d transcribe my scratchy writing for you, but priority right now has to be squeezing everything back into my suitcase and trying to get to bed early for a decent night’s sleep, pre-flight . . . .
That sketch is so good! I admire the way you keep practicing and improving.
Have a safe trip home.
I hope that the day goes well for you. Those in-transit days are always difficult. Your sketching/painting is really so descriptive. You must enjoy the process a lot.
Safe travels! And it is remarkable how often you've managed to see your child on another continent – so lovely for all of you.
Short and sweet,such a joy to see your italian family
Sketches diary is an emotional and mindful travel contribution
Have a nice and safe travel
Dottoressa
We just returned home, thirteen hours of flight – one suitcase did not arrive – and then the wait for the ferry. Of course we should also mention the nine hour time change. I’m lying in bed drinking coffee. Yes, it’s worth it…even if we don’t have family on the other side.
When we are very old we will have wonderful memories…
Ali
Love all your sketches, plus the idea of the process to create them Slow down time, being in the moment time, breathing time. No to mention the Capuchin and cornetto that follows. Have a good trip home. Surprisingly I enjoyed our flight home from Rome, the service was so friendly, the food good (so much better than the trip over to Venice) I read a great book on my i-pad, watched Paddington 2 (loved it especially Knuckles McCarthy. Ha) and anticipated sleeping in my own bed that night. Hope Pater has something wonderful simmering on the stove, and a nice wine chilling in the fridge for your return.
Safe travels on a long day. Have enjoyed sharing the Edinburgh-Paris-nearRome-not-quite-an-express trip with you via the internet. 🙂 As always, loved your sketches. I daresay that when you look back at your sketches, they will be much more evocative than any photos you take since they will viscerally remind of the sights and sounds (and damp seat)of the places you sketched.