Quickly scrawled postcard from Rome . . .

I’d love to do better than scrawl a hasty postcard to you, but we’ve been busy and, after all, the priority for now is spending time with “the kids” — daughter, son-in-law, and granddaughter. We arrived here on Friday, late afternoon, on the train from Torino (where we’d broken the train journey into two pleasant segments: Paris-Torino, then Torino-Roma).

Crossing the city pulling our cases along Friday afternoon . . . ancient buildings and the umbrella pines of Rome (cue the Respighi). . .

The plan had been for us all to meet for dinner Saturday evening — based on their assumption we’d want time to rest up after all the travel. But La Ragazzina begged her parents to bring her to us Saturday morning, sure we would not want to wait to see her. And she was right! We had the best day together, the three of us, despite those 20 governments (as she explained earnestly) causing traffic complications all around. 10 kilometres on my iphone by the end of the day — and she was still “full of energies” as an Italian sitting near us commented, smiling and trying out his English. Our bilingual little girl held off whispering to me (“he means I’m full of energY”) until we were well out of earshot.

Our home for the next little while, this restful neighbourhood. . .

Anyway, this morning they’re coming to pick us up for a gentle hike beginning in a nearby city. I’ll try to snap some photos for you along the way, and I’m trying to post a few each day on Instagram, but I’ve been challenged to find good Internet connections away from the hotel.

What it was all for, every uncomfortable minute of travel, completely worth it for this moment!

Time to run so we don’t make them wait.

Thinking of you,

Chat soon. . .

xo,

f

26 Comments

  1. Annie Green
    31 October 2021 / 3:37 am

    You are on the Aventine! I recognised that view -stayed there some years ago when I went to Rome with a friend. Lovely area and, as you say, quiet but with stunning views. I love that sunlight on the ruins. Took my breath away when I saw it. Enjoy your Sunday.

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:09 am

      You got it! Isn’t it wonderful? Surprising to find such a quiet neighbourhood — a bit of a walk to some of what we want to see, but worth the extra steps (which make up for gelato and wine and pasta!) . . . and there’s enough to do around here if we want to stay put.

  2. Dottoressa
    31 October 2021 / 5:13 am

    Wonderful! I could imagine your joy…she is amazing!
    Dottoressa

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:09 am

      xoxo

  3. Maria
    31 October 2021 / 5:27 am

    Your postcard is full of delights. The umbrella pines are so marvellous – only in Italy could trees be so elegantly spare. Your joy in seeing “the kids” and their happiness in seeing you comes through very clearly and your granddaughter has grown so much. I’m loving what you’re so generously sharing of your trip. Perhaps that’s because I feel reassured that the wider world is still there after the last awful 18 months or perhaps it’s because I’m reminded of how much I adored Italy when I visited there many years ago. Either way, your postcard is a treat!

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:10 am

      So glad you enjoyed the post, Maria. It is reassuring, just as you say, although it’s clear that some of the changes will be more sustained than we can know yet. And umbrella pines, yes!

  4. Mary
    31 October 2021 / 5:53 am

    Precious moments. Worth any inconvenience. She has gotten so big (of course). So very happy you are able to have this time with her and her parents. Enjoy!

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:11 am

      Thanks, Mary! Yes, she’s really changed, as they do . . . so good to catch up with her a bit.

  5. A.in London
    31 October 2021 / 6:19 am

    Thank you for the postcard, Frances.
    Oh, the surety that “we would not want to wait to see her” -a delightful expression of emotional security her whole family has built around her. What a wonderful way to view the world, and, of course she was right.
    Then, lucky you, along with the wonder of you all being reunited, she can guide you through the morass of 20 governments causing traffic complications. Then of course to translate for you, in case you missed it, exactly what the Italian stranger was saying about her energy levels. What a wise, funny and lively spirit she is.
    I know you will soak up every moment of this long-awaited reunion with family and Europe.
    So happy for you.
    A.in London

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:12 am

      Isn’t it great that she knows that?! I thought so too. And you’re making a Nana happy in recognising her wisdom, humour, and liveliness. Thank you!

  6. 31 October 2021 / 6:44 am

    It al looks wonderful, Frances. Soak up ever moment. xoxo

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:12 am

      Doing our best, thanks! 😉

  7. Wendy from York
    31 October 2021 / 1:03 pm

    All that planning & paperwork looks to have been well worth it . That little one looks so happy . Have fun .

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:13 am

      Yes, it’s paid off! A hurdle or two to jump before we’re home, but main goal’s achieved now.

  8. Mary of Pittsburgh
    31 October 2021 / 1:40 pm

    Happy travels to you!

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:13 am

      Thank you!

  9. slf
    1 November 2021 / 4:29 am

    Aaahhh! The moment when you can finally exhale. Savor every precious moment.

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:15 am

      Yes! That big Aaaahhhh! So much pent up that couldn’t really be admitted over these past (almost) two years. A continent and ocean between us. . .

  10. Christine Cascadia
    1 November 2021 / 7:29 am

    Such a joyous and sun-filled post(card). Thank you!

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:16 am

      Ah, you’re very welcome — pleased you enjoyed it.

  11. 1 November 2021 / 8:28 am

    Look at the little one’s HUGE smile! So sweet. I love to see Rome from the perspective of a family in situ.

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:16 am

      Seems to me you have a memory or two yourself . . . 😉

  12. darby callahan
    1 November 2021 / 8:42 am

    Thank you for the “postcard” It brings back memories of a trip there so many years ago with then teenage daughter. I still have, and wear, a silk scarf purchased in Rome.

    • fsprout
      Author
      2 November 2021 / 10:17 am

      A wearable memory — perfect!

  13. 2 November 2021 / 8:22 pm

    I am SO HAPPY that you are reunited with your lovely ragazzina. I can see the face of the big girl emerging….

    • fsprout
      Author
      3 November 2021 / 10:52 am

      It’s true — once those new teeth start taking over. . .

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