Italy 2007 Day 12 It has to end....

The last several trips to Italy ended at Pompeii for the day. We get up early and drive from Rome to Pompeii. I know my way around without a guide so I usually take the group to the main sites. This spot was one of my Dad's favorites because it is the floor of a stadium and the obvious reference to the Packers. We usually sit for a while with a snack. It is a about this time when everyone realizes it is our last night and some start to look forward to getting back. Pompeii is an incredible experience for anyone with an imagination and an interest in history. One of their best homes, the House of the Vetti has been closed for about 5 years so I am looking forward for its reopening.

Italy 2007 Day 11 Take the kids....

I love to walk at night in Rome. You can't help but feel the layer history and atmosphere of one of the greatest cities in the world. What a great opportunity. College kids love Rome. Who wouldn't? maybe Martin Luther but I can't think of anyone else, probably Constantine didn't really like Rome either.

My recommendation is to watch the 1950s Neorealist films that feature Rome or the early Fellini films. It brings you to a Rome before the crowds, the students, Hard Rock Cafe, McDonalds, and Chinese made (Roman) souvenirs.

Italy 2007 Day 11 Bus to the Center

On our last trip to Rome, we had to stay farther out of the center because of an international rugby tournament. To get in, we had to jump on a bus and guess when and where to get on and off. It was a case of using "the force" to figure things out. Our goal the first night was to get to the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine. Going here had been one of my traditions on the first night in Rome. My first night in Rome was back in the 70s with Pete, Bill and Laurie and we walked to these landmarks. Other nights we wanted to get near the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. It worked every night.

Italy 2007 Day 10 Jenna at the Trevi

Here is an image of travel joy. Jenna is tossing a coin over her shoulder, acting out an old superstition that if you toss a coin in the Trevi fountain, you will return to Rome.

The Trevi fountain became a pop culture symbol of Rome because of the Federico Fellini movie La Dolce Vita. Anita Ekberg stands in the fountain and urges Marcello to join her in the water. It is a great scene. Actually it was filmed in winter and the actors were freezing while Fellini was dressed in his winter coat giving directions through his megaphone. It was anything but romantic.

Now it is illegal to go in the water, but who cares, throw a coin over your shoulder and enjoy the day.

Italy 2007 Day 9 Rome's painter.

The Calling of St. Matthew by Caravaggio.

The Church of San Luigi dei Francesi.

One of my standard stops in Rome is to see this painting by Caravaggio. I first saw it in 1981 when I looked closely at the Michelin green guide and Sherri and I went looking for it. Churches close at different times in Rome. They are open in the morning and around 5:00, but closed in between and by early evening. So it can be hit and miss trying to see art in the churches. When I first found this painting, there was no one around. Now there are hordes of tourists, students, artists clamoring for a glimpse for one of the greatest paintings by one of the greatest painters ever to live in Rome. The painting is still in it's original spot. For a euro, a light will come on from a cash box so you can see it. It used to be lira and we always saved our change for these light boxes. I used to resent putting money in a box to turn on a light, but now I don't care. It's worth it.

New year to plot and plan.

Unfortunately, my Art Army trip to Italy for this spring was shut down. The financial crisis of our country, our small student body, several other travel trips being offered and study abroad has caused my Italy trip to be postponed. I was disappointed, but it doesn't stop me from plotting and planning. Sicily, the Monastery of St. Catherines, Greece, Rome,....it is easy to come up with a place to go. The difference for an artist is that you want a place that feeds your creativity. You need a place that may impact your vision, your ideas or your painting style. Traveling is not just coffee shops, souvenirs and fancy restaurants, it is a chance to boost your creative energy. The trouble is that you become addicted to seeing great things, going to plays, being in great spaces and that can become an art in itself.

Italy 2007 Day 9 Back to the center.

After the Villa Borghese we always head back to the center of Rome. This view is from the second floor of the Colosseum. There is no other city in the world that has such a cool public space. It sure makes it easy for our group when we take our reservations and walk past the hundreds of people waiting in line.
Actually I like to think of this spot as the Times Square of Rome. The meeting place for sports, politics, shopping and church. Cool. It still holds up as a special place of ruined grandeur. I also like the fact that the great French painter Corot painted some of these same views almost 200 years ago. When I was standing in the Basilica of Constantine.......