Notes from Rome, introduction

I was in Rome as usual for my Christmas holidays: ten days full of family dinners and walks in the centre of the city.  I must say it was unbelievably sunny, even warm in the central hours of the day.  My children went around in short sleeves, surprising Italian people who were wrapped up in heavy coats and woollen scarves.  In the morning and in the evening it was quite crisp, though.  Nothing is perfect.

Honestly, I felt it was strange for winter, more like spring weather.  But I didn’t complain.

We had a good time.  We relaxed and enjoyed our holiday time, in spite of the shift in mentality and habits between England and Italy that seems wider year after year.

I read a lot, especially newspapers, to follow the political crisis and the new Italian government led by Mario Monti.  Besides, I received mainly books as presents.  I bought some as well.  No surprise, then, that my husband got a bit cross when he packed our suitcases (almost empty when we left for Italy) and found they were overweight by three kilos each.  He had to unpack the hand luggage and fill it with books and repack everything again, half an hour before leaving for the airport.  It happens...the weight of culture.

My children suggested kindle as a future present.  But I like to turn pages and fill my house with traditional paper books.  I know I am old fashioned.

We didn’t buy many clothes, only two or three things, but did plenty of window shopping. No harm and no additional weight.

I’ll post my Notes from Rome in the following weeks. They will be about recent politics, presents, sightseeing and window shopping.

Hope you enjoy them.

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