Category Archives: Rome/Italy
Marcus Aurelius writes to himself
These past two years have been a difficult chapter in my life. But now I’m writing a new one and looking for inspiration. Many people, upon reaching a certain age, begin reflecting on their life and, subsequently, make an inventory … Continue reading
Marcus Aurelius (121 AD – 180 AD)
In the center of Piazza del Campidoglio in Rome, there’s a statue of Marcus Aurelius who was once Emperor of Rome. But today he is remembered, in large part, for his journal known as “Meditations” (170-180 AD). These “meditations” were … Continue reading
Tough Translations
Giuseppe Ungaretti (1888-1970) is considered one of Italy’s great modern poets. Like other Futurists, he supported WWI believing a bit of aggressive agitation could help regenerate and energize Italy. So he enrolled in the infantry serving in the trenches. But … Continue reading
A God for Everyone
Soot was the problem. It covered the Sistine Chapel’s affrescoes making the colors gloomy and obscuring the details. So in the early 1990s, the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel were subjected to various restorations. After hearing that the colors were … Continue reading
Janet & the Frog Fountain
My friend Janet, artist, world traveller, and age defier was in Rome not long ago. We had coffee at a bar on Regina Margherita before heading towards the whimsical and esoteric neighbourhood of Coppedé. Mystical & magical it is often included in the … Continue reading



