Villa Borghese goes New Jersey
5 AprI traverse Villa Borghese almost every night on my way home from work. In fact I traverse it almost every morning too. It’s a very nice commute. Last night, in the pleasant light of the 6 o’clock hour, I happened upon an odd scene: two old cars and a group of strangely dressed people milling about. Cars are not allowed in this part of the park, and these were clearly 60’s era and not in good shape. The people were dressed in a style befitting conservative working-class Americans of the era: purses, hairdos, men’s jackets all reflective of my childhood. As I approached it became clear I had happened upon a movie set, not uncommon around Rome. I passed the scene then turned to look back for a photo op and this is what I saw:
I have no idea what movie is being filmed. I think the scene is supposed to look like a couple of cars have broken down or had an incident in the New Jersey woods. Perhaps one of my Italy-based readers can tell me what movie it might be.
The Streets of Rome
22 AprRome is ever-changing and full of surprises. Around almost every corner is not only a bit of history, but also encounters with people, art, and experiences that are in contrast with the setting. Sometimes it is a statue that has been there for years and years…
…but frequently we see performance art or installations that are more temporary.
Walking through the Villa Borghese one sunny Saturday in January, we happened upon a temporary installation of warriors on horseback, along with this rather unusual giant head. All made of a lightweight resin, I think. A few weeks later they had vanished.
Another day in Piazza del Popolo, there was live art for Carnivale.
And yet another, this duo entertaining a crowd with a Zen-like balancing act.
My favorite of late was walking into Piazza del Popolo on a Saturday and finding a shiny-red train engine on display with a backdrop of churches from the 17th century.
Frequently on my way to work I see this lovely parade of horses being exercised.
Yesterday we took a walk up Monte Mario, the highest hill in Rome at 139m (456 ft). Lovely day, fluffy clouds, not too hot, great view of Rome from above, and this.
Never boring!