Ieri

In nature there are no straight lines. This post will be very meandering and natural, no straight lines. 

Each of us is created with a spark, some say electrical,others spiritual. That force flickers, flutters and grows as we go from infancy forward. To be extinguished, only as each of us goes into that final battle that we each shall lose. That is the way of life, all forms of life. We, as humans, have qualities that other forms do not, love, hope and remorse, emotions all. They serve to aid us from day to day or from beginning to end. 

Before I came for this visit I had decided to "Celebrate" yesterday in silence. What I felt and what I feel to be kept away from the lives of my friends. I planned to start the day as usual with breakfast in the Campo and then walk to Piazza Navona, take some pictures of the Buon Natale kiosksand return to the apartment. This went perfectly, perhaps because the temperature was so low and there was going to be a demonstration...one that might get violent. The Campo was very quiet as many of my friends stayed home rather than risk having their businesses destroyed. So I returned to my apartment and did laundry. The mundane intrudes! But, it to, has its place in life. The phone rang and friends were calling to try and arrange Christmas. Some chat and plans to talk again today.

Phone in my pocket, camera on my wrist I leave for a long walk and an appointment with Alessandra to see her school and grab supper. I tried to take pictures of  maybe the strangest sight here, the Piramide de Cestio. But, as I should have guessed...reconstruction, it was covered with scaffolding and plastic. Further down the road was Centrale Montemartini, an old power plant now a wonderful museum. It was a favorite of Grace and of mine. 

The final stop was new to me, a church that I had not been to yet, San Paolo del Mura. A tour in side and out with excavations as well and finally a cappuchino! Per usual, an offhand comment has me chatting with a priest that has three passports, born in London, Irish and he grew up in Chicago, and he still needs a separate "sogiorno" to be in Italy.After a final few words and directions I leave to meet Alessandra at McDonalds! Outside, of course. Neither of us willing to be seen in the building.

A tour of her school, some chatter and off to pick up Paolo and then to Eatily for a quick meal. A really nice place, like nothing I've seen. Huge, beautifully restored warehouse with 4 levels of food, drink and gifts...don't forget your plastic! Chat, chat chat and back home. School for both her and Paolo today while I resume my usual. All in all as wonderful a way to handle this type of anniversary as I could imagine. And only I have the sadness, not my friends.