May 8, 2010
Building a day of relaxing into our time in Rome was key to surviving our travels with little people, knowing that the kids would need time to just hang out. We got up later (I later than them), had a leisurely
breakfast and gave the kids time to play in their loft.
After coming up with a few options for them, we let the girls decide
what they wanted to choose. Hands down, they wanted to go to the Time elevator - a movie experience that includes moving seats, blowing air, sprinkles of water, and a trip through time from the founding of Rome all the way up to today. The price was a little steep at 42 Euros for a 45-minute movie (for the four of us), but it was cool to see all the ruins we'd seen yesterday all built up in their original magnificence. The kids' two favourite parts were when the she-wolf cared for the
twin infants Romulus and Remus (who, according to legend, founded the Eternal City) and the part where we flew through burning Rome (under the rule of Nero).
Our afternoon was free after that adventure, so we returned to the Trevi fountain where the girls sketched in their books in the one semi-quiet area by the base of the fountain.
When we returned "home," Derek began preparing supper while the girls practiced their concert, and I read a magazine that had been left in the apartment by previous renters. All very civilized.
Our after dinner entertainment consisted of Maia putting on her
concert. Solanne did not wish to participate, much to Maia's frustration and disappointment. But once Solanne saw the praise and adoration we lavished on Maia, she decided to accompany her sister on her imaginary (and silent) piano. Maia sang a few lovely songs, including one she had peformed with her choir. Then she danced. It was lovely.
Just before bed, I read them two chapters from "Le secret de Leonard de Vinci" which is about a seven-year-old girl and her nine-year-old brother who travel back in time and meet Leonardo da Vinci and help him out - though the how remains a secret to them. So far they've been to the central square in Florence and to the Duke's offices, which should prepare the girls quite well for our arrival in Florence tomorrow.
We leave Rome in the morning. I can't believe our time here is already
up and we're moving on. I wonder how much Maia and Solanne have understood what we've seen and what it all means. I'm not sure I grasp it all...
Tomorrow a treasure hunt awaits us in the capital of the Italian Renaissance (and the capital of great Italian jewelry; I hope to find a couple of good buys there).
Arrivaderci, Roma!
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