I wonder who had the brilliant idea of scheduling all Rome events in late May - early June to take place in around the Colosseum area.
On top of the usual early Summer tourist mob, these days we are experiencing true madness because of the Champions League (the Cup is displayed in the Champions village right by the Colosseum), the celebrations for June 2 (on via dei Fori Imperiali), a Bocelli concert (in the Colosseum) , the Rome Literature Festival (in the Basilica of Maxentius) and a new exibition of large sculptures by Costa Rican artis Jimenez Deredia (in the archaeological area).
Will we survive this madness? Will the archaeological heart of the city survive? Maybe I should ask the soccer fans..
Finally the temperature in Philly has gone up a bit, we went from -3C to 6C today. The sun is shining and the world is beautiful. With all these elements put together and making today the perfect day, I could not avoid my weekly long run. I have been training for the half marathon for quite a while, and I only have 1 short month to go, so long runs are a MUST! I got ready and headed out running towards the river path, starting at Locust and 25th. There were plenty of people out running, so I had extra motivation. I ran all the way to the Philadelphia Art Museum and followed the path till I got to the bottom of the stairs of the imposing building. The museum was partially designed by Julian Abele at it is beautiful example of neoclassical architecture. I was so inspired by the majesty of the building that I opted for some extra exercise, going up and down the stairs leading up to the entrance. Suddenly, once I reached the top, I had a deja vu..didn't this look and feel familiar??? I ran down, then up again and when I finally got back down to the bottom of the stairs where I found the answer to my question: a golden statue to ROCKY!!! How funny, right next to the plaque celebrating Julian Abele, a brilliant member of the local intelligentia, was the statue of the symbol of non- cultured Philadelphia...interesting.
Anyway, I ran home and immediately googled Julian Abele, to find out more about this fascinatig architect, and of course googled the Rocky workout too. Here it is, just for you!
Paris is a great place for art, fashion and kids. You can find fabulous contemporary art, great boutiques and parks where children can play and run safely. All of this is particularly concentrated in certain neighborhoods, like the 6th arr. Here, we find stylish moms with their last YSL purchase strolling child in hand, towards the Jardin du Luxemburg and popping into an art gallery on the way. Well, exactly in this neighborhood, I took these 2 pictures. They are two windows very close to each other. One in the shop where I hope I will buy clothes for my future children, the other is an up and coming contemporary art gallery. Which is which?? P.S.Notice how appealing contemporary art (shaped in the form of bright dogs) it is to kids!
