The Ordinary versus the Extraordinary – A year of travelling with three children: 16 November 2015 - San Pietro in Vincoli, more ruins and some gorgeous strays

Happy birthday to my Mum! I do wish I could be there to celebrate but at least a couple of my siblings are staying in Mornington for our parents' birthdays, so that is good. We'll be home before long to celebrate some more! It is good to celebrate life! I tried a pretty foggy Skype call which was a bit frustrating but at least we did hear each others' echo-ing voices. Sometimes Skype is so clear you'd swear the person was next door and other times the time delay is at the pesty interval which means you both go to speak at the same time!

A very frustrating morning of school followed where I achieved only half of the tasks I had hoped to. But, there is no point "flogging a dead horse" so to speak and today was just not happening. My resolve not to be a teacher was once again confirmed! Having said that, Luke later redeemed himself when he asked for help to spell "Renaissance" and wrote in his journal about Michelangelo being a famous Renaissance artist! He had obviously enjoyed the afternoon's excursion!

As we set off for our afternoon walk to Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli (St Peter in Chains) we saw a gelateria selling ice creams for 1 Euro - perhaps the end of his summer stock - and they were DELICIOUS. Sometimes, ice cream is good for the soul and today was one of those days. My choice of coffee and walnut was just perfect!


These flavours were creamy and delicious...and only 1 Euro each! I think he was closing his gelateria for the winter!

The courtyard door to the State Archives was open and I couldn't resist asking if we could detour to have a look. It was a beautiful little courtyard especially in the afternoon light which I have mentioned before. I am not sure what the significance of the griffins and dragons were but the building is quite lovely. There seemed to be an exit at the far end of the courtyard which led us to some side streets and little cafes before emerging back on our planned route.

Courtyard of the State Archive complex - so glad we detoured!.

Arches = Italy!

A griffin? An eagle?

Random ruins!

We took some inviting stairs up a level to another street but my map wasn't so clear as to where we were exactly. The little street we followed coursed along the rear of the Fori Romani and past more ruins. Some very old places are still residential and in various states of repair. Maintenance must be a nightmare in the old places as I am sure there must be heritage laws protecting their layout and facades.

This arch appears to be part of a residence

The pock marks again - tell tale sign of marble having been taken from the walls.

A cute Roman street

Ah! finlly some marble left ON the walls!

Huge columns, well restrained so they don't tumble down

We arrived at this arch and I was pretty sure this was our turn off spot and it was! Another set of stairs to climb and another arch to go through. I still love this kind of discovery but I think the kids find it all a bit same-ish! Cobbled streets, old buildings, ruins, little windows, street statues and frescoes, all of these are every day for us now but I do think it is good to stop, take a breath, and do a reality check! We are in Rome !

Steps up to the Basilica of st Peter in Chains

The frescoed ceiling is lovely and this 5th century church had a "hushed" feeling. Luke did try his very best to be quiet but the chairs made a very loud screech when they were moved a little on the floor!

The Miracle of the Chains - Giovanni Battista Parodi - 18th Century

This basilica was very lovely with white marble columns and not every surface was adorned. The paintings, frescoes and statues came together in an "unhurried, uncrowded " manner. Some churches we have seen are just so full of floor to ceiling art work that it is hard to find a focal point to ponder on. This one was different; restrained elegance.

The frescoed ceiling over the main altar

Michelangelo's Moses - funeral monument for Pope Julius II -

The chains which bound St Peter in Jerusalem

St Peter rescued by an angel from prison in Jerusalem

It is a lovely peaceful place.

Tim opted to run home along the river whereas the rest of us took it easy in the church and walked home at a slower pace. We stopped to "talk" to the cats at the Largo di Torre Argentina. Luke was particularly keen to see them! There is a black cat we've called "Nero" and a huge ginger Tom as well. There were at least 10 cats living there and enjoying the attention of well wishers in the early evening.