Wednesday 27 October 2010

Roman Holiday

The thrill of flying, being above the the clouds, free from the ground, and the need to do anything apart from sit there and enjoy the ride, I love it! Rome is a beautiful city, and we saw lots in the couple of days we were there. It all seems quite dream-like now, as the reality of work and washing returns! I shall have a few Roman posts over the next couple of weeks so that I can relive it a little!


The Alps were just there, out of my tiny window. The scene made me think of Frankenstein -I think it was the picture by David Caspar Friedrich that was on my copy's cover. This is the one!
''The ascent is precipitous, but the path is cut into continual and short windings, which enable you to surmount the perpendicularity of the mountain. It is a scene terrifically desolate. In a thousand spots the traces of the winter avalanche may be perceived, where trees lie broken and strewed on the ground; some entirely destroyed, others bent, leaning upon the jutting rocks of the mountain, or transversely upon other trees. The path, as you ascend higher, is intersected by ravines of snow, down which stones continually roll from above; one of them is particularly dangerous, as the slightest sound, such as even speaking in a loud voice, produces a concussion of air sufficient to draw destruction upon the head of the speaker. The pines are not tall or luxuriant, but they are sombre, and add an air of severity to the scene. I looked on the valley beneath; vast mists were rising from the rivers which ran through it, and curling in thick wreaths around the opposite mountains, whose summits were hid in the uniform clouds, while rain poured from the dark sky, and added to the melancholy impression I received from the objects around me. Alas! why does man boast of sensibilities superior to those apparent in the brute; it only renders them more necessary beings. If our impulses were confined to hunger, thirst, and desire, we might be nearly free; but now we are moved by every wind that blows, and a chance word or scene that that word may convey to us.''
Keats and Shelley lived in Rome, in fact Keats died there. I think Mary Shelley lived there too-though I am not sure. I bet she would have loved the view of the mountains from above!

I will draw a name for the London book tomorrow. Hope all is well with everyone. I hope to catch up tomorrow too.


'' Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog'' by Caspar David Friedrich.

11 comments:

Linda Sue said...

Wow that was a quick trip, I didn't even have much of a chance to go through my Sarah withdrawals. Glad you're back safe and sound. Flying over the Alps- wheee!

Unknown said...

Look forward to seeing your photos of Rome, love the pis of the clouds.

Anonymous said...

Oh - lucky you! Malcolm was in Rome years ago for work, but I've never been - it's on my list!! I'm looking forward to seeing more about your trip.

Rattling On said...

I've never been either, but I have been to Venice a looooong time ago. Sounds like you had a lovely time, look forward to the pictures.

Relyn Lawson said...

I have to tell you... your post has set me dreaming. MAGICAL! First, I am thrilled you were just in Rome and can not wait to hear and see more. Secondly, your clouds from a plane photos are the best I've ever seen. And the Alps? OH MY! Plus, I adore that painting and am planning on finding out more about the new-to-me artist. YAY. Thank you.

Rachel Fox said...

Good to read such a positive view of flying. I used to love it but then went the other way and now have a big flight coming up next year... I shall try to channel your positivity!
x

Leenie said...

Everybody already said it.

I'm so jealous of your trip and your magical view of those famous mountains. And thanks for the intro to the painting. Looking forward to hearing more about your trip.

Lynne said...

Lovely photos. Rome is a place I would like to visit too. Lucky you. I look forward to seeing the rest of your photos.

Shell said...

The pictures are beautiful. The best thing about flying is being up in the clouds! I look forward to the Rome pictures!

Candace said...

These photos are just beautiful. A cloudscape! One can see buildings, people, all sorts of things.
So glad you made this trip.
That last art piece is one of my favourites.

Anonymous said...

Love the pictures! I can't wait to hear all about your trip!