How a November birthday trip became an unexpected Scottish festival, a culinary adventure, and a slow-travel win for our ADHD seven-year-old There are many ways to celebrate turning another year older. You could have a quiet dinner, pop some champagne, or, if you’re me, sitting on a gorgeous rooftop terrace in Athens, while a waiter accidentally dumps a full glass of sticky juice directly over your head. The view of the beautifully lit Parthenon was spectacular. The ambient November air was perfect. The apology from the staff? Non-existent. They didn’t even offer a discount on the bill! So, yes, I spent my birthday dinner with juice dripping down my neck,…
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Move Over, Pompeii: Why Herculaneum Stole My History-Loving Heart
Venturing into Herculaneum was a first for me, and I was utterly captivated from the moment we stepped through its ancient gates. For years, my imagination had been primarily captured by Pompeii. I’d seen countless documentaries, read books, and envisioned the sprawling city frozen in ash and visited three times over the last twenty years. So, I arrived in Herculaneum with certain expectations, mostly taken from its more famous, larger sibling. What I found, however, was a personal surprise. Herculaneum is undeniably smaller and much quieter than Pompeii. There are fewer crowds, less tour groups, and a more hushed atmosphere that immediately sets it apart. But it was precisely this…
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Treasure Hunters in Time: Making Pompeii Exciting for a Child with ADHD
Navigating a historical site with a young child can be an adventure in itself, but when you add the vibrant energy of a six-year-old with ADHD, “sightseeing” takes on a whole new meaning. My family recently visited Pompeii, and what could have been an overwhelming experience became one of our most memorable family trips, all thanks to a little creative planning. I’ve been to Pompeii twice before—once alone, then again with my mum—and this time was completely different. We chose a specific entrance at the amphitheater, near where we knew we would park, which saved a lot of hassle and tired feet. Right away, we found a fascinating temporary exhibit…
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Forget Aperol: Discover the Magic of a Perfect Italian Hugo Spritz
After another long, cold, and incredibly wet spring, summer has finally arrived here in Italy. Along with some crazy tropical storms in the afternoon. I could almost imagine being in Florida. For me, summer means swapping out my wardrobe, a constant battle with mosquitos and embracing the sensory overload of this country when the sun finally stays out. Whether I’m staying in a beach town for the weekend with the smell of fried seafood drifting from a nearby trattoria, dragging my family to yet another Roman ruin, or wandering up the winding, cobbled inclines of a medieval hilltop village packed with stone houses and wild bougainvillea, Italy in July is…
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Ovid’s Beauty Secrets: A Timeless Guide or … Not.
As part of my research for the sequel to Even Gods Are Blind, I have been focusing on how Claudia can fit into her new role and look the part… no spoilers! I am already quite familiar with the fashions of that period but I wanted to read more about how rich women cared for themselves. I picked up my copy of The Love Poems by Ovid as he has a amusing section for just that thing. Ovid, a renowned Roman poet, penned the poem “Medicamina Faciei Femineae” (Cosmetics for Women) as part of his larger work, “Ars Amatoria” (The Art of Love). In this poem, Ovid offers advice to…
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Beyond the Tombs: Unveiling the Vibrant World of the Etruscans
Imagine stepping out of the blinding Italian sun and into a dimly lit tomb. Cut directly into the rock, the air is instantly cool and holds the faint, metallic scent of ancient earth. But look closer at the walls: they are alive. Vivid frescoes burst with color, depicting muscular athletes in mid-leap, musicians playing double-flutes, and guests reclining at lavish banquets, all guarded by fantastical, coiled sea monsters. This isn’t a somber monument to the dead; it’s a defiant, roaring celebration of life. Welcome to the captivating world of the Etruscans. Long before Rome grew into an empire, thriving between the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE, this advanced civilization held…
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My First Review and It’s 5 Stars!
Must read 🏆 A Tale of Temptation, Passion, and Forbidden Love Unfolding in the Moonlit Shadows SYNOPSIS Claudia’s life crumbles when rebellious gods snatch her and deposit her in a twisted Roman Empire. Branded their unwilling champion, Claudia must stop the mad emperor, Tarquinius, from destroying humanity and the gods themselves.Tarquinius sold his soul and made a deal with Pluto to bring his wife back to life. He will stop at nothing to make this happen, regardless of the consequences. Claudia navigates this treacherous world with her 21st-century smarts and the help of newfound friends. Will she fulfill her heroic task and return home, or will the truth of her…
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Happy Birthday, Rome!
Today, April 21st, marks the legendary founding of the Eternal City – Rome! I received an invitation from Nova Roma, a group based in Rome that celebrates all things ancient Roman, to join the celebrations this year. Unfortunately, we were unable to attend today as it is always an amazing day. According to tradition, the city was established by Romulus in 753 BC. While the exact date might be shrouded in myth, there’s no doubt that Rome’s rich history and enduring legacy continue to capture our imaginations. Celebrating Natale di Roma Italians celebrate Rome’s birthday with a vibrant festival called “Natale di Roma” (Birthday of Rome). The festivities typically last…
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Resounding Past: Rediscovering Ancient Roman Music
In the heart of ancient Rome’s bustling streets and grand amphitheaters, a symphony of melodies echoed through the tapestry of everyday life. Music, an integral part of Roman culture, transcended mere entertainment, weaving itself intricately into the fabric of society, ceremonies, and communal celebrations. The Romans viewed music not just as a form of artistic expression but as a vital element that animated their existence. Its echoes reverberated through the cobbled streets, resonating in the grandeur of temples, theatres, and humble households alike. Encompassing a diverse array of sounds, instruments, and rhythms, music was ubiquitous in Roman life. Whether it was the melodic hum of the tibia or the rhythmic…
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Uncorking the Mystery: Bacchus Roman God of Wine
In the vast pantheon of ancient gods, few evoke the mystique and allure quite like Bacchus. Revered as the Roman god of wine, fertility, and revelry, Bacchus shares striking similarities with his Greek counterpart, Dionysus. Here we delve into the captivating world of Bacchus, exploring his mythological origins, comparing him to Dionysus, and uncovering intriguing stories about his birth and cult. Bacchus vs. Dionysus: Though often seen as interchangeable, Bacchus and Dionysus, the respective Roman and Greek gods of wine and revelry, embody the duality within their shared domain. Dionysus, a youthful and androgynous figure, reflects the Greek ideals of divine madness and the cyclical nature of life and death.…
