At present we are in the very windy, but sunny SouthWest of Spain (down by Cadiz). One of my loyal fans (Hi Dad!) commented that I hadn’t written much lately. It’s not been for want, but for time. I’ve taken to writing on the train, when I generally have cell service for uploads, and ample time on my hands.
We haven’t been on any trains to speak of, aside from one from the tiny Italian town of Bomarzo to Rome, which was only about a 45min haul, and being a smaller connector train was not overly comfortable.
The train ride from Venice to Bomarzo was uneventful (I hesitate to say it after some of the train drama we have had), and we arrived to the Attigliano-Bomarzo train station about an hour before dark.
Our delightful host, who spoke little to no English, picked us up from the Train station in his wee European car. We all crammed like clowns into it with our bags, and off we went. Up we went, up and up through switchbacks, to the town perched on a ridge that dropped off sharply on both sides.
Upon arrival in Bomarzo, about a 10min car ride, we pulled into a very small Piazza filled with relatively mature Italian men smoking cigarettes. If you picture in your mind what a small town hangout in Italy would look like, it’s probably this.
Our host took us to our rental. A spectacular three level apartment in a building that is over 1000 years old. For the age of the property, I can only say that Italians are craftsmen. The property made entirely of rock, and stone, was very clean, comfortable and modern (aside from existing and fully functional knob and tube wiring, that seems to be the norm throughout the more heritage parts of Italy).
We arrived in Bomarzo through the internet finding of my youngest Niece, who turned us on to the Sacro Bosco (or Monster Park). This seemed like a good fit for October 30th, and my youths who have never spent a Halloween away from home.
That night in Bomarzo, our host took us to his daughter’s small store, where we picked up a few items, and later that night she brought us fresh bread to our doorstep, free of charge as she had been sold out when we arrived at her store.
It was a spectacular evening, as we roamed the narrow streets, and found our way through back alleys past the two way traffic, single lane main (only) road through Bomarzo.
We worked our way up through town, to the highest point which stuck up like a thumb above the cliffs on which the Village was built.
The next morning we awoke to warm sunshine, and blue skies all around. after a quick breakfast we made our way down into the valley to the Sacro Bosco. And down. And down. And oh man, we’ll have to come back up eventually. Then down some more.
The Park was truly extraordinary, with so many different, and symbolic carvings of immense size. The scale of many of them was overwhelming, if the purpose somewhat unclear.
The green space after so many days in ancient European hard scapes was so very welcome to our country souls, and the park was so quiet as compared to the crowds and hustle of the City’s where we had been previously.
It was with hesitation that we moved on from the park, and back into the Village. Up, and up, and up some more; but it was time to catch our train to Rome. Again, our lovely host drove us, clown car style, back down the switchbacks to the train station, and we did our best to communicate our gratitude and wonder at this gorgeous little spot where we had been able to relax.
The train from Bomarzo to Rome was quite hateful. Whether due to a malfunction in facilities, or just the proximity to Rome, the train stank of urine and diesel, and the air exchangers must have been on the fritz as the air was hot, and stagnant.
Poor Jean-Guy was feeling slightly ill upon boarding the train, and was a ragged mess by the time we disembarked. Even breathing the stinky Roman air was a relief at that point.
The architecture of Rome is truly magnificent. there is so much to be seen at every turn, it is quite overwhelming. However, the City itself is also brutally overwhelming. Full disclosure: I am not a City person, but Rome in my opinion, Rome is all of the worst things about a City smushed into one package.
It is so busy. People, traffic, pedlars, pollution, noise, traffic, traffic. It’s terrifying to navigate off of the pedestrian streets (that are still rammed with fast moving motorcycles). It is loud. Like, not the full roar of the City loud, but shrieking sirens, squealing motorbikes, grumbling diesel trucks, and etc. And the smell. Oh lord. The smell. A tank combination of fumes and piss everywhere. It is a place I don’t need to go back to, and would have been just as happy to miss. this guy summarized it nicely in his blog:
We did see the things though, and had fun on Halloween playing an Outdoor Escape room/ scavenger hunt app called Questo which leads you around City’s, finding “clues” hidden in the environment to answer a series of riddles. Ours led us to a number of common sights, along with some unique oddities like the Centuries old, family run doll repair shop.
It also led us to an unusual mausoleum decorated with carved marble skulls, and skeletons.
We saw the things required to see over the course of two days: the Trevi Fountain (amazing and so crowded), the Colosseum (from afar, we did not go in), and of course the Vatican.
Anyone who enjoys City chaos should for sure choose Rome as an amazing place to see. Anyone who wants to see amazing architecture and get the Hell out of dodge should climb the climb the Vittoriano in Piazza Venizia (it’s free, and gives you a great view of the Colosseum and Forum), see the Trevi Fountain if you can brave the crowds, and go to the Vatican. Then leave.
By the time we finally left Rome, we were all ready, and anxious, and happy to go. After a bus, a train, a flight and a two hour rental car drive we arrived to the Southwest shore of Spain, and it has been perfect. Aside from high winds due to storm Ciarian North of us, it has been sunny, warm enough and a great spot to relax after a number of travel weary days.
We planned to stay here for five days, and have only a day and a half left. I can certainly say the slower pace of a small Town is my style. You find the greatest people, and surprises, the air is breathable, and there are equally as many wonders with far less crowds. That’s my two cents anyway.
Apologies if this post is a tad more factual than my usual comic commentary. It’s been too many days of too much activity, and we’re starting to feel the fatigue. Hopefully these few days of rest will bolster my story writing for next time. Let’s see what happens next…
A twenty year adventure and more 
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