Rome. I’ve been there once before, when I did my whirlwind trip around Europe with 2 other Australian girls in 1989. Then, Rome was all about the Caesars and my ancient history studies from school. I danced around the sites, thrilled to be walking in the same steps as such greatness from the past.

Today all that’s left of my ancient history studies is that I recall how passionate I was about my reading of Herodotus and Tacitus, the journal writers of the time. I can no longer remember the order of the empire, the gossip about murders and wives, nor any details of the many stories that have been passed down through the ages…

“What a shame” I keep telling myself. What a shame I’ve forgotten so much of what I was so passionate about.

So, because of this* we are heading off to Rome at the end of the month. Our first trip together to Italy. We’ve both seen quite a lot of Italy, but never together.

I have plans to catch up on all my ancient history. To be able to dance around the streets again pointing to places that Herodotus only whispers about in his “histories”. Sharing the secrets I’ve learned about Livia’s treachery and Tiberius’ secrets with Michelle as we pass old buildings of recognition. I’m really looking forward to it…

That and the freshest, reddest tomato’s on this earth, along with the Lambrusco, pizza, veal and olives…. oh, and the sausages, meatballs, Chianti and garlic, did I mention the tomato’s??

*coupled with the fact that tickets were only 50 pounds return, taxes included