One day several weeks ago, at a brunch with family, I indulged my fantasies about actually going to the places where I set my stories. But, with a son about to start college, that dream seemed just that–a sweet imagining.
Then, just a couple of days ago, my mother handed me an envelope–and inside it was an invitation for a mother-daughter trip to Roma!
Can you believe it? Is that the sweetest thing you’ve EVER HEARD?! I was struck speechless with awe and gratitude.
My dad is graciously stepping aside for this mother-daughter trip and I am just beside myself with excitement and joy. Rome! Pompeii! Ostia! Neapolis!
This fall, y’all!
I’ve been on the hunt for English-speaking archaeologists and/or classicists whom I can engage to walk me through some of these sites, which is not so easily done since most American scholars are back at their universities in the fall for classes. But some lovely people are helping me in the process, so I’m hopeful.
I was talking about this trip with my daughter and she said, “Mom, this is a dream come true for you, isn’t it?”
And all I could say was, “Yes, yes it is.”
I. Cannot. Wait.
Soon, I will be able to say, “I came. I saw. I squeed!”
Good for you. Enjoy!
YEs yes yes!!!! Awesome! I made it to Rome, but am metaphorically DYING of LONGING to go to Pompeii! Can’t wai to hear all about it! AH! AH! AH! *head explodes*
Truly – the SWEETEST thing in the world!!! You will enjoy it like few could. I wish I could travel in your pocket… 🙂 e
Contact Judith Harris (http://judith-harris.com/) who knows everyone and everything. She’ll find the right guide for you. When will you be in Rome?
Judith
YAY! You’ll love it to bits.
Oh, SO exciting–and SO sweet of your parents! (My mom gave me most of a chunk of inheritance money so I could to Rome many years ago and it was the trip of a lifetime as well as the best, most generous gift she ever gave me. In fact, I’m getting a little choked up here, just thinking about that kind of mother love. Aren’t Moms the BEST???)
Congratulations Vicky, you WILL LOVE ROME!
What a wonderful, heartfelt gift to receive. Moms are like puppies- unconditional love always! Congrats Vicky!
Oh my gosh! Is this a great Mother’d Day present all around, or what?! I’m SO excited for you. And already can’t wait to see pix!!!
Thanks, y’all for the kind wishes. And thanks Judith for the J.Harris suggestion. I will contact her right away!
What a fantastic gift!
I’m going to be in Rome in about three weeks–my daughter is excited to see the Coliseum. I’m excited to see it with her, and also to eat!
Pizza, gelato, and pasta–yeah!!
Aw, that is SO fantastic! What a nice gift. When are you going this fall? I’ll be going in September.
We’ll have to compare notes! 🙂
What a wonderful gift! SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!
Wow, congrats, what a wonderful trip to look forward to.
Parents rock. I could not do my Baltic Sea cruise without a cheque from my father, either. He feels too old for such stressful tours though he’s still fine with shorter trips (2-3 days). So he told me to take photos and blog about it. 🙂