The Capitoline again!

We couldn't finish all the cheesecake last night, so we promised the kids if they behaved, they could have another piece for breakfast. Avery came in to our bedroom this morning and said "I slept through the whole night and didn't wake you up so I could have cheesecake!" He is really at such an adorable age, so cute and cuddly...as long as he is not tired!

Today Nancy was doing a tour of the new exhibition inside the Capitoline Museum entitled The Age of Conquest - The Fascination with Greek Art in Rome. The exhibit explores the development of Roman art following the Mediterranean conquests between the end of the 3rd century BC and he second half of the 1st century BC. In particular, the Hellenistic influence on sculpture is demonstrated through a variety of art including fine sculptures in bronze and terracota, marble statues, friezes, and home decorations. The show illustrates that the roots of Rome's cultural and artisit identity lie in Ancient Greece. This exhibit is the first in a series of exhibitions that will take place over the next five years that will display the changes in style and taste that took place in Ancient Rome.

Because I felt rushed and distracted last Saturday at the museum, and since Larry wanted to go back - I was happy to have the opportunity to return this morning. Another warm day -- it truly feels like springtime in Rome -- so I rode my bike to Campidoglio and met Larry there. It was wonderful to be in the highly decorated and majestic rooms of the Capitoline; this time able to fully concentrate and appreciate the beautiful sculptures and frescoed rooms. The first statue in the special exhibt was Diana from Nemi -- what a coincidence since we were just there.

When the tour was finished and the ladies were heading to lunch, Larry and I broke off and went upstairs to see the paintings gallery. I wasn't going to go to the Capitoline Museum three times and not see any of the paintings. Of course, the Caravaggio was not there since its in the show at the Scuderie. There were only a small handful of paintings I thought were special...probably the reason this museum is not known for its paintings gallery, but still I was happy to have seen it.

Larry and I walked over to meet Josh for lunch. We met in front of the Pantheon and then headed to Maccheroni. The restaurant has a very fun ambiance, and very heavy, yet tasty food. One pasta carbonara could easily create artery blockage - but somehow it seems worth it. Surprisingly, it was one of the fastest lunches we've had in Rome and therefore I had plenty of time to ride my bike home before having to pick the kids up from school.

After school today, Olivia went to a screening of the new film Dragon Catchers. The film hasn't been released in Italy yet, but the father of one of her classmates works for Universal, and so he invited the class to a private screening at the Universal Studios offices in Parioli (how convenient!). The film was shown in 3D and in Italian (of course) which was great for Olivia. She really had a blast with her Italian friends (the other Americans chose not to go).

Morris came over to make some dinner and stay with the kids while we took Larry out to see a bit more of Rome. We took a walk around Piazza Navona and stopped for some gelato. Too bad they are still cleaning the Bernini fountain in the center because the Piazza is just not the same with the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi all boarded up. Josh ran through the history of this piazza -- it had originally been the stadium of Domitian from the 1st century AD, and where all the Romans came to watch the chariot races...before Circus Maximus was created. Again, we didn't have too much time because we had to circle back for Charlotte. But, it was another nice evening for a walk.