Home to Rome...really?

Transition is slowly becoming reality, and while life seems to continue around us, we must "go for it" or stagnate. Living in this "foreign language" has taken all of us beyond our, so-called comfort zone, and propelled us into a favorable acceptance into this foreign existence. 


From the conception of our relocation to Rome, Graci requested to celebrate her 13th birthday in Paris, since...well, she would not enjoy a birthday party with her friends back home. Seeming logical, Jon and I agreed; actually we promised with blood tipped fingers, and throughout the waiting period were persistently reminded of the imminent and anticipated Paris Birthday Trip.


I must admit, Graci generated a good call, and we discovered Paris to be a delightful and exquisite city. The Tour Eiffel was our first stop and a favorite among the children. The tower looked like something a clever kid might have designed, and we climbed up the endless stairs through the tower's metal frame to arrive at a spectacular and memorable bird's-eye view of the city. Graci and Freedom were unaffected by the frigid temperatures as they ice skated on the tower's first stage...I, even now, cannot wrap my brain around an ice skating rink situated on the Eiffel Tower!


The highlight of the trip for me was Musee Du Louvre. The world's most famous museum did not disappoint. Filled with priceless treasures that include Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, which were among my favorites, the Louvre transported me into a time capsule of Italian Renaissance, ancient Egypt, Roman mosaics, Etruscan art, Greek masterpieces, and sumptuous palace's. Graci and Freedom enjoyed the Sully wing with the mummies and other artifacts from ancient Egypt. Of course, after seeing what he considered the most captivating and engaging pieces, Freedom just wanted to locate the nearest eatery and "leave"....I was quickly reminded that he is simply a five year old little "Carolina" boy!


Paris was an unforgettable experience desired to be revisited once more. Amidst the whirlwind encounter, while recapping our weekend, Graci and I discovered that we were looking forward to going "home"...home to Rome? We literally mouthed the word "home". I have never considered Rome my home, Carolina is my home, but the familiarity and comfort that Rome represents announced, "Welcome Home".