view from the American Academy in Rome

…is where I have finally arrived in a daze – showing up at the doorstep at 8am from Fiumicino, being handed an envelope with my keys and basic information by Luca at the front gate, getting some help with my two modest suitcases up to see my apartment and studio on the 4th floor, and then to the window…and though I’m not yet sure what I will be doing here for the next year – I want to give myself the space and freedom to do what I need to do – but I think I’ll start by doing lots of walking, and reading, and gardening, and talking to lots of Romans about their city, and history, and gardens, and streets, and food. (American Academy in Rome)