day 4, end of Congress

On the 4th day we met at our hosts' [MTR] headquarters about a 10 minute walk from our flat. Inija's going back to Lithuania today after the Congress. Last night we had a 'farewell' dinner at an Osteria nearby. She ordered a tuna steak. Neither one of us had ever had one. I've seen her order tuna on a pizza, but the tuna steak was absolutely delicious [and I'm not very fond of any fish]. The night before I encouraged her to try Eggplant Parmargiana. She'd never had that dish before either, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I don't think I've never seen an eggplant in Lithuania. This trip we're really enjoying the Italian food in our neighborhood. One of the reasons we walked so many place was because even with a bus stop a half block from our flat, the buses were eternally late.

But I digress. We arrived early, but chatted and said goodbye to a lot of the others who were leaving later in the afternoon.

Wall at the headquarters.

The last day we finish up any loose ends and entertain proposals for the next meeting. No decision was made, but it may be Spain in 2020.

MTR roughly translates as Traditional Roman Movement. This is behind where the organizers were sitting for the meeting.
I took it before they arrived.

We finished our business early for us, although Inija left early to catch her plane. A bunch of us wandered to a nearby restaurant and had a lovely time.

Starting on the left, PhD Lady from Ukraine, next three are Letts, bearded Slovenian, Belgian Lady, another Lett, Marianna from Czech Republic.

At lunch with the Latvians [or Letts] who asked me to sing 3 songs, but I heard 'tree' songs, so I sang 'em two about trees. The other tables applauded and one of them sang us a song.

Originally, I was going to Crete for May Day with Melissa, but she couldn't make it this trip, so I spent an extra day to recover in Rome being a tourist. I've already posted the painting I made of the wall, but here is the wall on my last night in Rome.

Goodbye Rome, goodbye Aurelian Wall outside my window.

 My plane left on [4/24] for Scotland.

More ECER

At the end of the second day, we just made it to the Pantheon before it closed.

the Pantheon.

Pantheon Ceiling

Interior

The next day the Letts and some of the others said they missed me singing songs, but I told them dinner was just too late for us, and they said they didn't leave the place till after midnight. We were really glad we'd skipped it.

On the third day of the Congress, the host group usually takes everyone on a tour. Ours took us to the Palantine Hill and the Coliseum. Inija and I walked from our flat and headed south at the Arch of Constantine to meet the rest of the gang and head up the hill.

Walking around Rome is a pleasure.

 It's easy to see why and how Augustus and Livia turned this into the best neighborhood in town.

This ancient fountain is still working after thousands of years.

White building behind the ruins is a museum.

Still beautiful after thousands of years.

Stoned again.

Roman arch. Palantine hill walk was one of the most beautiful I've ever done. Inija and I logged over 12,000 steps [8.2 km].

Inija took this in the shade at the top of the Palantine Hill near Augustus and Livia's home
 [or as Mick informed me 'Chuck & Vera's.']

And while we were there, a group photo was taken:

I'm on the far left.

On the way down, roses were passed out to all the women and we made offerings to Vesta [goddess of the Hearth; her acolytes were also the keepers of legal documents and wills].
I wrote the following chant in Her honor:
Vesta, Hearth Mother.
To Thee we give honor.
[repeated until all roses were offered]

After the tour Inija & I made a trip to Coliseum and saw these on the way:

That's a live raven hanging out on the lamp post.

And a lovely rendition in chalk on the sidewalk of this master work.

Rome takes great pictures.

More soon!

Italy, Day 2

I'm speaking about Romuva in the US on the first day of Congress.

The 2nd day was presentations from all over Europe. 

Greek Proposition

Inija spoke about Romuva obtaining recognition as a 'religion' in Lithuania, and many other groups are working towards that in their countries.

Krive Inija

We were all supposed to go to a certain restaurant for dinner. The presentations were over around 5, but the reservation was for 9 pm. Inija and I were way too tired to go out to eat that late, so we went to a neighborhood restaurant. On our way out of the Palace, our host was talking with a man on our elevator whom he introduced as the owner of the place.

palace courtyard

Must be nice! 

Palace Walls

Palace Ceiling

Even More Ceiling

Palace Is the Building on the Far Left

One of My Favorite Rooms