The Beagle Has Landed

I arrived in Rome today.


This is my front lawn. I'm looking at an Obelisk when I take out the trash.

Grandeur aside, this neighborhood feels like Cleveland. My apartment is mudsill-level. My internet connection is stone-age and the place is small and dark. No one wants to live in Plato's cave. On the upside, I have a bidet.

I have resolved to stop being so negative about Italy... does it show?



I visited a few more of Florence's museums this morning, then went on a tear through churches. The churches of Florence are museums in their own right... The Basilica di Santa Croce and the Brancacci Chapel were particularly spectacular. All in all, I think I visited 8-10 museums and as many churches this weekend.



Audience Participation Segment:

I just learned that and old friend of mine - a reporter - is going to Iraq for 6 weeks this summer. We spent an hour on the phone last night brainstorming story ideas, which was fun. If you know anyone in Iraq, please put me in touch.

I'm also trying to start planning weekend trips out of Rome. Any ideas?

Lastly, if you have any suggestions about what to do (or WHERE TO STAY) in Barcelona, pls. let me know.



This weekend has been exhausting - I'm looking forward to a quiet week of establishing a foothold in Rome.

Song of the Day: Prince - Purple Rain. My appreciation for Prince is non-ironic.