Wordless Wednesday – June 11, 2025
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Tag Archives: son
WPC – Quest: Vatican City
….while in Rome my quest was to get to Vatican City
There were many things that I wanted to see on our trip throughout central Italy but one that stood out for me was Vatican City. I’m not sure why it was so important to me because I am not particularly religious. Perhaps it had to do with the numerous suggestions that I got before flying out to Italy. Almost everyone said I had to see Vatican City. On our last day in Rome and the day before we were to leave I was bound and determined to see it.
My son and his new bride were in Rome the same time we were there and he very much wanted to spend time with his family before we departed. He was willing to do anything and go anywhere I wanted. Seeing that no one else was up to another site seeing day, it was just me who met up with my son.
I ventured onto the tram by myself and met B, before the tram crossed the river into the busy metropolis of Rome. We walked to our destination in the hot sun, stopping for a snack and then later for a light lunch just outside of Vatican City. As we approached the city I was impressed by the sheer size of it. We had already passed over the bridge leading up to the castle that protected the Pope from invaders during Napoleon’s reign.
As we got closer I could see the square in front of the Basilica. There were barriers to keep you from crossing the square and people were lined up along the perimeter. The one thing that bothered me were the hordes of vendors trying to sell tours and selfie sticks. I don’t know how many times I said no, politely at first, but then more abruptly and tersely. At one point my son said ‘Don’t talk to me!’ to one of the vendors and an argument pursued. Well actually the tour guide salesman started yelling at my son, telling him he was rude. My son simply walked away, a little shaken up by the reaction he got from the statement he made.
At one point I told my son I was happy just seeing the outside of the Basilica and the square and that I didn’t need to stand in line to go inside. B, however, insisted that I had to see the paintings and sculptures in the church. He convinced me, with the help of his wife, now on the phone, that I should go inside. He asked if I minded going in alone because he had already seen it and he hated standing line as much as his father does. I told him I’d be okay and he waited outside, under a portico out of the sun.
The line-up for a security check took only about 15 minutes and then I walked to the entrance in no time flat. As I entered I was told I had to cover up because I had bare arms. Luckily I brought a scarf with me for that very purpose. My quest to see Vatican City had been achieved.
Venice Architecture Biennale 2016
….featuring different aspects of architecture from around the world
One of the must see venues in Venice for my family on our recent trip was to take in some of the Venice Biennale exhibits, mainly the the Victoria and Albert contribution curated by our son.
For those who have never heard of biennales let me explain. A biennale takes place every two years. They are large international art exhibitions dealing with contemporary issues around art, music and architecture and take place all over the world. The Venice Biennale was founded in 1895 and highlighted city marketing, urban regeneration and cultural tourism. This year’s theme is titled REPORTING FROM THE FRONT, and is curated by Alejandro Aravena. The show runs from May to September and the exhibits can be found at the Giardini and the Arsenale.
The exhibit our son curated in agreement with la Biennale di Venizia and the Victoria and Albert Museum out of London, England is titled A World of Fragile Parts and focuses on how the production of copies throughout history and today has aided in the preservation of cultural artefacts.
This exhibit highlights the new technologies that make it possible to fabricate copies of historical artefacts that are ravaged by war, tourism and environmental factors. For more information about the exhibit go here.
Old technology using plaster casts.
New technology using digital scanning and 3D printers.
Unfortunately while we were there our son was not so to prove that we actually went and saw the exhibit we posed in front of the sign for A World of Fragile Parts. Even the baby got involved by pointing out her uncle’s name on the list of credits. A week later Brendan did go back to Venice to give a talk and teach a class on the exhibit.
My only regret is that we didn’t get to see more of the Biennale. Two days in Venice is not enough time.
Thursday’s Special – Here and There
….today’s theme is being in two places at the same time, Here and There
Today our son and his fiancé were married at the registrar’s office in London, England. Thanks to What’s App we kept in touch all day with messages and photographs.
While everyone in London was toasting the young couple with champagne and spirits, here at home we raised our cups of tea and coffee to celebrate this special day. It was still morning here and most of us were at work.
Four weeks from now we will be travelling to Italy to participate in part two of this wedding when all the families gather in Assisi to celebrate this union. Can’t wait.
Travel Theme – Connections
…..travelling and connecting with family abroad
Travelling to Ireland always involves making connections with family. This year we got to know my husband’s cousins’ children better and we reconnected with our son who has been away for almost 2 years now.
My husband connecting with art.
To see more Travel Themes: Connections check out Where’s My Backpack?
Sunny and Warmer
…. it seems like everybody around the world is commenting on the unusual weather
Yesterday was the first day that we ventured out onto the deck to enjoy the sun after our delicious Easter lunch. We decided to do dessert and coffee outside. As you can see from the photographs the temperature wasn’t all that warm and we donned our coats, vests and sweaters but the sun felt good on our faces as we tried to absorb some of that natural vitamin D.
Yesterday we also skyped our son in Rotterdam and spoke with him for a good 30 minutes or more. It was a video call so we showed him the table setting, and the food as it was coming out of the oven and he showed us the new blinds he put up in his apartment and then he went out onto his mini balcony and showed us his view of the street. Isn’t technology wonderful?
One of the things that B mentioned was the bitter cold they were experiencing and how the winds were relentless all week in the Netherlands. My cousin in Germany also told me about the unusual amount of snow they were getting for this time of year and my blogging friends in Dublin and Prenzlau also commented on the cold, snow and wind. None of this is that unusual for those of us that live in Canada or the NE sections of the U.S.A. but in Europe it’s a big deal because they’re usually well into spring by now with the flowers blooming everywhere.
And speaking about blooming, the mini daffodils that I bought for the table started to open today. I think one of my favourite things about Easter is the selection of all the wonderful flowers that you can purchase from the market this time of year. I treated myself to more tulips today.
When the tulips open up they should be a beautiful pink colour. The only other thing that would make this scenario perfect would be the addition of some pussy willows. I’m on a mission. Till tomorrow. Enjoy the day, wherever you are, regardless of the weather.
Cheers!
The Visit is Over, the View from my Room and a Project for a New Week
…. my son is on his way back to the Netherlands
When I woke up this morning I was in awe of the beautiful golden colours from the crabapple tree outside my bedroom window. It was a sharp contrast from the cool fuchsia pink blossoms of the spring.
Despite the beautiful day It was somewhat sad. I had to say good bye to my son. His short visit was over and it was time for him to return to the Netherlands. There is a possibility that he’ll be back at Christmas.
Heading out for the bus station. B had to get back to Montreal to catch his flight back to Europe.
After dropping B at the bus station I did some shopping for school and home. Sunday is my least favourite day of the weekend because I always find I’m getting ready for school or trying to complete chores in the house that I didn’t get done earlier in the week.
Friday night I did work on a sample for one of our next art assignments. We’re working on how dark and light tones of colour add depth and dimension to objects using chalk pastels. I’ve already introduced the concept to one of my grade 3 classes and they’re very excited about drawing pumpkins.
There are many variations of this theme on numerous art blogs. I needed to move away from paint and have the students experiment with a new medium.
The blog that I used for this project belongs to Gail Bartel. She does some amazing projects with her students. Check them out at A Faithful Attempt
It’s going to be a crazy week. The library is going to be shut down for 2 days so that library services can come in and ‘revitalize the space’ (weed outdated and damaged books) and Scholastic Books is dropping off the cases for next week’s Book Fair. We also have to sit down and organize the Remembrance Day assembly, write report cards for the progress reports and get ready for our big district review (all classes will be inspected to see what kind of learning takes place).
Of course that means there will be more stress in my life and we all know how stress affects my weight loss. I’m thankful that I’m at least maintaining my weight loss. I’m contemplating joining a gym again. The one I used to go to has just reopened in a new location, closer to home, and is cheaper and offers more for less. I’m tempted. What do you think?
Mama Cormier 