After an early pre-breakfast walk, we spent an enjoyable day getting oriented by taking a tour bus around tome. We spent most of the day in the region of the Galleria Borghese, although we didn't manage to gain entry.
Instead we went to the National Gallery of Modern Art nearby, where the main exhibition was titled 'time out of joint', a quote from Hamlet which pleased me no end. The curators had contrasted modern and older artworks, which worked quite well, juxtaposing the differences time inflicts while preserving the timeless essentials.
We all had different favorite art works. One of the most memorable for me was a spiral made of nails inserted into the wall at different angles, a metaphor for the individual vicissitudes of life creating a much more structured pattern which is greater and more beautiful than the sum of its everyday parts.
Boronia liked an iron sculpture of a man with a goat on his back, stylised and streamlined. I liked it too, though I am not sure what it was attempting to say to us.
One smaller exhibition in the gallery was on the theme of the people who visited the gallery, with lots of photos of people viewing art, and spending time in galleries. Boronia dared me to do something interesting, so I whipped off my shirt and lay on the floor bare chested. I was about to take off my trousers, but Boronia threatened to scream. Anyway, there is photographic evidence available to any interested parties for a price.
After a pleasant lunch in the Gallery, we headed home. I went off to find an adapter. Boronia and our friends went to see the church of Santa Maria di Maggiore, which they reported had wonderful mosaics, a particular interest of Boronia.
Dinner was according to Ligurian cuisine in a small nearby trattoria which had been recommended by our landlord. I ordered lightly grilled peppers basted with anchovies, a salad, and pasta with tomato and mushroom sauce. No dessert, but too much bread and wine!
All agreed a very pleasant day.
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