It
is always a surprise to hear seagulls call; it’s easy to forget we are so close
to the sea. But when the marine layer
rolls in, you can hear their raucous voices taunting each other far above the
city. They were in abundance earlier this evening as the warm day gave way to
cool breezes bringing in the overcast. But even they are smart enough to be in
bed by now…
I
am not sure there can be a more quiet spot in all of Rome. Here we are at 2am, door open and not a
sound. Birds are asleep and smart neighbors
have all rolled up the carpet. Not a bus
roaring by nor a screaming Vespa. An occasional deep rumble from the
earth when the metro passes, but that is less a noise than a bit of sensation.
It is hard to imagine I am in such a crowded city while sitting here in the stillness
of this little courtyard.