Rome-ward Bound

Toss a few coins in the Trevi fountain, and you'll keep returning to Rome again, and again, and again ... not that I'm complaining.

Although it took me some convincing from friends who I'll meet up with in the first week of my three week Northern hemisphere visit, I eventually agreed.

Weddings bind people, families and nations together, and it's for a wedding also that I'm travelling to the eternal city.

A significant reason for my reluctance was my lack of ability to fulfil a request made of me by my Italian relatives in 2004. "The next time you visit Italy" they asked me, "bring your Father with you".

It's understandable that they would like to see their infrequently communicated with Brother, Uncle & Cousin, but sadly he's not so keen to reciprocate. On three separate occasions an all expenses paid offer was gently made to travel, but Dad would like to stay at home.