La musica mi commuove

Music moves me!

And it’s just as well because we’re back on the road. This time traveling from Rapallo, via Rome airport, to San Felice Circeo. This week, we are not alone. A dear friend from 20 years ago joins us from Abu Dhabi. It’s been much better than I had expected traveling solo, but it’s also cool to be joined by a close friend.

But before we get to all that - how is Stan doing? He’s been chilling out. Whilst the idea of the long journey made me feel exhausted, he was actually looking forward to it. He wanted you guys to know his sore is healing slowly but nicely and he’s feeling a lot better.

So, I’d need all the positive energy I could muster to get through the next few hours. Despite what google maps says, our journey would not take almost 9 hours. We took this same route yesterday leaving at 8am, arriving in Roma by 1, and then on to San Felice Circeo by around 3.

Like all our journeys, music accompanies us. As the car finally spurred into action, I reached for my favourites list and, as so often happens, serendipity provided the song that captured our mood. The Wings of Time by Tame Impala came on and the lyrics told the story for us:

We are number one
It is clear to us now
All is said and done
I knew it all along
And the world will find out
All, takes, time, to learn

Do you see the Wings of Time?
Do you feel a sense of pride, now?
Do you know you'll never fly, alone?
We did it right this time

Goosebumps percolated my body, and a smile brightened my face as the meaning of the lyrics resonated with me. Music has always had this effect on me. My son Hector and I got into music festivals about four years ago and we’ve had some of our best times at them. We saw Tame Impala perform at Rock en Seine in Paris in 2022 and it was amazing! However, it didn’t come close to Wet Leg at the same festival in 2023. As the rain descended, a handful of die hard fans wouldn’t leave the field and stayed dancing to George Michael’s Careless Whispers. Needless to stay, Hector and I were among them!

Music can have a polarising effect. Sharing your music taste can solicit a multitude of reactions from different people. I’m sure you’ve all experienced that moment of bonding when someone loves the same track as you; or that surprise when someone you really like likes a song you hate. I fear this is how my teenage self reacted to music conversations. I’ve learnt to see others’ music taste as a chance to learn and be curious and, in doing so, I’ve discovered a lot of new music that I like. Take Tame Impala, I’d never heard of them a few years ago and now, I love them. If you’re thinking, you don’t know Tame Impala then think again. Have you seen the Barbie movie? Tame Impala’s Journey to the New World features in the film.

Which leads me to a rather unexpected musical connection. Charles MacDougall, the musical director of the choir I sing in is one of the Ken voices in the Barbie movie! Joining Finsbury Park Singers has added a vital new dimension to my life back home. It’s a community choir started by the very talented Hannah Brine and is more than 80 strong in number. London can sometimes feel a lonely place to live. It took having a baby to get to know the surrounding neighbours. The stereotypical perception that the north of England is a friendlier place is probably true. In the town where I’m from, you can’t walk down the street without bumping into someone you know! This is both a curse and a blessing. But, in London, that sense of connection is harder to achieve. The choir provides that connection, and in my humble opinion, we sound amazing! And check out both Hannah and Charles as they are amazing performers and musicians.

I’m sure there will be more to say about music in further posts, but it wouldn’t be right not to share something of our overnight stay in San Felice Circeo.

On a wall, just next to the convent, we found this sign. This morning I was able to translate it and learnt its connection to the story of the town.

I saw the island rising on a rocky peak that the sea surrounds like a crown

According to mythology, it was here that Ulysses landed seduced by the sorceress Cerce. Mont Circeo is the mountain that stands behind the town and perched right on top is a cross. Seen from the sea, the area looks like an island - which is why Homer refers to it as such. Cerce tricks Ullyses’ men into entering her home by lighting a fire. Once inside, she puts a spell on them. Ullyses warned by Hermes of the plot takes an antidote. Once cornered with the truth Cerce is forced to lift the spell. Now, despite all this, Ullyses is bewitched by Cerce’s beauty and stays for a further year! And, you think you’ve made daft decisions!

The history of San Felice Circeo dates back centuries. However the building that stood out dramatically on our visit was that of the convent and tower - which still appeared to be occupied. It dates from the 13th Century and reflects a period in which the Knights Templar were ordered to occupy and fortify the town. At that time it was known as Rocca Circea - a nice reminder of the story of Ulysses! As far as I can tell, the convent is still functioning. Whilst the building is an impressive one, I cannot imagine living amidst it gloomy corridors.

Back in our lovely homeexchange, we found a rather more amusing everyday Italian object. I’m rather tempted to take it home with me! I hope you like too.

Stan has been taking it easy

Our longest drive so far!

Loving Rock en Seine with Hector!

So few words telling such an important story

The gloomy corridors of the inhabited convent

The exterior of the convent is beautiful

Voodoo Knife Block - the ideal Valentine’s Day present for your loved one