You Don't Just Deface a Mark Rothko

And yet, that's exactly what someone did at the Tate Modern in London. Just walked right up to it and tagged it. It's one of the Seagram murals no less! The ones that were commissioned for the Four Seasons-- the inspiration for the wonderful play, RED. 

Press replay on all my sentiments about our society no longer valuing art. This is really disappointing. I've had Tate Modern guards jump all over me for iphone flash-less pics. I've spoken to my art historian friends who can see no way that would hurt the art. And yet, where was security when someone came up with black paint to graffiti Mark Rothko?

Before we went into the Sistine Chapel in Rome, they told us not to talk or take any photos. And as soon as we entered, everyone-- everyone!-- was talking and snapping about a million photos. With the flash, even! None of the guards did anything. I took an iphone pic with no flash, but I was really confused and saddened by the whole thing. I feel a bit like how I feel now. Get it together, people. 

It's a pretty serious mixture of not knowing and not caring. With Rothko, people may be unaware of his significance (still a huge failing of our arts education system) but I think even the most clueless understands the significance of the Sistine Chapel. What do you guys think? Sigh.

Fountains of Rome

One of my favorite things about Rome was the abundance of fresh water fountains. There's always been free-flowing water from the aqueducts. Everyone's heard of Trevi Fountain and its wish granting. But in addition to the majestic wish granting kind, Rome is filled with fontanelles or nasoni (for their nose shaped spouts) you can drink from. Not only are they (at least most of them) beautiful, but under the hot Italian Summer sun, it was important to stay hydrated. The water in Rome's fountains is both deliciously drinkable and so so cold. 

We saved a fortune by not having to buy water bottles as we walked all over the city and it was so nice to cool down our swollen feet and ankles. I'm not kidding when I say it was real real hot when we were there. And I'm from Vegas, so I know me some hot. It actually felt a lot like Vegas, but with more breeze. (Thankfully.) 

The difference between Trevi in the day and Trevi at night was amazing. Pictures don't do it justice. I definitely made wishes. And at one, in the middle of an expanse of green, I wanted to run through the sprinklers to get to it. 

For the full list of Rome's fountains, check this out.