Yesterday I noted the likely connecting between places, people and eras that could result from my current project. An example soon came along. I remembered my dad had been in Rome at the end of WW2. My last, somewhat frustrating, sabbatical had been about trying to preserve his meticulously written diaries of military service. The task was never completed so I decided to dig them out again. I read a few things I hadn't seen before! At the end of the war he led a took a group from his camp outside Rome on a sightseeing adventure round the city. He describes in great detail all they saw but I was most intrigued to learn something he never spoke of - the tour culminated in an audience with the Pope. He noted this as a very special moment - pretty surprising from the man who railed against Catholicism (almost) throughout his life. Travel certainly broadens the mind! I shall feel a new connection with my last sabbatical and with a man who was perhaps a little more open minded than he ever dared admit.
I also his meal tickets for that day - wonder if they will still be valid?!
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