Essay by Luke Foster
“Of all men’s miseries the bitterest is this: to know so much and to have control over nothing.” Herodotus
I am in Dubai for a one night stop over on the way to Europe. I shall go to Rome, Athens, the Greek Islands and Vienna. I am very excited about Rome and Athens as one of my favourite subjects in high school was ancient history and I studied Roman history and Greek history so it shall be amazing to see these historic sites.
Herodotus the Greek historian is known as the father of history. In three-unit ancient history I studied Tacitus’s book The Annals of Imperial Rome.
“The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” Tacitus
I think Greece shall be amazing as it is the birthplace of western democracy however it was a floored system as only the elite were free, and they all had slaves who were subservient to them.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” Plato
Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher.
While visiting Rome I have booked a tour of the Vatican City as its on my bucket list to see the Sistine Chapel. My mum is very old and sick and has asked me to get her some rosary beads from the Vatican City.
In Rome I have also booked to see an Opera which I have never done.
While traveling in Europe I have brought a4 watercolour paper and colour pens to make a book of drawings and text about my travel.
Now is my last night in Rome and perhaps the last time I shall ever visit this city. Tomorrow I am taking the two-hour flight to Athens. Sadly, the pope passed away and subsequently I missed out on my Vatican City
tour but I feel sad for Catholics everywhere over losing their spiritual leader.
The colosseum was interesting and the opera I saw in a church was too and about to see a second opera in a church next to my hotel.
I also look forward to meeting up with a Viennese artist friend that I met during a studio residency in Australia.
It’s been sad as my mum is very sick and I also feel for the homeless people I have encountered in Rome and one man who I buy soft drinks and sandwiches sometimes.
