Fabulous at Fifteen

A couple of weeks ago, Sunny had the delight of turning 15 years old during the 'Italian Leg' of our adventure trip. Oh yes, the joy of becoming 15! Actually, is it a joy? Was it a joy for anyone? I personally have absolutely no memory of turning 15 and even if I had a birthday party (Mum, can you help me out here?). I do recall 15 being not one of my favourite ages - very intense time, attempting to become a grown up when clearly I was ill equipped to do so and of course the distraction of boys didn't help!

As I was always aware that Sunny's impending 15th birthday would occur while we were away on our trip, I wanted to make sure it took place in a fantastic location that she would love (or at least like - well that we all liked) and that we did something special in that location to mark the event. So what could we do as a family that would please a new 15 year old? I decided we would go visit the "sexiest man in the world". Not bad, eh? Wouldn't mind meeting him myself....... check him out....... see if it's true. Can you guess who he is? He's Italian, lives in Florence and is around 500 years old - yes, the awesome statue of David himself and I have to say he is absolutely beautiful in all his 5m high natural glory. A very imposing figure - so smooth, so well defined, so..... out of proportion. What the? This is the statue of the perfect man! How can this be? Now the part of the male anatomy that you would assume to be made larger was actually overshadowed by David's oversized hands, feet and head. Fortunately, these slight imperfections didn't make any impact on Sunny. She was quite amazed at David's beauty and enthralled with his facial expression. How he managed to look confident and sure from the front, yet pensive and concerned from the side was the topic of much discussion - and yes, we did also mention the fact that he was in the buff and how his pubic hair looked like it had just stepped out of a salon, but all in all, Sunny had a wonderful and unique 15th birthday with us and David.

Since visiting Florence, Rome and most recently Pompeii, the impact of ancient art in its varying forms has been great on Sunny and Rosiegirl and in particular, on one main theme. We were all wowed over and over again by the magnificence of ancient times but why are most men portrayed in the nude? Travelling with 2 young female teenagers and seeing penis's (what is the plural of this word?) everywhere you turn or look up at has been very confronting at times, and yet, has made for some very funny and interesting conversations too! The girls have learnt a great deal about male anatomy in all its varying sizes and shapes - thank you ancient Italy for being such a thorough teacher. I can't wait to see what topic their next lesson will be!

Ode to New Company

You know, you were never expected to be a part of this trip.

So many plans were made without you, that if I even had one tip

That you were coming

Maybe I’d have prepared better and taken up running.

The baggage you have brought is heavy, even for the strongest here

It’s weight at times so overbearing that all it does is smear

Our eyes with tears and tear at our bodies with ache

I sometimes wish an earthquake

Would swallow me whole, set me free

But truly, I do see

That you can’t help but be who you are

Bring what you bring, always leaving a scar.

I’ll just have to get used to you being around everyday.

Even when everyone here wants to laugh and play.

Know though that there are sites to see,

Places to go, new things to do; so don’t give me

More trouble than I can bare

Not on this trip that I’ve been longing to share

With my family.

It’s the littlest of things that seem difficult for you

So try to lay low, enjoy the view

But no – that’s when you rise up without compromise

I’ve witnessed you rob my man of his precious highs.

It’s meant to be our trip! Don’t you get it?

I don’t want to share it - geez, I sound pathetic!

Enough now!

Let’s all take a look at the stunning view

The mountains, the villages, everything is so new

On this trip.

There is more than enough here for us all to enjoy

Yes even you, no need to destroy.

So now new companion, forever intertwined

You will never completely possess this heart or mind

That’s the choice made today with just a little pain

Not so sure what tomorrow will bring, as once again

Your unpredictable company can just shut up shop.

Has the power to stop

And derail or overtake.

Why do I give so much and all you do is take?

So please, dear company, don’t push and shove so much

You will find your place; I will learn your touch

I know you are there, just beneath

The newest of companies, my companion grief.