Rome on a rainy Sunday

Roving sellers switched from other wares like scarves and trinkets and sold umbrellas to those who did not expect rain. My sturdy new umbrella was large, blue and white with brass fittings, and a bargain at €5.

The rain started falling quite heavily at Piazza Navona. Bernini’s Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi (Fountain of the Four Rivers) looks splendid in any weather.

The rain continued to fall as we crossed the bridge to Trastevere on the way back to our rented apartment. The new umbrella continued to excel.

It’s now late on Sunday night in Trastevere as closing times near. The festive crowds of Friday and Saturday nights are long gone.

After dinner, I left the umbrella at the restaurant. I returned a few minutes later and recovered it. Alas, on unfurling it the following morning, I discovered that although apparently identical at night, the umbrella was of a different colour and was well used with several holes, tarnished brass fittings, and a handle that comes off.  I hope that the new possessor of my fine umbrella values it as much I would have.