I Love Rock And Roll -- One-Shots

Rzymskie wakacje / The Holiday in Rome - Måneskin

|ENGLISH VERSION|

Rome, the middle of the summer, and reaching over forty degree swelter, pouring down from the sky directly on my head. With a kerchief enfolding my hair and glasses on my nose I was looking like Brigitte Bardot. Or, at least, I was convincing myself so. These were my holidays and no appearance could destroy them for me. I took a deep breath in; trying not to stumble upon any of the fast-rushing cars, I crossed the street, now finding myself a place in a shadow near Colosseum. The Flavian Amphitheatre… And one is supposed to think that just nineteen centuries ago the greatest spectacles of the ancient world were taking place exactly there. Caesars Commodus and Caligula were putting their steps on those stones… I decided to enter. 

After wandering around nearly a half of the building, all panting and red, I eventually found the cash desks. I stopped before them, however, and, to say it softly, I became speechless. I was staring at a thirty-meter-long queue, petrified, like one of those statues embellishing the arcs of the amphitheatre. A man on the man, half of them with huge cameras on their necks, other with clamorous children. To my eye, I would have to spend in such a companionship at least two hours, before I would get to the tickets at all!

– I think I'm going to resign… – I mumbled under my breath –Maybe on Piazza Navona there is a smaller crowd? I have always dreamed about seeing The Fountain of the Four Rivers… 

On Piazza Navona there wasn't a smaller crowd. I was, again, elbowing my way through masses of people, squeezed like sardines in a tin, locals and tourists. Sometimes it was only possible to recognise the difference between them according to the language they were using. I swept the sweat out of my forehead. Why did I go there in July, why? Now I have nothing else but problems. A hot pavement was burning my feet, regardless of the sandals, and the fountain was still so far away. Someone's backpack hit me, a cyclist rang with the bell. 

When I finally got to the fountain, the atmosphere became much more pleasant. I sat down comfortably on the small wall, smiling at any time a drop of water reached my back. 

Suddenly, I heard music. It was extraordinarily calming. Warm, male voice was singing the lyrics of some Italian song and he was accompanied by a guitar and rhythmic hitting onto the drums. I looked around and my glance managed to localise the source of the whole fuss – a group of four young people; three boys and a lovely, blonde girl. I made up my mind and approached them. 

They played three more pieces. I have to sincerely admit, that I understood nothing, but I'm nearly sure I was clapping the loudest from everyone. I turned my attention especially to the bassist, what doesn't mean her friends didn't give fantastic performances as well. My attention was caught also by the cute guitarist
He was rocking his solos and even from that distance I saw how much he loves music. 

– What band is this? – I asked a person from the crowd standing the closest to me. I didn't even notice when it became that big. 

– Måneskin. – Sounded the answer. – They are only kids, though talented. They play here sometimes and think that it will let them begin their career. 

I raised my eyebrow.

– And you, Ms, don't think it will? 

– Maybe yes, maybe no, that doesn't matter. – My interlocutor chuckled, flopping her long hair in a way they fell in cascades on her back. – Anyway, the street is not enough. If they wanted to develop their career however… Who knows. 

– That's right. – I nodded just by kindness. – The woman bid farewell and went away, and I escorted her with my sight, keeping only a half satisfied grimace on my face. 

The musicians diverged and the throng with them. I glanced at my watch. 

– Already two o'clock? – Got out of my mouth. No wonder my stomach have been rumbling loudly. It would be appropriate to eat something, wouldn't it?