Marta Mouse has visited ROME - Imagine that!
Marta Mouse was almost shaking with excitement as she was driven by car from Odessa through the streets of Vienna, full of anticipation to meet Tanya Shtykalo herself, and finally arrived after a long and very strenuous trip.
Despite the fact that Marta is a little mouse, she had great admiration for Tanya, the artist behind Odessa's famous cat sculptures, of which she had visited several together with July in Odessa.
In the artists' collective where Tanya now lives and works, there was a warm welcome, however, and another big surprise. Tanya's birthday was the following day, and Marta was really lucky that she made it that day.
Because, Tanja had been invited on a proper birthday trip, and had decided that Marta would be allowed to join.
And - even on a flight - the first flight to Marta.
See picture marked 1.
It was early the next morning, all the luggage was already packed, and it was off to the airport. A somewhat secretive Tanya did not want to reveal where the plane was going, but it was called "ready for boarding" and they lined up.
See pictures marked 2.
Finally inside the plane, seat number or space was not even mentioned. Tanya had ordered a "window seat", and no one has ever received such a window seat. Marta got to sit in the window, it couldn't have been better.
The plane took off, and then it became clear, ROME next!!!
Neither more nor less, Marta was going to celebrate Tanya's birthday in Rome itself.
See pictures marked 3.
First day to Rome together. The weather was fantastic. Marta and Tanya admired the beautiful architecture of the city and were fascinated by the sight of lemons, tangerines, oranges and grapefruit growing on the trees in mid-January.
They were also fascinated by an ivy-like plant clinging to the old walls. The plants grew on top of the rocks that cascaded down like waterfalls. Locals explained that this was one of the many varieties of capers.
The trip eventually led them to the famous Trevi Fountain.
It was a long and eventful day, so it was an early evening and a good night's sleep.
See pictures marked 4.
Watch video:
https://youtube.com/shorts/6-LcGBw3oHY
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The next day, Marta was to join us for a special visit. Especially because Tanya was here last October and left a memory.
The place is called "Madonna del Buon Consiglio a largo Preneste" in Rome.
There has previously been a church on this site.
You can read more info here:
There is no church there now, but a wall covered with small tiles with the inscription "prg" still remains. "prg" means "for grace received"
These tiles are the messages from people to Madonna, thanking her for her help. The tiles are called "ex voto" and there are hundreds of them on the wall, one next to the other, many in the shape of a heart with attached chains, bracelets, rosaries, crucifixes.
These tiles have been there for decades.
Today, people come to this wall to leave messages.
Tanya placed hers in October, when she was visiting Rome.
Now she came here with Marta to show her this, but also to see that it is still there.
And they took a picture together.
See pictures marked 5.
You cannot visit Rome without going to St. Peter's Basilica.
Of course, Tanya had included it in the itinerary. And we think we can establish that Marta Mouse is the only mouse in the whole world who has visited St. Peter's Basilica as a tourist. And you can also safely say that it is the biggest building she has ever been in, where Marta Mose herself became very small.
But even for Tanya it is big, also because St. Peter's Church has meant, and still means so much to many people.
In the pictures marked 6, you can see little Marta Mus in the great St. Peter's Church.
It was the last sight on the Roma tour, and time to go home.
And once again Marta got her special window seat.
But what a pleasant and adventurous trip, a dream, and a nice birthday celebration.
Birthdays can be celebrated with cakes and soft drinks, but such an experience is something you remember for the rest of your life.
Trip back in pictures marked 7.
