The Nile Mosaic at Palestrina: Hippopotamuses and Lotus Flowers.

This week, the hottest of this very hot summer, I was delighted to take two lots of folk out into the verdant Monti Simbruini to contemplate the birthplace of western monasticism at the Sacro Speco near Subiaco (more of which anon). Because rule number one of tour guide school is “never retrace your steps”, I’d looked at good places to add to the day to make the most of our excellent driver (and his thankfully well air-conditioned minivan).