Clocks

GROW PLANT POT designed by Barrett Hanrahan

These plants are clocks because they grew since I arrived. A clock, by definition, is an instrument indicating time. To me the addition of two more leaves and lengths and lengths of roots indicate time. Hair on your head is also a clock. I've tried to think of other things that are clocks. Let me know if you think of any.

Plant clippings from Rome

On the topic of time, let me express how hot it is at this current point in time and what that heat results to. At 32°C (90°F) people start to slow down and take refuge in the cooler studios of the Cenci. While tourists flock to the main sites and bake under the sun waiting in lines and maximise the day, we sit and sip water indoors. There's the desire to see as much of Rome before leaving or at least going to our favourite places but the heat is stifling.

It's OK to be indoors while the Eternal City sits outside. It's a feeling I never thought I'd have. The programme for me has reached a point where Rome can wait. You can only absorb so much. Digesting and processing it matters more. Eat less but chew more: this Swedish proverb is one to live by. Every city deserves the same attention and equally, those cities will feel like home to the point where you start living casually.

One of the best parts of EHP is leaving with habits that you gained because you were in Rome. For example, I draw much more now because Rome was such a visually stimulating place to pick up the habit. Another example of a habit that living in Rome has planted in me is the daily cooking routine. Taking time to prepare food and share stories with people is an integral part of my life now.