Casa Rosales

Casa Rosales

Saturday 29 June 2013

A view with a room



We have resisted buying a television since we moved into Casa Rosales but as the temperatures soar and the afternoons are best spent indoors, we felt it suddenly rather necessary to have something to look at on the days when a proper siesta isn't what we want. So that's what we did last weekend and as one of FR's many jobs this week, it is now installed on our wall in the lounge.

We haven't overdone the oggling this week - no, the children have watched a couple of recent DVDs and marvelled at the difference in clarity between our old machine and this 39" LED screen. And FR and Mateo watched a couple of strange films one evening whilst I went out.

However, today, after a morning sweating over some cherry jam (not literally, I hasten to add) and making fajitas for the kids, I knew exactly what I wanted to watch during the heat of the afternoon. Possibly my favourite film - 'A Room with a View' - and, thanks to YouTube, I was able to watch the whole thing in a high definition version.

Made in 1985 by Merchant-Ivory, it perfectly captures the subtleties of EM Forster's book; the acting is perfection and the scenery breathtaking. I love every second of it. There is so much to read in the body language, the unspoken words and the repressed feelings that are so reflective of the Edwardian period.



And that kiss, (with Kiri Te Kanawa hitting all the right notes alongside,) is just so innocent and beautiful - charmingly clumsy and unrehearsed. (Though had it been me, I think I might have stayed with the Italian coach driver who knowingly led Lucy to George, rather than to Mr Beebe, the vicar...He was definitely more my type.)

And probably one of the main reasons I love this film is because of the views of Florence you get in the first part. I went to Italy with my parents and my boyfriend in the late 1980s and fell in love with most of it but with Florence in particular. I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the place that I wandered around with tears rolling down my cheeks - not cool, I admit, and possibly caused by the 48 mosquito bites on my ankles from the night before  - and with my eyes so wide at the art and architecture on view all around that I must have resembled some strange alien. It is a view that has stayed with me and really stirs up some deep emotions.




The only other place that had this effect on my was a visit to Cambridge which I found equally moving and beautiful. I have never been back to either place but really must put them on my essential 'to do' list.

Where in the world moves you to depths of joy, peace, pleasure and awe?




20 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree with you more...about the film, and of course, about Florence. I first visited when I took a bunch of history and art A level students. It was a day trip, from our base in Venice. It was wonderful. Then I took Jess there when she was about 10, and she fell in love with it too. It's time for a re visit I think. Venice has a similar effect on me.....just so perfect. Enjoy the TV ! Jxxx

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    1. I loved Venice too but it didn't have quite the same magic as Florence for me. As BtoB says, it's been such a long time since I was there, I'd be a bit concerned that it may no longer live up to my memories. I know it gets very, very busy these days - as does Venice - so maybe I'd have to go in the winter months..
      So glad you like the film too!
      Axxx

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  2. Hi Annie,

    I've never been, but everyone remarks at the beauty in the landscape and architecture.

    For me it would be the majesty of a wonderful mountain view. I'll look for just the right pic, do a post and link to your blog.

    Enjoy your new toy, but I hope you don't have to resort to Jeremy Kyle!! :o) x

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    1. Now mountain ranges, we can do, here in Andalucia - I do believe I have waxed lyrical about that too. It's a lovely thought to link favourite places via our blogs, though, Gaynor. I hope you get the chance to do that.

      Not even the remotest possibility that we will EVER watch Jeremy Kyle!
      Axxx

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  3. One of my favourite films too and a city I loved when I visited in the late 70s and 1980. I dare not go back as I'm sure it won't live up to my memories

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    1. I think I must have gone to Florence around the time they made the film - or maybe just a year or so after. It was not too busy, not overcrowded and just perfect for wandering around and taking it all in. Nice to know you love both too.
      Axxx

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  4. One of my favourite films too.
    In answer to your question - my home, with my children & grandchildren - all the frantic worries & problems they have caused and still cause me (!) disappear when I have them around me and then I feel what you describe.

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    1. Lovely answer, Nilly. Long may you have your home, your children and your grandchildren around you. Axxx

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  5. Venice...visited with my father in the fogs of November after his assignations in Trieste.
    Churches empty..markets full...always a bar to discuss the discoveries of the day and be guided to more unknown sites in the morning.

    Risi et bisi...don't start me off

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    1. The word 'assignation' immediately conjures up a mysterious image which I've transplanted onto Venice...Venice does mystery and misty and magical so well.
      I did think Risi and bisi meant 'laughs and kisses' at first - Spanish and Italian are quite close and 'reir' is laugh and 'besar' is kiss in Spanish....no, rice and peas...manages to sound lovely in Italian!

      Risi and bisi to you.
      Axxx

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  6. Your blog postings really do trigger my memory Annie.I recall sitting and reading the book after returning from a 4 day visit to Florence one August.Then later i was delighted watching the film --- it so reminded me of our visit.

    I think in answer to your question----- my spiritual home is The Lake District.

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    1. I think we're all pretty well in tune around here, Maria! Lovely that your memories of Florence are tied up with the book and the film too.
      The Lake District is wonderful too - I was a huge Wordsworth fan in my youth and wandering around some of the quieter places (such a shame everyone thinks it's a lovely place!) I felt very in tune with his poetry.
      Axxx

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  7. A place I just discovered yesterday, Blackwell House, near Bowness ... I have never been in a building before with such an incredible atmosphere, everything about it, inside and out, was tranquil and joyous and a pleasure to see and experience. In my dreams I'm moving in tomorrow!

    A Room With a View is one of my faves too :)

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    1. Wow - what a find! I don't know Blackwell House, despite having spent lots of days in and around Bowness - I do hope you took some of your wonderful photos and will share. And glad to know A Room with a View is on your list. Axxx

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  8. There are a few places in this world that really move me, but in particular would be Capadoccia here in Turkey, where we lived for 4 years. The way that at different times of the day, the sun and shadows make all the fairy chimneys and rock formations change colour. Early in the morning walking the dog, and watching all the hot air balloons rise into the sky. Magnificent. Waking up every day there made me feel glad to be alive.

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    1. Sounds lovely, Ayak. I too am really fond of hot air balloons and would love to hear more about fairy chimneys! You must tell us more!
      Axxx

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  9. Another vote for Room with a View here too, Annie. I loved both Florence and Venice when I visited them (just on day trips) in the early 90s but the one town which evokes all the emotions you mention for me is Assisi. I've stayed there 4 times over the past 16 years, for periods ranging form 3 to 10 days, and it never fails to enchant me totally.

    Probably the landscape which comes nearest for me is Ben Loyal seen across the Kyle of Tongue. Magnificent in all weathers.

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    1. Oh yes, Perpetua, Assisi is wonderful - I visited there once and was quite blown away by it, though it's still Florence for me.

      I think you shared some photos of Ben Loyal recently and yes, truly magnificent. And delighted to have so many of you that love a Room with a View.
      Axxx

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  10. What a coincidence too Annie , my brother, niece and my mum all live near Cambridge ,, My niece used to live in Cambridge, but left for a village not far :-) I love it there too ... Never been to Florence but I am really wanting to go . take care x

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  11. My Annie friend lives in Eynsham. She's now a designer wedding cake maker - Scattercake - I know she won't mind me giving her a plug. I know she used to make cakes for the local tea shop in the village too...maybe she still does! Give her a hug from me if you see her. Axxx

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