The Eternal and the Holy Over twenty years ago, two voyages would influence my life in ways I could not imagine. One was a trip to Rome, the other to both Jerusalem and Egypt. These transformative journeys have remained etched in my memory, returning to me repeatedly with reminiscent longing. The eternal city enchanted me with its classical art, architectural marvels and gastronomic delights. I roamed around this cultural mecca on foot, begging to chance upon secret alleys and labyrinthine pathways guiding me to splendid piazzas. The wafting aroma of rich espresso, freshly baked cornetti and basil and garlic tantalised my tastebuds, while the iconic architecture transported me in time with its historic churches and colossal columns still standing as proud and strong as their gladiatorial past, seamlessly blending the old and new. These scents, sights and sounds had plans for me far beyond my holiday, unaware that they would rise and force my hand to pen a trilogy set in Rome, spanning countries, cities and centuries. “Rome greeted them with the gentle smile of the afternoon sun. Christiano parked the car, and they walked along a street alive with the sounds of life, in the antiquated city which never…
