Tales of Il Taverna di Muse: Part 2–Entering the Gates
After crossing the river, Syren and I found a main road that led to the gates of the city. I asked another traveler for the name of the highway we were on and I discovered to my surprise that this thoroughfare was none other than the famous Silk Road.
The Road passed through a double gate of polished gold that was embellished with reliefs depicting famous writers and artists from history. A watchtower of white stone stood adjacent to the gate. I glanced to the top of the tower and saw a stately woman looking me over. With a brief nod of her head, she motioned me to continue through the gate.
Throngs of people moved up and down the boulevard going about their daily business. I called to a young woman pushing a cart of bread. The warm smell of the bread made my mouth water and my stomach rumble. I knew that Syren was as tired and hungry as me. I asked the woman for directions to a good livery and a short time later I had Syren cooled down and munching on a bag of oats. The livery manager informed me that the city’s center of activity was the Piazza del Pizan and I would be able to find lodging and food there. I thanked him, and a few minute’s walk found me at the Piazza.
Arched colonnades of peach and gray-colored marble surrounded the large open square. The obelisk that I had seen from across the river towered over the Piazza and I could see the golden dome of the Mouseion sparkling in the waning light. Night was beginning to fall and vendors in the square were busy closing up their stalls and storefronts. A distinguished looking man in a flowing green cloak moved from lightpole to lightpole lighting the lamps that would illuminate the Piazza.
My attention was drawn to a side street that jutted off from the Piazza. I heard muffled music coming from an establishment on the corner. Light emanated through a colorful stained-glass door. The image in the glass was that of a dancing woman holding a round lyre. Above the image were the words “Il Taverna di Muse”. Next to the door was a small placard that read “Studios for Rent” and “Help Wanted.”
I pushed open the door and entered.
Text: Lori Gloyd © 2006
I am utterly awe struck Lori. This is so charming and I adore the banner that hangs outside Il Taverna di Muse. What I will do is acquire a special flicr account so that many of our images can be stored there.
Piazza de Pizan. After Naples, Rome, Venice, Sienna, Florence I can actually visualize it. Wow!
And the Mouseion in all its glory. I have been writing about it, on and off, for ten years now and to see it sitting, in all its brilliance, here in Cyberia, is enough to make a girl weep tears of joy.
This is absolutely wonderful Lori and I can recognise some of the inhabitants already
Wonderful Lori!
’tis a place I might hang out if’n the LAntern gets a little heavy.
But imagine this: the image is a stained glass door! The glow of creativity inviting patrons through the door!
Can’t wait to drop anchor at the bar and order a pint of shandy.
Hope you can pull a good pint of Guinness there me lass! Will see you there and sure I might even recite an ancient Irish poem!!
Lori –your imagination is just superb!!! This is a BRILLIANT idea!! And how you have written it into life! Wow!!
I love the life and vibrancy of your work; and the detail and the images and the originality…