When in Rome
Inspired by a recent post, my friend Esther and a few of her co-workers up in the Physics Department have decided to hold a historic reenactment of the 1983 presentation of the 50th anniversary Campagnolo group set* to His Holiness, Pope John Paul II. The reenactment will take place on the 28th anniversary of the blessed event, at 2pm Wednesday June 15, 2011, in Vatican City, Rome.
I was graciously invited to attend, and Esther provided me with the cast list as follows:
Unfortunately, Dr. Lucas (a physicist) declined the role of Pope, siting his inability to be, or pretend to be Catholic. However, Esther and her co-workers seemed to think I would be a suitable alternative, being both a bike enthusiast AND a Catholic. Of course I accepted the role (which requires me to say “thanks” in Italian, accompanied by a demure and thankful glance) immediately.
I am both honoured and delighted at the prospect of portraying His (or rather Her) Holiness in the dear doctor’s place, and have already started planning a suitably Eurotrash outfit for the occasion. It will definitely include white leather pants, enormous Gucci sunglasses and a Hermès head scarf.
It is, after all, the roll of a lifetime.
Grazie, Esther!
*It was recently pointed out to me that the proper, non-Americanized name for a group set is a gruppo. “Group set” is considered gauche, which is French for “tacky” or more accurately “not French”. However, considering neither “group set” nor “gruppo” are French, I suspect either option is acceptable by everyone but the French.
Looking forward to this momentous event. We know you will make a wonderful pope! So modern, sharply dressed and a cycling connaisseur to boot.
All in all, a great day for the catholic church!
The Pope’s purse has a tag that says KK. Who knew KK was into purses?
Or maybe KK is secretly the Pope? Catholics love secrets.
It’s no secret that I’m into accessories. I do prefer belts to purses, however.
[…] Esther and the rest of the kids in the Physics Department. My presence was requested to witness a reenactment of the presentation of a 50th anniversary Campagnolo gruppo to His Holiness John Paul II back in […]