Portia: I really didn’t know very much about Christians and Jews before I met Macky. I had heard that there were some problems a few years ago when Christians were ill-treated but I didn’t take much notice. It wasn’t until I met Macky that I began to understand more about the Friends of Jesus. I really enjoy listening to the stories that Macky and his family and friends tell about Jesus and other people who lived many years ago.

Portia: I'm 14 years old and I do still live with my uncle, Tiberius. I moved with my uncle from Alexandria to Jerusalem when he got a new job. Being an officer in the Roman Army keeps my father away from home, so I think I may be living with Uncle Tiberius for a long time yet.

Portia: That’s a difficult question to answer. I hope I’m never put in a situation when I would have to betray Macky but if ever my uncle found out some of the things I do to help Macky and his family, I’m really not sure what his reaction would be. I don’t think he would strip me of my Roman citizenship but it doesn’t bear thinking about – let’s hope it doesn’t happen.

Portia: Thank you for saying something so kind about me. I do try to be a good person. I know that Macky and his family are Friends of Jesus and follow him but I don’t really know enough about that yet to decide whether I could follow him or not. You are right it would probably mean many sacrifices for me but Macky’s family have made sacrifices too so they obviously think it is worth it – I need to understand why. I’m hoping to learn more as I hear more stories about him.

Portia: I wouldn’t be allowed to go into politics, or work in government. Only men are thought capable of these roles. Sometimes their wives advise them on what to do, in fact, isn’t this always true?

Portia: I don’t know much about pirates – we don’t talk about them very much at home although I know some of my uncle’s colleagues have had problems with them. I think they are bad men who go to sea and steal from ships and seaside towns so I guess I don’t like them very much.

Portia: Thank you for your compliment about my looks, that’s very kind. I’m a Roman because my family comes from Rome – it’s not something I have a choice about - but it’s not something I am ashamed of either!

Portia: I’m being really honest when I say Macky and I are really good friends and that’s it! But I do like him – a great deal!

Portia: I like Macky but I don’t understand him much. He can be very distracted and is always rushing off here, there and everywhere. It is very unusual for a Roman to be friends with an Egyptian – as for marrying one!

Portia: I’ll do my best to answer all your questions. When I was in Alexandria I lived in the Governor’s Palace which is a large and imposing building close to the harbour and lighthouse. I eat most things that we can buy here in the market and some special foods which we have shipped in from Rome. The fish, especially the Tuna and other sea-food is very good here and we also eat snails which I find very tasty. Our cook has a number of recipes created by a man called Apicius – they are all very good. My favourite sauce is Garam - a fermented and highly flavoured fish sauce. I’m a little old to play – I’m a young lady but I do like being with Macky and the gang!

Portia: I like all the stories that Macky and his family tell. Those that go a long way back are very interesting and have a great deal to teach us and I also like the more recent stories about Jesus and his friends. They are very different from the legends about the Roman gods that my tutor makes me learn!

Portia: That’s a really difficult question to answer. Like most Roman noble-women, I will be expected to marry and raise a family whilst my husband goes about his business – perhaps in the Army, Politics or Commerce. I’m not sure that’s what I ‘want’ but my choices are limited by our society. Perhaps other options may open up as I grow older!

Portia: Hey Portia, I love your name. I like your style as well. Are you in love with Macky?

Portia: I have bought many other clothes of different styles and colours but somehow I always seem to go back to my favourite white outfit (made from the finest linen available)! Don't you find you have a favourite outfit you wear as much as you possibly can? Who knows, my tastes might change as I get older - but we'll have to wait and see!

Portia: I don't go to a school and I have never been to a school - I'm not sure I even know what a school is! I have never heard of one. I do have lessons but they are from my tutor in the palace. My tutor is very stern indeed and I don't like her much. Actually I don't think she likes children at all but I have to spend time with her learning languages, about all the Roman Gods and the history of the Roman Empire too. My favourite lesson used to be Roman beauty grooming, but since meeting Macky I've learnt some more important lessons!

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