Rome was a surreal city – hard to wrap your head around. Past and present collided to create an experience that rivaled Dali’s melting clocks and vast landscapes. Rome is constructed of vast layers – what I previously imagined Rome to be, what it was, how I perceived it and all the various narratives of history and cultures in between present in the form of ruin and surviving buildings. As you can imagine, for me, (my perspective of) Rome is constantly evolving (which is what I love about travel). It was emotionally overwhelming for my first encounter outside of North America. So much to learn and take in with only 4 days.
 |
| Amount of detail is inspiring |
It wasn’t until my 3rd day when Rome started accepting me and my naïve pre-conceptions, or rather, I started to accept Rome and all its cruel extensions. My first embrace of Rome came when I visited the Trevi Fountain. That day we began the Spanish Steps, packed with tourists trying to get pictures that resembled the same pose as Audrey Hepburn upon the steps. On top of this there were various conmen trying to sell us wilted roses for 5 Euros. One man even asked us to put our finger into a finger trap “for love,” he claimed to my boyfriend and I– escape, I am sure, would have cost us some ungodly amount.
We started to venture out away from the crowds and see what various forms of architecture we could find and if there was any half decent Italian cuisine to savour. We were starved and deprived of a good Italian meal and I was growing increasingly frustrated with the tourist food that was always in heaping supply.
The architecture in this are was colourful and sporadic. Around each corner there was a different building to observe – some that applied to what I believed Rome to be and others complete surprises.
After a few minutes walk I was overjoyed to discover that we had found (by accident) the Trevi Fountain, despite the presence of large crowds (unavoidable). I could only sit in awe of the amount of detail that this fountain presented, even if you had to observe in between the heads of other onlookers.
Rumour is that if you make a wish and throw a coin into the fountain you will be sure to return to Rome one day. I was hesitant at this stage if I truly wanted to return but I went for it anyway.
After being exposed to the Metro, the evil unofficial cab drivers (that’s another post) and the overwhelming layout of the city, I would be confident that my next visit will be satisfying having learned from all my mistakes. However, it is these abrasive lessons that help shape a seasoned traveler.
Although we were sold short on the restaurant we settled at you couldn’t beat the opportunity to people watch with a cup of perfect cappuccino or spumante in hand while nestled in a colourful alleyway. I implore you to explore Rome without a map. You will be pleasantly surprised with the quality of food you find in the most remote alleyway and the varied architecture.
 |
 |
| View of Spanish Steps & A Heaping Helping of Tourists |
Reading List For Rome
Italian Folktales by Italo Calvino
Leaving Winter by Kathleen A. Quinn
Food Of Love by Anthony Capella
Caesar’s Women by Colleen McCullough
Love Food Love Rome by Diane Seed
Flavours of Rome by Carol Coviello-Malzone
Venice on a Plate: A Food Tour of Venice with Walks of Italy
Top 5 Travel Experiences at 25
The Most Expensive Coffee in the World: Kopi Luwak & the Catch 22
Florentine Flaneuse
great blog! amazing Rome!!!
http://traveloguewithlove.blogspot.com/
I have always had a soft spot for the Eternal City. One day I am determined to live there. The first visit can be overwhelming, but as you go more and in small doses, you can discover the hidden gems that make Roma so unique. My favorite area is on the small streets that come off of Piazza Navona. Next time you go, email me and I will send you my list.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Ciao!
Christine
http://ciaochristy.blogspot.com
Great photos, this is one place I hope to see one day. Diane
Overwhelming is an understatement! We must've gone to Rome atleast a half dozen times already, and every time I come away thinking “now what was THAT?” There's just so much going on, too much going on!
Very nice pictures….you have an eye for the statues…hmmm. Very good food on top of the Spanish steps..nice little restaurants up there for your next trip. I seen the coin you tossed. A dollar guarantees you next trip.
Keep your head up and stick on the ice and Go Canucks Go.
Nice pictures! The Trevi Fountain is one we didn't get to see.