A few months ago I made what felt like a pilgrimage of sorts–I went back to Rome, the city that started it all for me. I hadn’t stepped foot in the Eternal City since that summer of 2006 for fear of having a bad time and letting it somehow cast a shadow over the beautiful months I’d spent there before.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. As soon as my train pulled into Termini, I felt this unshakable excitement to see the ancient city that inspired so much in me–my love for the Italian language, my devotion to travel, and the desire/ability to grow as a person.
After seven years, it would stand to reason that so much in this beautiful city had changed, but I was equally impressed by how much things had remained the same. Sure, the ancient ruins, famous sites, and historic monuments would continue standing, but the feel of the city hadn’t changed even one bit. There was still this vibrance buzzing about, pulling me in and asking me to stay for longer than the five-day stint I’d planned. I quickly remembered what my old routine there had been and I was eager to walk in the same footprints I had so many summers before.
I couldn’t wait to wake up early and eat and shop my way around Campo de Fiori–stopping for a quick cappuccino at a cafe and watching the vendors set up their shops; produce stands workers juicing oranges and cutting vegetables; and florists putting together bundles and bouquets of flowers that I longed to take back to an apartment in the city.
Afterward, a walk to Piazza Navona to take in a street art performance, watch children and dogs play, and peek over artists’ shoulders wishing that I wasn’t lugging around my life in a suitcase and could take some with me. I’d sit, and have a gelato, and listen to the musicians, occasionally interrupted by church bells or drowned out by the sound of men offering me their scarves for purchase.
In the evening, I’d take a stroll by Fontana di Trevi to watch the tourists, giddy with love, snapping photos of the fountain and each other, and tossing in coins to ensure their return to Rome. I’d wait for a bit, letting the sound of the water drown out the many languages being spewed around me, and watch as the lights came on turning the fountain into another scene entirely.
I spent my five perfect days in Rome catching up with all of its sites–both historic in the context of the city and country, as well as in my own life. When I left this time, stuffed with pasta, pizza, gelato, and wine, I knew one thing I didn’t when I left in 2006: it won’t be another seven years until I return to the city that started my love affair with travel.
LOVE this post. I will be visiting Rome for the first time this summer and could not be more excited!
Katrina recently posted..Travel Tuesday: 3 Places
I’m so excited for you, Katrina! I’m sure you’ll have a fabulous time!
Rome is the best! I’ve been there twice and I’m dying to return with my husband.
Andi recently posted..Nevis: Day 3 (Part 2)
I hope you get to, Andi! It is such a wonderful city.
Ah, Rome. I don’t think I could ever get enough of it.
I, too, went back to Rome for the second time last year – after having not been there for 8 years. Just like you, I felt like it hadn’t changed a bit! I loved re-visiting a lot of the places I loved last time, and enjoyed discovering new parts of the city, too. It’s one of those cities you can definitely visit over and over!
Amanda recently posted..Thoughts on Cambodia
I know what you mean, Amanda. I feel like there’s always something new to discover in Rome. I’d love to go back and just spend a few months there, really trying to scratch the surface.
To my surprise I didn’t click with Rome. I mostly blame it on myself as I was just a wee babe in the woods of first time travel and Europe. I am dying to give it a second shot though.
I am on the other hand returning to Venice in June. A place that helped me fall for travel and learning the value of getting lost.
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Venice is definitely a place that teaches you that getting lost isn’t such a bad thing. I hope though, that you make it back to Rome and it makes a better impression on you next time!
I love Rome too. I fell in love with the city 11 years ago and can’t wait until June when we go back and bring our daughter for her first time. I’m excited to have a full five days to spend in the city so we can have time to live like Romans and just enjoy the experience.
I hope you have a great time there, Tamara! Though, it’d be difficult not to! :)
Ah, Roma. So many beautiful sights to see.
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I love Rome! My hubby’s family lives there so l get to go back for visits and l never get tired of it, especially the food. Glad you rediscovered it.
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Oh nice! I’m sure it’s awesome to be able to visit a bunch. Such a wonderful city!
Went to Rome so long ago (2005), but it still seems like it was last year. What a fun and beautiful city. We were only there for two days, but really enjoyed it. I’d love to return and have more time to just soak it all in.
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted..Final Verdict: Is Venice Overrated?
You owe it to yourselves to do just that, Lance! I hadn’t been since 2006, and it felt like going home. So beautiful.
Beautifully written Megan. Just back from our eighth trip to Rome. We can’t get enough of this amazing city.
Thank you, Anne! I can’t get enough of it either!