We took our very first trip to Italy last June for our honeymoon, we spent four weeks total, of which two weeks were in Rome.
The question about my favorite part of Italy is hard to answer, because every part is unique in its own way. But I lost my head in Rome. I am not sure what it is about Rome that I connected with, maybe it is because I got to know it more than other places we visited, maybe because it was my dream city to visit, or maybe because I love ancient.
I was able to feel the silence in Rome, despite the bustling traffic. I was able to find empty spaces, even with the summer crowds. I was able to smell the wild flowers, even in the big city. I haven't been to a city that offers as much contrast as Rome does, and this fact alone makes Rome that much more charming to me.
I love the Colosseum, the Forum, the Palatine hills. I can spend hours in Piazza Navona; watching people and street performances. I love wandering in the market at Campo di Fiori. I adore the so many fountains all over. I enjoy walking the streets of Rome, without a map, looking for what's around the corner. I am fascinated just looking at the Trevi Fountain. I am awed inside the many churches in Rome. And,of course, I admire the Romans, looking all stylish and beautiful. And how can I forget the great food and wine in Rome?
Rome is like one big museum, at every corner, I find something interesting. I love old stones, and ancient ruins, and Rome is just that. It amazes me looking at all the ruins, and thinking"Wow, this is two thousand years old", it just fascinates me.
I daydream about Rome every day, and can't wait to go back . If I had to pick a place to live, I would love to go to Rome. We are thinking about Greece for our next trip. I have always wanted to go to Greece, but I can't imagine being that close to Rome and not stopping by. So, I have to include that in my plans somehow.
Comments (11)
Great post and photos. I barely scratched the surface of Rome and want to go back (two weeks would be wonderful!). Hope you can work it out to get back there soon.
Posted by Annie | February 16, 2009 7:40 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 07:40
Bella Roma...ahhhh! What a memorable trip it must have been. I have never been to Greece but have longed to go, someday I hope. So many places to see.
Posted by Barb Cabot | February 16, 2009 11:21 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 11:21
Your Italy trip sounds like you had a wonderful time. I know what you mean about not being able to say what was your favorite place, as they all had special things. You have some great photos. I also can't wait to get back to Italy.
Posted by Cindy Ruth | February 16, 2009 4:12 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 16:12
Candi, you voice the words of my heart in this post! There is something so incredible about Rome. My mom, sister and I spent 5 days there a couple years ago and have yearned to return for a longer stay. Thank you so much for this wonderful entry!! ♥
Posted by Anne | February 16, 2009 5:11 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 17:11
I can't answer the question about my favorite part of Italy either! I think that is why I always have such a difficult time figuring out where to go each year. I love so many places in Italy. I didn't like Rome the first couple of times I visited, but fell in love with it during my last visit two years ago. I spent 11 days there and loved so many of the same things you did about Rome. Greece has always been a place I would like to go, but I never can get past Italy :)
Posted by girasoli | February 16, 2009 9:41 PM
Posted on February 16, 2009 21:41
Beautifully written prose, Candi. Your infatuation with the place shines through. I, for one, am looking forward to future essays like this from you.
Posted by Deborah | February 17, 2009 7:01 AM
Posted on February 17, 2009 07:01
Candi, I can so relate to your love for Rome and I loved the line in this post "but I lost my head in Rome..."
Posted by Krista | February 17, 2009 11:20 AM
Posted on February 17, 2009 11:20
I think we all share the love for Rome with you! I hope you get to go when you go to Greece. I a sure it won't be too difficult to include it.
Posted by Chiocciola | February 17, 2009 2:01 PM
Posted on February 17, 2009 14:01
I find it hard to do the "favorite" thing about Italy myself, so many places, so much magic. Our trips have been shorter, but Rome is magical even after several days. We are thinking about a holiday week there this year, but so far just thinking.
Posted by Marcia | February 17, 2009 2:35 PM
Posted on February 17, 2009 14:35
We loved our time in Rome as well. I can't wait to return for longer.
Posted by Jerry | February 17, 2009 6:50 PM
Posted on February 17, 2009 18:50
Very well said, Candi! I really believe that the more time I spend in Rome, the more I love it! You're right, it feels like a living museum with so much history and art everywhere. Yet at the same time, it's a vibrant city with so much life!
The longest period I've spent in Rome was a two week stretch in January 2008 and that was the best trip ever! Maybe sometime I could spend a few years there.....
Posted by Sandrac | February 17, 2009 8:00 PM
Posted on February 17, 2009 20:00