I wish that I could be original. I wish that I could tell everybody that my first visit to the Italian capital was the most unique experience in the world; a journey filled with underground parties, unexpected encounters, and crazy anecdotes. But the truth is that my first trip to Rome was the epitome of touristic clichés! I spent a good amount of time waiting in line to visit the Colosseum (one of the seven wonders of the world, nothing less), I took a picture of the Julius Caesar statue, I threw my spare change into the Trevi Fountain, wishing that my craziest dreams would come true, and I took a few other pictures of the stunning Pantheon. I walked near the Vittorio Emanuele Monument, rested in the Piazza del Popolo, spent a whole day in the Vatican, and ate so, so, so much gelato, pizza, and pasta (always accompanied by the finest red wine, obviously!). I even went to a “mozzarella bar” once, which was divinely delicious (never mind the stomach aches that gormandizing on so much cheese provided!). Rome was fun, Rome was beautiful, Rome was just as I had planned, which in itself was a premiere for me… Everything went according to plan, but surprisingly, it was still a trip that was anything but boring!
Nevertheless, although this first Roman trip was meticulously planned, there do were some small, unique, and enchanting moments. There were those mini, but so special, instants, like snapshots of fragmented memories, ephemeral Polaroids. I do have flashbacks sometimes of those instances where Rome felt magical. I remember eating outside, in a back-alley, the best risotto ever cooked. I can still vividly see the red and white checkered tablecloth, can still hear the romantic music in the background and the muted noises from the city. At that exact moment, I was in Lady and the Tramp!
I remember standing by the door in the metro, listening to an accordionist playing Strangers in the Night, closing my eyes to perfectly capture this moment, to make sure that I would always remember that instant as it was; simple yet beautiful, moving and very much Italian.
Some memories are funnier. I can still picture the time when my friend V. and myself were running errands at an outdoor market tranquilly, only to realize that there was a gladiator standing next to us, shopping for grapes. It felt surreal, having this dressed-up grown man picking fruit to eat during his Roman gladiator afternoon lunch break! Out of context, far from the Colosseum, it really was a funny sight.
What can I say? There’s just something about Rome. It’s hard for me to write about this place since I truly believe that it is a city that can only be lived. I “felt” Rome, I was very much present, in the moment. The Latins used to say Carpe Diem, and they were right. Going to Rome, or any Italian city really, is a multi-sensory experience, it has to be felt, it has to be seized. The Italian capital has so much history, so much life. It is a place both heavy with political, social and cultural memories, and oh sooooo romantic as well. Yes, there is something about Rome that makes you want to be in love. For a day, a night, a long weekend or for life… Rome truly is a city for lovers.
Salute!
Bittersweet Travel Memories 