Italy was a favorite destination of mine while living in Spain, as it was just a cheap Ryanair flight away! My friend Jenn and I took a weekend in Rome…one of those, what should we do this weekend? To quote Marisa Tormei in Only you…Let’s go Rome! We found the most charming Bed and Breakfast, called Ancient Rome B and B, which was nicely situated…a brisk walk from the Termini station, Via del Boschetto 15. The young woman who runs it was extremely nice and helpful, and there is a charming deck on the roof which she served us breakfast on.
It was just a short walk to the Roman Forum ruins from the Colosseum. The Roman Forum was the government epicenter of Ancient Rome, where speeches and gladiator marches took place, and today you can see the excavation efforts to rebuild what is left of this power empire.
We headed over to the Vatican, which is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church. I was raised Catholic but haven’t been practicing any particular religion since high school. Still, this is a must see if you are in Rome. Vatican City is a city unto itself, and when you walk through the gates, guarded by the Swiss guards, you are actually entering international territory. Here, St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the Pope’s church, designed originally by Bernini, stands as an impressive piece of Renaissance architecture. The Sistine Chapel is also a must see, which is the Pope’s private chapel. It’s true what they say, there is so much impressive fresco art as you continue your walk down the museum to the Sistine Chapel, you keep thinking you are there, until you finally are…then you know! You aren’t really allowed to take photos in the Sistine Chapel because of flash photography, and really, unless you have a really good lens, there isn’t any point. Just enjoy being there!
We ended the weekend just enjoying the many piazzas, shops, Trevi Fountain, and topping it off with some delicious Italian food and gelato, which is a must!
Little tip about the Trevi fountain: Did you know that you are suppose to stand with your back to the fountain as you toss your coin into it, or else your wish won’t come true? I plan to head back to this fabulous city next summer 2017 with my family, as we visit my grandmother’s come town of Bonefro, in Molise. Can’t wait!
Buen viaje, gnomies!
Have you been to Rome, or have any other suggestions for the gnome? Contact me and let me know!