Rome/The Eternal City

Roma, The Eternal City. The stop on our itinerary, where I was not that excited about. I am being totally honest. We arrived on Thursday afternoon and getting here was a bit crazy. Again, driving in Italy, is a whole new ballgame. I was grateful for John's former UPS driving skills and he is a good driver, and I have become the navigator. I am still a work in progress.

When we first arrived, it was a bit chaotic. The host of the hotel was a bit overwhelmed with everyone checking in. There is NO parking by the hotel, they have a "private" garage that we needed a key to drive to. While I was checking in and getting to know Rosetta (I think that was her name), John and Lydia took the car to the "garage." The location of our hotel was absolutely perfect. We were walking distance to The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, and Spanish Steps. 

I have come to find out that if you take time with people, get to know them, if you are polite, and if you smile and know they are working to get you where you want to go at their pace, they will reciprocate that...smile back, and you will find some laughter along the way. Rosetta showed us to our place; we were all laughing because she was helping me take our luggage to our room which was in the building next door. Apparently, we had an apartment and not just a hotel room. There was a little elevator that fit two people. I think Rosetta was new because I feel like we were learning this together...Our apartment was beautiful. No real views or anything.  Two bedrooms/Two bathrooms...no living space...but it had air conditioning and boy is that a luxury. I immediately made a new friend - Rosetta, and she was full of life and light. 

While I was making a new friend, John and Lydia were guided to the garage. Ended up being the owner of the hotel. Everyone has been so kind and loving. It is easy here...to make new friends. I don't think I have stopped smiling. John told me that the owner said to them, "You are taking your first steps in Roma." What a thought.

It is really hot in Roma. We have been told that we are a tad bit crazy coming at this time, but we have also heard that it gets hotter as the months go on. 

We settled into our place, which we will call home for only two nights. 

Afterwards, we set out to see the Spanish Steps, The Trevi Fountain and go have dinner at McDonalds. Yep, you heard it here first. McDonalds. This was my daughter's request. We have seen on Insta that this particular McDonalds was worth the trip...

We walked around and I instantly feel in love with ROMA. 

Roma is electric. Filled with passion. Energy. People! It is very lively. I felt differently about it, and I knew that Roma had stolen my heart. 

Spanish steps were closed. So, we looked at all the shops...Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc....Didn't go into the shops. You either had an appointment, or you had to wait in line outside. They only let few people in at a time.

McDonalds was next...

Yea, it was neat...different. I was just glad to get the Italian beer. 😄

Next, to The Trevi Fountain. We heard that the best times to see it was at 5am and 2am. Well, we chose after dinner. It was a tad busy...just a tad. But we got to see it none the less. Got our pictures and off we went. Roma is a magical place. Wait, didn't I say that about Sorrento and Capri???? 

The next day we were up early and started out with an amazing "traditional" Italian breakfast...had to be quick so we could get to our Colosseum Tour with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. 

Our tour guide was Michael. He was incredible! Seriously. He was a historian, and he knew his stuff. Thank goodness this tour was in the morning hours...because it got hot quick!

It was an amazing tour that lasted until noon. We stepped on a part of history, and I was just in awe. The Colosseum is so grand. It is hard to put it into words. You can almost take several days here just to read/look at everything. Here are some pictures...just so you know, I took A LOT of pictures...A LOT.

You see what I mean? After a hot and sweaty morning at the Colosseum, we headed back to our apartment and chilled for a bit before dinner. 

Roma at night is freaking FUN!!! We found this bitty whole in the wall bar that we got to know the people at, met some amazing people from Australia, and had some amazing drinks. 

Dinner was at Benso. Also, freaking amazing! I had the Pasta Carbonara. I am not one to drink beer, eat pasta or pizza as much as I have had...but I have had no digestive problems at all...niente!!!!

Lemme splain something...THE FOOD...THE FOOD, you all...is just incredible. I can't get over how good it is. I will be ruined forever. We have ate so well...I cannot even...

After dinner on our last night in Roma, we headed back to the Colosseum. There were street performers, a concert going on, and people EVERYWHERE. We even saw someone get engaged...he knew what he was doing. 😏

Ahhhh, Roma. You have captured my heart, and I cannot wait to see you again. I love your energy and passion for life. We will be back...I promise.

Until then, next stop Montepulciano, Tuscany.

With love always,

Claudine