Rome: A Whirlwind of Whispers and Weather
okay, so i just got back from rome. it was…a lot. honestly, a controlled chaos kind of a lot. i'm still processing everything. the air was thick with the smell of espresso and something vaguely floral, probably jasmine growing in someone’s window box. i just checked and it's… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. it's a humid kind of heat, settling in around you. that’s what they call summer in italy, i think.
my trip was a blur of pasta, ancient ruins, and trying not to get pickpocketed. i’m usually a fairly organized person, but rome…rome throws a wrench in everything. i spent a good chunk of time just wandering, letting the city guide me. which, admittedly, wasn’t always a good thing. several times i ended up in alleyways that looked like they hadn't seen sunlight in decades, and encountered more cats than people. (seriously, the cat population is insane.) i need to find a reliable dog walking service for my furry friend when i get home.
*Neighborhoods are a mixed bag. Trastevere is charming, all cobblestone streets and overflowing flower boxes. but the prices are insane. Monti is more bohemian, a little rough around the edges, and surprisingly affordable. And then there’s the area around the Colosseum - a bit touristy, definitely, but you can still snag decent gelato. i heard that someone told me that the best pizza in the city is hidden down a backstreet in Testaccio. i’m hunting it down now.
gear list (if you’re planning a trip):
comfortable walking shoes (seriously, you’ll be doing a LOT of walking)
a crossbody bag (for the pickpocket situation, you know)
a portable charger (everything dies in italy, trust me)
a phrasebook (even if you can get by with gestures)
a good water bottle (they have water fountains everywhere!)
*overheard gossip (because, rome):
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Someone told me that the Trevi Fountain is even more crowded on Tuesdays. Go on a Wednesday if you can.
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I heard that there’s a secret bar tucked away in the Pantheon. You have to know where to look.
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Don't trust the pigeons. They're surprisingly aggressive.
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i saw some incredible street art around the Campo de’ Fiori. it was vibrant and energetic. i’m thinking of trying to translate some of that energy into my own work - maybe a little something to inspire others.
i also stumbled upon a tiny little bookstore tucked away near the Spanish Steps. it was crammed with books on Roman history, art, and literature. i spent hours browsing, and ended up buying a first edition of a classic novel. a total steal! i highly recommend checking out Libreria La Zanzara if you’re looking for a unique bookstore experience.
local advice* - something a local warned me about: watch out for the scooters! they weave through traffic like they own the place and are surprisingly fast. always look both ways, even if you think you’ve checked. it saves a lot of near-death experiences.
and if you get bored, Florence is just a short train ride away. Or maybe a trip to Vatican City? you’ll be amazed by the scale of it all.
the food... oh, the food. i ate so much pasta, i’m pretty sure i’m going to need a lifetime supply of fiber. i'm still dreaming about the cacio e pepe. seriously, some of the best food i've had in a long time. i should really start a food blog… maybe that’s the next creative project.
it’s not just the sights, though. it's the feeling of being somewhere completely different, a place that feels both ancient and alive. it's the way the light hits the buildings, the sound of the Vespas buzzing through the streets, the smell of fresh bread wafting from the bakeries. it’s… unforgettable. i’m definitely coming back. next time, i’m mastering the art of not getting pickpocketed. and definitely trying to find that pizza.
so, yeah. rome. go see it. but be prepared to get lost. be prepared to be charmed. be prepared to fall in love (or at least appreciate) the chaos.