Rome: Lost in Numbers and Sunshine (and Maybe a Little Magic)
okay, so. rome. i’m still processing. it’s like the city decided to throw a party using ancient ruins as furniture, and i was lucky enough to crash.
2322907... 1566574518... what do they even mean? i’m not sure, but i saw them scrawled on a crumbling wall near the *Pantheon, and it just felt…significant. like a secret code the city whispered only to those who bothered to look.
The weather? i just checked and it’s… a sunbeam trying to break through a cloud of pure joy right now. hope you like that kind of thing. temperature is 29.22C, feels like 27.54C. Humidity’s low, which is always a win. Definitely brings out the color of the cobblestones. Seriously, the light here is unreal.
I’m using Rome as a basecamp for a little wanderlust adventure, trying to find the best hidden trattorias. Someone told me that the place down on Via del Governo Vecchio has the best cacio e pepe, but also that the waiter is notoriously grumpy. Classic, right?
My first day was a chaotic blur. got completely lost trying to find the Trevi Fountain, ended up in a tiny courtyard filled with overflowing flower boxes and the scent of jasmine. it was… perfect. i overheard a group of tourists arguing about the best gelato flavor - apparently, pistachio is a serious point of contention. `
“Honestly, the stracciatella is an abomination. It’s just vanilla with sad little chocolate shavings!”
` someone else advised me to avoid the selfie stick guys near the Colosseum - they’re apparently relentless.
I've been relying heavily on TripAdvisor for recommendations, but mostly i'm just following my nose (and the occasional recommendation from a friendly local). And let me tell you, Rome has a way of pulling you in.
The neighbors here are… interesting. if you get bored, Florence and Naples are just a short drive away. I saw a street artist working on a mural near the Campo de’ Fiori - vibrant stuff, full of swirling colors and mythical creatures. I’m thinking of trying to learn a few basic phrases in Italian - it’s always good to at least attempt to communicate. Plus, it makes ordering gelato feel slightly less awkward. There’s a cool blog The Blonde Abroad with some great tips on navigating Rome as a solo traveler.
And the smells! Oh god, the smells. fresh pizza, strong espresso, blooming orange blossoms… it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. I even spotted a little antique shop tucked away on a side street - the kind of place that makes you want to spend all your money on vintage treasures. I heard that the best spot for a cheap and cheerful lunch is near the Testaccio Market - someone warned me that it can get very crowded, though.
My plan? wander aimlessly, eat all the pasta, and soak up as much Roman* soul as i can. maybe decipher those numbers. Wish me luck. you can find more quirky travel stories on my website.
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