Exploring the Eternal City: Four Days in Rome
PART I (so much to share)
After a long-awaited return to Italy, a country that brings me the most joy, I found myself back in Rome, a city that exudes an enchanting mix of design, art, and incredible cuisine. Having visited Rome before, though it was many years ago, I couldn't help but feel the excitement and anticipation building up within me. I had even taken Italian lessons in preparation for this trip, determined to fully immerse myself in the Italian experience. Now, let me take you on a journey through the highlights of my four-day adventure in the Eternal City.
Day One: An Evening of Pasta and Sightseeing Delights
We chose to stay in the heart of Rome, in the charming neighborhood of Monti. It was the perfect location—less than half an hour from Roma Termini and a mere ten minutes from the awe-inspiring Colosseum. It was DJ's first time in Italy, so I wanted to make sure we soaked up every bit of the experience.
Prima di tutto, even checking into our accommodation, we stumbled upon a cozy trattoria called La Carbonara, just a stone's throw away from our place. We knew what we had to order—a classic carbonara, of course. We opted for pasta per due a great choice to save some money while enjoying the authentic flavors of Rome. The combination of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano created a heavenly, creamy sauce that felt like a warm embrace, instantly making me feel at home in Italia.
The first evening was dedicated to exploring as many monuments and archaeological sites as possible before the sunset. It was a reminder of why Rome is called the Eternal City and reinforced my admiration for the Italian culture. As the night settled in, we decided to stay in our place, improvising an aperitivo on the balcony—a simple yet perfect way to unwind and absorb the vibrant ambiance of Rome.
Day Two: Opulent Spaces, Leisurely Walks, and Pasta Galore
I kicked off the day with a morning run, immersing myself in the breathtaking sights around me. My route took me past the majestic Colosseum, through Piazza Venezia's grandeur, and along Colonna Traiana, until I reached the lungomare. Fueling up at a nearby bar, I relished in the Italian ritual of enjoying a strong espresso at the counter.
“Un espresso doppio, per favore”. This is one of the little things that warms my heart, being there in the rush hour and listen the Italians talk, like if they were upset about something but it’s just how passionate they are when talking. Bellissimo.
Next, we made our way to Capitolino Hill, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of Rome. The Musei Capitolini, with its incredible collection of Roman-era art, captivated me. In my opinion, it is one of the city's best-kept secrets, second only to the Vatican Museums. We then descended the hill and made our way to Roscioli, a hidden gem of a restaurant. The ambiance was vibrant, exuding an authentic rustic charm. As we perused the extensive wine selection on one side of the entrance, I couldn't resist the temptation of the specialty deli on the other side, brimming with fresh cheeses, prosciutto, and salami.
Our culinary adventure began with a burst of flavors as we savored the burrata and sun-dried tomatoes, followed by the classic amatriciana. We couldn't resist trying the house specialty—rigatoni con burro e parmigiano.
After our big meal—glad I’ve been running in the mornings, we decided to go for a long walk. DJ, with his usual love for green spaces, suggested heading to Villa Borghese, a captivating park nestled near the banks of the Tiber River. It turned out to be the ideal spot to unwind and cool down after our sun-filled adventure.
As the day was winding down, we couldn't resist the temptation to treat ourselves to some expertly crafted cocktails at the Six Senses Rome hotel. Trust me, if you share my passion for interior design, you absolutely must check out this place. The fusion of stone, marble, and lush greenery creates an ambiance that brings to life the grandeur of the Roman baths from the Golden Age. It's like stepping into a luxurious time capsule.
Sipping our carefully concocted drinks in such a captivating setting, we were in awe of how effortlessly the place blends history with modern elegance. It was the perfect way to end our day, savoring both the unique flavors of Rome and the mesmerizing atmosphere that pays homage to the city's rich heritage.
That’s all for now, but stay tuned for my last (sadly) two days in Rome before I post my most exciting part the trip, a stay in the Tuscan countryside ✨
