An Evening in Roma

History transcends into love and beauty as it emerges from the ruins of a city that has so much life to offer; it seeps into the streets. Every beautifully articulated corridor leads to another astounding view, views that remind people that they are walking among the grounds of many who came before them. Each carefully orchestrated detail in the towering architecture bears a resemblance to fiery passion. Each cobblestone street is a reminder of all the amazing, brutal, and extraordinary events that have taken place in this city. The city embodies bravery, referring to a time when humans fought for their rights to survive in an empire as powerful as the Roman one. This enchanting city supplies every characteristic that is required to live a full and rich existence.

 As a young woman in her 20s traveling alone in such a remarkable city, it was quite often that I felt overwhelmed by everything surrounding me. I was frequently overcome with emotion that was brought on by my fascination for the city's overwhelming spirited presence. As cliché as I may sound, it is very evident that Rome was indeed not built in a day. I walked miles upon miles, blisters gnawing at the sides of my feet, but I did not mind. The beauty of it all numbed my pain and filled me with a childlike sense of energy and wonder. After my first mile of admiring views and pretending I was in a romantic film, my stomach grumbled with intentions of being filled. There are an abundant amount of restaurants to choose from in Rome, but I am very thankful I stumbled upon the quaint, traditional, family-owned business that I did.

I walked into a hectic, busy restaurant, overflowing with family chatter, busy waiters, and the clinking of wine glasses. The delicious aroma of garlic and freshly baked bread sent me into a hunger-fueled trance. I ordered a Margarita Pizza and a glass of the house white. To my surprise, the €7 glass of white wine was actually an entire bottle. After thoroughly enjoying a large pizza pie all to myself and a half bottle of wine in a restaurant filled with commotion, I headed to the Colosseum, buzzed and excited for the journey ahead of me. When I first laid eyes on the Colosseum, I was jolted with such excitement that the overwhelming feeling caused tears to trickle down my face. It may have been the Pinot Grigio inhabiting my blood stream, but I believe that physical response to be a reaction to seeing something so magnificent that one's body can't keep it all in. The Colosseum is such an incredible monument. There is an unavoidable sense of honor and grief that radiates throughout the arena. Standing in such a historically prominent place gave me the urge to tell the ones I love that I love them and that I appreciate their sacrifices.

Strolling through ruins and historic architecture, I began to feel admiration for my ancestors, the ones that came before me, those who have created eternal and immortal designs of art. The Architecture in Rome had a magic spell cast upon it. As I threw my penny into the Trevi fountain, wishing and hoping for romantic bliss, I had an overwhelming feeling that it might actually work, that this historic monument might actually grant me my aching desires. The fountain was packed with tourists and locals alike, all hoping for a miraculous result. That's the thing about Rome, it oozes with the anticipation that anything and everything is possible.

Everyone I met in Rome was so welcoming and kind. Many of those I met made me feel like I was meant to be exactly where I was. They did not care that I had an American accent or that I looked out of place in this new yet exhilarating environment; they wanted me to feel embraced in their Italian culture. Almost like they were saying; Ciao! Try this gourmet dish that's been crafted from a family recipe that predates your grandparents! As if they were determined to prove what I had already felt, what I could already see with my own eyes. I would let them teach me, and in turn I would be standing there with an open mind, ultimately ready to indulge myself in their way of living; cappuccinos in the morning and then espresso for the remainder of the day. Wine is a necessity, the same as water, and food should be eaten with admiration and gratitude. Family is the foundation of a well-lived life, and it’s often the little things that make life truly meaningful. Respect your ancestors, and in doing so, continue to create new things that can be adored in this lifetime, and hopefully adored long after you are gone from this world. Everywhere is walkable, and it's okay to slow down and take your time. Being courageous is one thing, but being obnoxious is another. Finally, love is truly all around you. After 48 hours of Aperol spritz, lemon flavored gelato, garlic centered meals, and indescribable views, I found  myself acknowledging the inevitable fact that Rome is now a part of me. There will always be a ghost version of me exploring this city with wide eyes and determination for an upcoming adventure. Discovering this city alone was a hidden gift, as this city is so romantic that it allowed me to feel that romance towards myself. I explored self-love in a city that echoes the rawness of past, present, and future love stories. I was honored to immerse myself in such a deeply fulfilling and truly enchanting city, The Eternal City. An experience I will never forget.