The Gnome in Rome has Returned (by Asha T)

---

The last time I was in Rome I was a 5 month old baby. For some reason my parents nicknamed me the “Gnome in Rome”. Maybe it was because I always crinkled my nose. That was me smiling.

I am now 12 years old and am not a gnome. I adore reading, gymnastics, hanging out with my family and friends, and much more. This travel blog is from my perspective, not Moomoo's (aka my mum).

I have read my mum’s blog and am going to write an epilogue. I don’t know what I thought back then but here are my thoughts on Rome now:

Trevi Fountain

When I first entered the plaza, my first thought was “wow it’s so busy!” The Trevi fountain is gorgeous, and at night it was the best. But still busy. Maybe busier. I think at 3 a.m., it would be packed! The secret fountain in the corner was nice and quiet. It’s supposed to be a love fountain. It’s the only empty-ish spot and good for a water break (it’s cool we can drink water from these ancient pipes). Also, the coin thing has to be real because I have returned. The Trevi fountain, although very busy, is a beautiful place to visit in Rome!

The Colosseum

I’m always in awe when I see what people have done in the past. The Colloseum is such a wonder. And luckily it was a bit quieter than the Trevi fountain. Even though the Colosseum is half crumbled, it is humongous! I can’t believe that it could fit 80,000 people! How did they have such symmetry that each stone fit in perfectly? How did they lift such heavy objects without machines? It’s so cool to see and learn about what we did in the past.

Overall, our trip to Italy was an incredible experience. I got to spend precious time with my family, explore random but intricate places, wander around in the food realm, and many more. I am so grateful that I can go to all these places and hope to make more memories.



The end

---

Photos

The Gnome in Rome
I was 5 months here. I think I was pretty cute. My parents say I look the same - always mischievous and up to something.

Handstands
I like to practice my gymnastics.

The Trevi Fountain
I threw a coin in so that I will return to Rome.

Me at the Colosseum
My parents made me fly high for pictures. Not sure why. I think I liked it though.

Colosseum
We had a great tour with a guide that apparently my parents had 12 years ago. He was funny.

Trevi Fountain 12 years ago
It looks less busy.

I’m dreaming…
Of all the food I didn’t get to eat. Now I have eaten. It is good.

My favourite meal
Ipuqi - a Michelin star restaurant in Sicily. It was delicious

I like coffee
Every day I was allowed a cappuccino. This time I convince my parents to get something even more special. Yum.

I love Octopus
This was a delicious breakfast. I asked for another plate

Our favourite Pizza Place
It was around the corner from our apartment.

The Beach
We only went to the beach once as it was chilly. We went in the water but our parents did not. I was disappointed.

Spanish Steps
Also busy

Sometimes I get tired
My parents make me walk and walk and walk. So sometimes I need to sit down and relax. This was in the Vatican museum.

Cool Greek Temples
Who knew that the Greeks were in Sicily?

Hiking Mt. Etna
It was hard. And snowy. I was happy that we didn’t also hike Mt. Vesuvius

St. Peter’s Basilica
Kiki and Daddo spent most of the time at the bathroom lineup while Mama and I explored.

Comments

[Dioni Rico]

The Gnome in Rome has Returned
You were such a trouper at that age my dear Asha. I loved all the pictures then and now. Really throwing a coin at Trevi Fountain meant the person will return ! You were right... the second time around in Rome you can appreciate the sights and sounds better than when you were a baby. Yes...your have a more enhanced taste for food. Bravo....what a delight to read your blog. Thank you for sharing. more exotic