Last days in Rome


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Europe » Italy » Lazio » Rome
February 9th 2017
Published: June 16th 2017
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Geo: 41.8955, 12.4823

I am down to the last few days of my 6 week stay in Rome. I am so grateful that I have had the chance to live this dream and I am very sad that it is coming to an end. When I initially set out to stay for an extended period of time I did wonder if I would end up being done with this city but I was willing to take the chance to really understand if my fascination was passing because I only spend a few days here each year or if it was more enduring. It has turned out to be enduring. I am not done with this place!

I always make lists of things I want to see and do when I travel. I have lists for many cities and countries around the world and I hope to get to them all. Of course, I always have lists for Rome. This is a city with so much to offer the traveler and very few people get to spend more than a few days here. I talk to other travelers all the time and the average time most people spend here is 3 days. Not enough, but better than nothing. They are fascinated that I have been here so many times and still find things to do. There is SO much to see and do here. If anyone is interested in getting more out of this city than the top 3-5 list, let me know. I have lots of information to share. I can also help you make the most out of a short stay as well because I recognize that most people do not have a lot of time to spend on a typical vacation.

The things I love about being here:

I can walk everywhere. Central Rome is not a huge area and it is really easy to just wander around and enjoy the sights.

SO much to see and do. Everywhere you go there is an ancient ruin, a church with amazing art or a Piazza in which to simply hang out and people watch.

Street musicians are awesome! Some are regulars at certain places like Fabio Cavaggion an awesome cellist who plays almost daily in the piazza in front of the Pantheon.

Classical music every night if you want it. Many of the Villas, Palazzos and churches have concerts and they cost as little as 10Euros. These are professional musicians, opera etc. It is wonderful.

No Starbucks! I apologize to fans but I find it refreshing that Italians still hold their coffee dear. They stop in to a small coffee shop in their neighborhood for an espresso or (in the morning) a cappuccino and drink it with friends while standing at the bar. Only tourists ask for coffee to go.

Cheap, excellent wine. Enough said.

Fabulous food. Yes, there is fast food here and processed food in the grocery stores but I noticed most shoppers buy fresh. All fruit and vegetables are what are in season and local – grown in Italy. Restaurants also shop daily at local markets for what is fresh that day and ordering the special is a really good idea.

<li style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">Not being rushed in restaurants. I have yet to have a second dish delivered to me before I have finished the first and you always have to ask for the check. This is likely an annoyance to some but I find it refreshing. If you are in a hurry there are plenty of places you can buy a panini or a slice of pizza, eat it and move on. These places are everywhere and, similar to the coffee bars, you eat standing at a bar but you order and pay, then get what you ordered.

I have missed a few things:

I love my house and yard so I did have a moment or two of longing to be able to step out my back door and sit out with a glass of wine.

I am a long way from my family so I do worry about the time it would take to get home if something happened.

Being able to control the temperature in my apartment. The building controls the heat and it is winter so it is always on even when temperatures warm up.

My traveler spirit is alive and well and I am looking forward to next week in Athens and then two weeks in Egypt. I am excited to meet up with my friend, Brenda, in Athens who will also be traveling with me in Egypt.

The photos with this blog are a collection of photos I have taken over my days here. The wonderful things you come upon simply wandering around.


Additional photos below
Photos: 31, Displayed: 26


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Unknown statueUnknown statue
Unknown statue

I couldn't get close enough to find out. It was in an enclosed garden near the capital buildings.
Piazza NavonaPiazza Navona
Piazza Navona

The small fountain


9th February 2017

So happy you had artichokes - I wondered if they were in season? BEST artichokes ever. Loved your trip and can't wait to hear about Athens and Egypt. Be safe.
9th February 2017

That is a great overview of how to get the best out of Rome. The luxury of being in a place long enough to find spots that are purely local and learning what the locals do is what I love about long stays.
10th February 2017

So impressed with your traveling spirit, and so glad you've had such a good time. Hope Athens and Egypt prove just as interesting and enjoyable!

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