Roma

In September of 2006 my wife and I spent several days in Rome before and after a trip to the southern part of the country. We had been there before, so there wasn’t pressure to do organized touring to a place like the Vatican. We stayed at the Marriott on Via Veneto. Our location was central, and it was a short walk to the Spanish Steps and the city below. A typical day went like this.

The Marriott offered an excellent buffet breakfast. Meats and cheeses along with many fruits were available as were bacon and eggs, cappuccino, and wonderful hard rolls. Following breakfast at 7:30 we would head out to the city, usually starting at the Spanish Steps. There are wonderful shops below the Spanish Steps. The names of the world’s most famous designers such as Armani, Ferragamo, and Gucci can be found here. Most of the items for sale are too expensive to buy, but it’s fun to wander amongst the fashionable products and salespeople who always seem to be thin people dressed in black.

Rome is compact and easy to navigate on foot. It’s a walker’s paradise! After shopping, we often walked toward the Colosium. There are many interesting ruins along the way. One day we came to a cluster of churches which were hosting several weddings. The elegantly dressed Romans quickly became subjects for my digital camera, and I walked easily amongst the different wedding parties. One man even encouraged me to get in one of the pictures! At one point I inadvertently blocked the passage of the bride, and with genuine politeness she said, “Scusa me!”  How can you not love Italy?



Lunch choices were endless. They say you can’t get a bad meal in Italy, and though it isn’t entirely true, it’s close enough. There are thousands of little pizzerias and small restaurants in Rome serving excellent food. If we didn’t have a thin crusted pizza and salad, we often ordered pasta and freshly made bread. The Plaza Navarro was a favorite spot.


In the afternoons we walked again, often traveling to new parts of the city. Later in the afternoon we retreated to the Marriott for rest and emails. Each night the concierge founds us a new restaurant within walking distance of the hotel. His recommendations were excellent, and all the restaurants were reasonably priced and served wonderful food. Following a cocktail at 7:00 we walked to the Ristorante of the evening to eat pasta, fresh meets, and local vegetables.

Our days collapsed into each other with an abundance of taste, color, and city sounds. The Italian language becomes a kind of music unto itself, and it creates a context of passion wherever one goes. The most simple of conversations becomes operatic!


It is fun to get to know a city and feel comfortable in it. Italian people are friendly and spirited. They love food, wine, and color. Mid September is a good time to go to Rome because the air is cooler, and the city is less crowded. Don’t delay your visit!