The umbrella pines
Ruins in unexpected places
Colours: sky and buildings

my last trip:
1. Bernini (and the refurbished turtle fountain in Piazza Mattei)
2. Roma della notte
3. Food: olives, cheese, & wine, fresh rosemary & olive foccacio in the ghetto, long dinners

1. Watching Piazza Navona wake up in the morning at a cafe.

2. Food & wine & grappa.

3. Doria Pamphili museum.

All the amazing churches / basilica (especially by Borromini)

Walking down a street that looked a lot like the one I used to live on in the North End, Boston and seeing the Colosseum at the end of the street!

My very first cappuccino - at age 50.

The food esp. Spaghetti alla carbonara, the buildings especially the crumbly yellow/orange facades, Piazza di San Pietro and Bernini's columns.

I'm weeping just thinking about what my favorite things in Rome are and reading the replies. I love it 100%.

Early morning arrival and immediately begin to wander through the Campo di Fiori and sit in the café in the next piazza over: Café Farnesse; the sun is coming up over the buildings; there's a coolness in the air and the sun is hot and we're watching the gorgeous Romans start their day while drinking perfect cappuchinos.

Just wander from there towards the Pantheon and see some of the ancient wonders of the world. It will take your breath away.

5:00 Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Unforgettable. St. Mary Major as well.

The small and large fountains- everywhere. Imagining what it was like 100 years ago.

This is really hard! There just isn't another city in the world with such a rich offering of both art and history or that can so gracefully balance both the past and present.

1. That you can walk everywhere without fear for your life and that everywhere you walk there is something interesting to see: cobblestones, building facades, glimpes of hidden courtyards, flowers on balconies, people, funny little cars, piazzas of every size and shape, statuary and fountains in surprising places.

2. Italians! The way they talk, gesture, dress, their hospitality and dedication to family. Nothing brings a smile like nattily dressed grandfathers slowly walking in the morning with grandchildren clutching their hands or young women protectively arm-in-arm with aging mothers. It's beautiful.

3. The food and the pace at which it is served. Being able to really take your time to savor and enjoy a great meal. No Starbucks or to-go coffe!

Enjoy your trip! Just came back and am ready to go again.

My granddaughter's statement: Rome was her favorite city (and we have seen a majority) because of the history and her favorite place there was Borghese Gallery.

Don't miss Alfredo 1907 (restaurant from which Fettucini Alfredo originated, still run by the same family). They make the fettucini alfredo tableside, it is enjoyable to watch and unbelievably delicious to eat!

1. Bernini's sculptures at the Borghese Gallery - a revelation

2. Watching the people, fountains, and my husband eating tartufo on Piazza Navona

3. Walking everywhere, eating gelato, soaking up layers of history, stopping for a lunch of sublime antipasto and pasta.

1) Piazza Venezia, sitting at one of the outdoors cafes watching traffic. Cars coming from all directions, no traffic lights, yet it all works - the perfect metaphor for Rome.

2) Pantheon, elegant simplicity.

3) Campo Di Fiore, great market and peoplewatching.

1) The coffee and marmelade-filled pastry from the Pyramide train station caffe - oh so creamy, rich and tasty.

2) Looking at the Coliseum from the park's little road leading to Nero's Golden House. No cars, no vespa, you are higher than the road circling the Coliseum - a totally different perspective

3) Taking a break at Le Zodiaco (Viale del Parco Mellini). Can't beat the view of Rome

Having dinner at the Hotel Hassler...what a view of the city..also a great place to stay.
Trevi Fountain
the food !!

1. Strolling down Via Condotti and pretending to be able to afford the stuff in Prada, Gucci, Ferragammo, etc. (Disclaimer: I did buy a real, honest-to-God Gucci tie in Gucci about 10 years ago for what was then $35.00)

2. Baccalà, supplì, carciofi alla giudia, and most importantly torta d'amarena from Forno in the Ghetto

3. Trevi Fountain at night, even with all of the zillions of people there.

1. Walking up the cordonata designed by Michelangelo to the Campidoglio and taking in the view of the Forum toward the Colosseo.

2. The shafts of light entering St. Peter's Basilica.

3. Passing modern buildings with the foundations of the ancient city underneath them exposed to view.

Mostly, I love the way I feel in Rome. I don't have a lick of Roman blood in me, but I feel a deep connection to the city.

I love that the people live their daily, very modern lives in and upon history. Walking in the city and happening upon centuries old ruins was amazing.

I love the people, their zest for life, their physical beauty, their quick smiles, the pride they take in their city and their heritage.

You will have a wonderful trip!

I know they are really standard answers:

1. St. Peters
2. Gelato
3. Trevi Fountain

I will never forget seeing the crowds of people first then just as I was saying "I wonder why all these people are crowded around" ...then realizing it is the Trevi Fountain. The romantic notion of throwing a coin in the fountain and returning to Rome one Day.

Even more so was telling my son and daughter as we were standing in front of the fountain the story of the coin. My daughter asked for coin and my son said "Don't give me one there is no way I ever want to come back to this hell hole".

Actually I think he really liked Rome / rest of Italy but he is a teenage boy and I laughed out loud!

Walking down an average looking street, turning the corner and seeing something wonderful.

1. Galleria Borghese

2. Scavi Tour

3. Ristorante Ditirambo

I am also going to be in Italy in April, it's been three years and I can't wait. There is so much to see and do. One trip isn't enough, you'll want to stay. This is my 4th trip and it will be an extended one.

The presence of history all around you. knowing you are walking in the footsteps of history, and NOT doing it behind velvet ropes or barriers.

The church of Mary Maggiore actually has some amazing history, and the feeling of peace that comes over you when you enter the building.

St. Paul's Outside the Walls is another less advertised sight to see.

Being able to walk/stroll from one end of town to the other, or to usethe bus pass for unlimited rides for less than $10 a week.

And of course the FOOD, where the locals eat, not the tourist spots.

ENJOY,ENJOY,ENJOY