Uncle Travels: Rome, Italy

Roma, Italia

Rome is the type of city you traverse with Dalida reverberating through your headphones, giving added color to picturesque streets that twist and turn as new roads collide. The adage ‘all roads lead to Rome’ seems particularly accurate for this city. Rome has a certain quaintness despite its grandiosity. It contrasts millennia of history and culture with that of the modern Roman citizen. Rome was once the capital of the Roman Empire, one of the seats of the now defunct Italian Monarchy and is home to ancient wonders and artifacts from around the world.

Un Palazzo—A Square I came across whilst walking.

You cannot go to Rome without savoring a variety of Italian delicacies. What I appreciated so very much about food in Rome is the freshness, quality and authenticity that is seldom found outside of Italy unless you dine at great expense. From fresh pasta and pizza to more traditional fare such as Ossobuco (a dish made of shin of veal containing marrowbone, stewed in wine with vegetables). Something you should keep in mind when visiting is that Gelato that looks shiny and is piled high is a tourist trap! Good gelato is typically found concealed in metal trays and often looks far less lustrous, but tastes far more exquisite

One of my Favorite Meals at Al Giardino Del Gatto E La Volpe—Gnocchi al Quattro Formaggi, Prosciutto e Mozzarella (Four Cheese Gnocchi w/ a ‘primo Corso/first course’ of Prosciutto and Mozzarella)

As a fervent student of Italian who gets very little speaking practice, I took the opportunity to explore the backroads of Rome beyond the tourist attractions. The two things I think are truly worthwhile visiting, especially if you aren’t a Catholic, include Giardino degli Aranci, known for its orange trees and stellar terrace views. As well as Villa Borghese, a delightful park to explore after a long day in the urban throngs of Rome. The Colosseum and National Roman Museum, are also other good options to visit for the first-time visitor to Rome. As a writer that thrives in natural splendor, I sincerely believe that the immensely unique and striking flora of Rome must be savored.

A quiet hidden street.

Even at Rome Fiumicino (the main International Airport) one can find delightful eats and a subtle sense of culture and respect for antiquity. Airport exhibitions and on occasion, live exhibitions make for a trip that truly only ends when your flight has left the bright Italian airspace above this land of olives and wine.

Rome Airport Exhibit

A traditional roman pastry ‘Un Maritozzo’ and an Espresso pre-take-off

Have I wet your appetite? Grown your desire to bask in the Italian sun? Then listen to Uncle’s top tips:

When visiting Rome, unless you enjoy searing heat, the Autumn and Spring are the best times to visit. Having visited twice during Summers and found myself to be a drenched, sweaty mess multiple times a day. It’s safe to say that Uncle was showering incessantly!

Further, consider staying in more local roman areas such as Della Vittoria. Having stayed in local apartment buildings with elevators a few times older than me, I can only say that the true Rome experience is had by living like the locals.