Italy-Part 1-Rome

A few years ago Ron and I went to Italy for the honeymoon of our lifetime.  We spent two great weeks, the first in Rome and the second on the fabulous Amalfi coast.  Every time I miss Europe, I visit our pictures for a quick fix.  They never fail to renew my spirit and remind me of the wonders of travel and of Italy.   And, I must admit that Italy always inspires me creatively! I’ve been an Italophile since my first visit at 8.  Since Ron had never been there before I wanted to make sure he had a great time,  so planning was key.  I wanted to stay someplace centrally located and in a home or apartment. I’ve found over time and a lot of travel that living in a home really gives me the feel and flavor of the local way of life, vs waking up in a hotel that often feels as if it could be in any city.  I found a one bedroom apartment in the historical  Palazzo Massimo (still owned and occupied by the original Massimo family) located on Corso Vittorio Emanuele, an easy walk to the Vatican, and two steps from the Piazza Navona, Piazza Campo dei Fiori, the Pantheon, and Trastevere.  Perfect location!

However, the vacation rental site that listed the Palazzo Massimo showed a photo of the bedroom with two beds, and I couldn’t tell from the photo if they were twin beds or two doubles/queens.  So I called the agency and after being assured over and over again that they were indeed “big beds for two” and perfect for a honeymoon, I rented it!  Needless to say, they were two twin beds.  HA…but we didn’t care, we’d stay there again!   

No more then the cost of an average hotel room we felt like we indeed lived in a palace, and were transported to another time.  Built in the early 15oo’s it is a perfect example of Renaissance architecture, with the original frescos surrounding the bedroom which was 18ft. x 24ft.; as well as in all the carved ceilings, marble floors, statues and nooks and cranny’s.  It was fabulous!

After that the planning stopped!  We spent our days meandering leisurely  through all the different neighborhoods and feasted our eyes on magnificent art and sculpture from one piazza to another; and the many historical sites from the Forum to the Vatican.  We enjoyed long, slow and delicious meals, ending up back to our apartment in the early evening to rest our feet, clean up and have cocktails on our very own private terrazzo before heading out again to a new Piazza for a late dinner.

Like New York, Rome never sleeps so we wandered the streets till all hours, people watching and trying different and delicious gelato flavors.  My favorite past time was to  watch the beautiful well dressed women, holding a huge bag, smoking a cigarette, and talking on a cell phone as they walked the rough cobble stone streets in stiletto heels.  How they never fell, I don’t know!

Then, of course there was the art!  My favorite was, and still is, the Sistine Chapel.  For those of you who’ve haven’t seen it, and even those of you who have, check this site out for a HD, up close and personal view of this stunning masterpiece.  My second favorite piece…the peace dove over the main alter inside St. Peters.  Both still hold the essence of the artist, the Renaissance period, and the Divine.

The trip was a collage of perfectly prepared pasta; fabulous fashion; appreciative men; stunning water fountains;  incredible art; ancient mixed with old mixed,mixed with modern; mysterious doorways; winding streets; major historical sites; and lovers everywhere…a total feast for the eyes, and the soul.

Our last night in Rome was Ron’s birthday.  We returned to the first restaurant we ate at on our arrival located  right in front of the Pantheon!  There was a full moon, the waiter remembered us as we reminisced about our week.  Rome was a complete success for me in that Ron fell in love with Italy too, and is looking forward to many return trips in our life together.  For more pictures of this inspiring and romantic Little Bit of Beauty™ check out the video slideshow below.

I wish each and everyone of you a trip that you all enjoy as much as we did this one.  Where have you gone on your favorite vacation? I invite you to leave me a comment, I’d love to know!

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