The moment I arrived in Italy I felt like I was home. The people are friendly and welcoming - the food is delicious and most dinners so far have had 6 courses LOL, I feel like I’m at an Italian wedding everyday. The language is familiar and I can finally understand the signs on streets and stores… everywhere you turn there is some fabulous sculpture or some beautiful fountain… our first night in Roma has left me breathless.
When we arrived in Roma we slept for about 6 hrs. Our blazing sun-hike, the day before in Braurona, had taken the last bit of energy we had left. I wont bore you with the details of this hike, but I have to mention that Mom accompanied me for the whole trip, save the last 2 km to the museum, when she could not stand in the heat any longer.
She took a seat by the ruins and waited for my return. For me, the walk to Braurona, and the extra hike to the museum, was more than worth the effort. The ruins are of one of the rarest, and most famous, of the temple of Artemis within Greece. The museum contained pieces that, up until recently, no one had either viewed or been allowed to photograph. When I walked into the museum the hosts were so surprised they nearly fell out of their chairs. They said no one ever really comes up there. They must have been even more surprised by my taking pictures of every single artefact and inscription.
That night, we had to get up at 3:30am to catch the flight to Roma and I can barley remember the flight or how we got to our hotel. Once we were up, and actually conscious, we took a tour of Roma and its famous fountains, as well as the Spanish steps. Although each site was packed with people I felt more alive and happy than I have in a few weeks.
Music played everywhere, food smelled delicious, and everyone was relaxed and having a great time. The only downside to all this was all the couples - yes, Roma seems to be the honeymoon capital of the freaking world this week!!! I don’t know if its me (I’ve been away from love for so long) or if I just happen to notice all the lovers making out, or holding hands, or doing annoyingly romantic things in public.
Lovers aside, the atmosphere in Rome is intoxicating… and with the soccer game on every TV (Italy vs. New Zealand) the energy was borderline giddy.
Dinner was in a restaurant that was built inside the catacombs of the old city. The food and music was lively with everyone enjoying their free drinks and entertainment. I think it was one of the first times when I laughed and sang at dinner since I boarded the plane in Toronto.
Overall, a great first night. Tomorrow we head for Tuscany, where I hope, despite the darkening clouds, that I will awake under the Tuscan sun.
To my loved ones, I miss u and think of you often… Italy reminds me of Woodbridge, like nowhere else (no surprise right). To my man… I am already planning our escape when I return ;).
XOXO
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