Rome | italymyway

Rome, Italy Day 11, 12, 13, +2

I was rested up for Rome. Nothing can prepare you for Rome if you are a country girl and big cities scare you to death. I was in a city not in America but in a city in Europe and didn't speak the language. I was scared but I wanted to conquer Rome... and I did.

I found tranquil moments in Rome. Sunsets, farmer's markets, gardens, Piazzas and churches. (See Photos) I explored all the top sites in Rome. Some of the places were being renovated and became a challenge to photograph... I think I found ways around this which made my photos look different. Challenge accomplished!

I avoided the Metro for a couple of days because I was scared. Our escort, Dimitri Rigas, encouraged me to use it. When I finally did, I sat there saying to myself "This was so simple. What took you so long?" You couldn't stop me from using the Metro after that. Challenge accomplished!

I must have embodied Italy within me. I sat down on a fountain in Piazza del Popolo and said "Buon giorno" to a couple. They smiled and said "Hello." I giggled to myself. A few seconds later, the husband said "Do...you... know... where... to... get... gelato?" He thought I was Italian. Do all Americans sound like this? Spoke to them in English and had a lovely chat with them. My "self," my independence and my soul were found. FOREVER CHANGED.

Challenge accomplished!