Five hours in the Eternal City is never enough to cover and discover all that this enchanting commune has to offer. Thatās what I had though when hubby and I went to āroam alone in Romeā for some me-time.Ā It includes the challenge of not taking a taxi, just the trains. š Hesitation was my feeling at first. Then I thought it would be good for me since I walk slowly. I could drink in the culture, sights, atmosphere, and scenery more. I could also escape the eye rolls I get from hubby whenever he walks too far up front. ^_^
He gave me 5 hoursā¦.considering my being slow, I could have seen more, taken photos of the city more. In a nutshell, this is a story of what I did and saw in Romeā¦alone. Well, with a good-old map actually and my ever-reliable 7d.
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Table of Contents
Colosseo
Sun high-up (it was 5:30PM!), kissing my skin as it pleased, people ā tourists and locals alike walking here and thereā¦ There are also vendors, gladiator-clad men, each busy with their routine. Hubby dropped me off at the metro train station Colosseo ā most probably named after the Ā building just across. Of course,Ā the largest ampitheatre the world has known. Albeit a famous tourism spot nowadays, the Colosseo or Coliseum still stands proud today. With 1933 years to boast after its completion and even marking its way to a spot in the New Seven Wonders of the World list.
A few steps from the Colosseum is another historical monument, the Arch of Constantine. For some unknown reasons, I cannot find a decent shot of it from my archives. I think they were doing some renovations to it as many other buildings that time. The above photo though shows it peeking a bitā¦ (Iām sure hubby took a photo of this when we went back together but that would be in another post).
Not being a sun-lover, I went around the elliptical structure immediately. Stopping in middle-awe (where thereās shadow of course) and just savoring all the history and magnificence it imposes, I clicked the cameraĀ many times. Had hubby been there, we were sure to have gotten in. The idea of getting in alone didnāt excite me so I got back to the train station instead. Romeās train stations are relatively cleanā¦well, most that Iāve been to and as expected, the trains themselves are crowded.
Did spoke with an American family while on boardā¦theyāre from Detroit and spending a whole week in Rome. What struck me would be the stickerĀ warning signs the train doors have. Quite morbid for my taste. š
So I got off at the metro station Ottaviano, one of the nearest station that leads to Vatican City. Via Ottaviano (street) is lined up with shops, trattorias, pizzerias and of course residential houses. The temptation to just shop than actually go to my destination ā St. Peterās Square, almost got the better of me. Hubby and I went there early in the morning that day too. It was too warm and humid I didnāt really enjoy it so much, I took shelter from the shadows of the surrounding buildings at the plaza.
Vatican City
It was a bit before 7 then so it has cooled down a bit.Ā I ate dinner at a cozy restaurant with just a simple pasta meal. Should I have known of cooking classes available in the area, I would have done that instead.
Related read: Best Cooking Schools in Italy
At this timeĀ was also when I saw the time-traveller musician. (Had you been to my music and food blog youād know him). I walked the street parallel to via Ottaviano, the wall of the Vatican city on the right and a handful of souvenir shops on the left.
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I entered the plaza/square via the colonnades ā the right side and this time, there arenāt as much tourists, no sun to annoy me but, also no hubby to go inside with and see the beauty of the Sistine chapel ceiling, nor the Pieta and not even the Vatican Library. Even not being catholics, seeing these historical pieces were on our bucket list. Sad to say, we run out of time the following days and never got to fulfill this. Rome being an hour away from Vienna by plane is easy to revisit. Iād definitely cross these outĀ Ā from the bucket list when I get back. ^_^
At the square, the Tuscan colonnades were towering over the crowd of people as it was designed like to embrace them ā symbolically back into the church. It is said to be one of Italian architectĀ Gian Lorenzo Berniniās most innovative design.
Shopping at Ottaviano
I walked around the square a bit more, shot this and that corner and went back the same route I had earlier. I did some shopping. Bought some chocolates ā Italian kisses, Baci, and a handful more sweets, some souvenirs and a few pieces from my favorite design house, Desigual.
There was a considerable amount of time spent gawking at stuff there, teeheeā¦ When I finally got hungry and when my phone battery was almost dead, I went to the nearest restaurant I sawā¦ Thatās a review shared on my food blog. ^_^ Long story told, I had one of Romeās more known dish, pasta alla gricia made specialĀ with the experienceĀ of meeting a polyglot.
Plaza della Rotonda, The Pantheon
When dusk blanketed the city, I headed for the Pantheon. I didnāt follow the map this time but the advise of the above-mentioned polyglot. I took the scenic, longer bus route. I hopped off at Lagro Argentina and went the wrong way so I had to ask for directions a lot of times. ^_^
The Eternal city lives well to its name, the night streets so picturesque. I think it took me longer than I should reaching the spot where hubby and I would rendezvous because I stop by every corner to click my camera.
Still very much alive at 9 in the evening, my perception of Rome as a very busy city all transpired there. Rome alone is beautiful experience.
I arrived at Piazza della Rotonda in one piece. ^_^ Romeās very lively culture, the Italiansā happy disposition and free-spirited nature can all be seen in here. I spent some minutes listening to Italian music played on guitar at the middle of the plazaā¦. I waited for hubby but, I got surprised when I saw him there held (actually dragged) by a pantomimeā¦ Had I not been so quick, he would have probably been taken away by a chinese lady! (side photo) ^_^
The night went on with some more walking, night shots, wine, pasta and more walking. This trip may not be one of those cheap late holidaysĀ we booked in a hurry. We definitely spent more but itās all worth it! SometimesĀ opting for the budget offerĀ is a good idea, but spending a bit more, thatās both time and money in a city as Rome, is definitely ok!
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Franc Ramon says
Rome is really a great site to see since itās attached to history.
Carlo | Converse Weatherized says
I love your concept of being Alone in Rome. Itās Rhyme. I love how you gave us additional knowledge about this place
lalalapatricia says
Can I accompany you? Haha I hope someday I can roam around Rome. Thanks for touring us online! š
Caustic GM says
The Colosseoā¦ Oh how I wish our own heritage sites were as well preserved. Imagine, More than a thousand years old and itās still standing!
Roch says
Wow how I wish I can travel to Rome as well. I found a deal in online site however the overall costs would be still expensive plus the visa to EU.
jane says
wow that 5hours is so worht it look at all the things and amazing structures you captured!! time is gold and you made it so worthy that you can treasure
Joy says
been to Rome so many years ago, it was indeed awesome, amazing that they managed to preserve and keep the beauty of Colosseo š
ralph says
so you walk annoyingly slowā¦ heheheā¦ but youāre right, in that way, you can savor more the life along the way. hope you gave my regards to romeā¦ ingit2x na lang munaā¦ hahaha. Yahweh bless.
Mommy Pehpot says
Rome alone or roam alone seems like a nice challenge for couples travelling abroad.. you can do what you want and the same goes for your partner but at the end of the day, youāre back in each otherās arm.. try nga namin gawin to š
Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen says
I do hope I can go to Rome someday but I donāt think I can go alone because I donāt want traveling by myself.
jem alvarado says
I love to relax in the photos youāve shown here especially at night in Piazza della Rotonda and Pantheon.
jamdaquio says
Beautiful facade.. want to go there. I wonder how much it would cost from here in the Phil?
Therese Glenn says
one of the places i wanna go to thatās in my bucket list <3
dong andres says
One of the places I wanted to experience. The architecture the landscape and specially the tradition that embodies the place. What an amazing thing to experience.
Mona Verdida says
Wow! It seems like Rome is more lively at night! The Colloseo is definitely one of my list of destinations someday because itās got some rich history. St Peterās Square is also one of the place Iād like to go to.
Raquel Solis says
Wow Rome itās just a dream how many years to save my money before me and my husband are visit here but iām trying my best well itās free to dream š