St. Paul de Venice
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
My Return to the States
Hi Everyone,
It didn't seem right to leave this blog open ended, especially after so many of you kept up with it even when I wasn't able to be as diligent about posting as I'd hoped to be. Rome was amazing, a city so chocked full of history it was almost intoxicating to walk through it. I understand now why when I told people I would be visiting this Ancient city they explained to me you can never have enough time there. Stacy and I did the best that we could and left the city feeling as though we'd experienced as much of it as possible while still taking the time to sit back at a cafe for coffee or enjoy a glass of wine at a table within a Piazza. I would recommend to anyone that visits Rome to take tours, at least of the Vatican and the Colosseum, not only do you cut all lines and see the sites in a fraction of the time but you have a personal guide explaining the history of each establishment to you which of course makes you appreciate what your seeing and walking through all the much more. Its hard to say what my favorite place was there but I would have to say for sure a few of them were as you'd guess, the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps and of course the Colosseum and Ancient Ruins. Each was different in its own right and left a lasting impression. Although I must say the Colosseum and Ancient Ruins probably had the most profound impact on me; such an amazing feeling to know you are walking in the steps of those that existed so long ago. One thing I must mention was when Stacy and I were able to walk along a stone path that was laid with original stones from the ancient city. To know your steps were being placed where so many others had laid their own so many years ago is an almost chilling feeling. A trip to Rome leaves you feeling both nostalgic and fulfilled.
Of course I must mention the food here, which is amazing as it was other places in Italy. We stayed in the Campo Di Fiore region. If you need a hotel recommendation ours was amazing and I would highly recommend Hotel Campo Di Fiore; if you plan last minute you can check online and within 5 days of your arrival can get some truly phenomenal deals there. Absolutely PERFECT location and amazing roof deck! We were able to walk out of our hotel into an open air market that occurred everyday, we'd grab sandwiches at this amazing shop (by far one of the best things we ate the whole trip) and meander about the stalls, stopping to buy fruit and other goods from the local vendors. In terms of location you are perfectly centered amongst many of the amazing sites for both tourist reasons, restaurants and nightlife.
We met two friends while in Rome which helped to make the experience all the more better and we both left Rome thankful that we'd come and ready to sleep in our own bed!
All in all this has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I've returned from this trip feeling invigorated and even more open minded. The things I've seen and experienced have helped me to continue to learn and grow and left me with a greater appetite to travel to even further regions. I hope some day to return to some of these sites but even more so, to venture to new ones, meet more people and experience what other cultures have to offer. Life is ever changing and you never know what the future holds; if you have hopes to travel someday I suggest you start sooner rather than later.
Now I leave you with one last thought, Carpe Diem or seize the day; hopefully I'll be writing again soon about my next big adventure!
P.S.
If you'd like any advice or have questions about where I've been and the things I'd recommend just ask, I'd love to help you plan your next adventure.
It didn't seem right to leave this blog open ended, especially after so many of you kept up with it even when I wasn't able to be as diligent about posting as I'd hoped to be. Rome was amazing, a city so chocked full of history it was almost intoxicating to walk through it. I understand now why when I told people I would be visiting this Ancient city they explained to me you can never have enough time there. Stacy and I did the best that we could and left the city feeling as though we'd experienced as much of it as possible while still taking the time to sit back at a cafe for coffee or enjoy a glass of wine at a table within a Piazza. I would recommend to anyone that visits Rome to take tours, at least of the Vatican and the Colosseum, not only do you cut all lines and see the sites in a fraction of the time but you have a personal guide explaining the history of each establishment to you which of course makes you appreciate what your seeing and walking through all the much more. Its hard to say what my favorite place was there but I would have to say for sure a few of them were as you'd guess, the Sistine Chapel, the Spanish Steps and of course the Colosseum and Ancient Ruins. Each was different in its own right and left a lasting impression. Although I must say the Colosseum and Ancient Ruins probably had the most profound impact on me; such an amazing feeling to know you are walking in the steps of those that existed so long ago. One thing I must mention was when Stacy and I were able to walk along a stone path that was laid with original stones from the ancient city. To know your steps were being placed where so many others had laid their own so many years ago is an almost chilling feeling. A trip to Rome leaves you feeling both nostalgic and fulfilled.
Of course I must mention the food here, which is amazing as it was other places in Italy. We stayed in the Campo Di Fiore region. If you need a hotel recommendation ours was amazing and I would highly recommend Hotel Campo Di Fiore; if you plan last minute you can check online and within 5 days of your arrival can get some truly phenomenal deals there. Absolutely PERFECT location and amazing roof deck! We were able to walk out of our hotel into an open air market that occurred everyday, we'd grab sandwiches at this amazing shop (by far one of the best things we ate the whole trip) and meander about the stalls, stopping to buy fruit and other goods from the local vendors. In terms of location you are perfectly centered amongst many of the amazing sites for both tourist reasons, restaurants and nightlife.
We met two friends while in Rome which helped to make the experience all the more better and we both left Rome thankful that we'd come and ready to sleep in our own bed!
All in all this has been the best thing I've ever done for myself. I've returned from this trip feeling invigorated and even more open minded. The things I've seen and experienced have helped me to continue to learn and grow and left me with a greater appetite to travel to even further regions. I hope some day to return to some of these sites but even more so, to venture to new ones, meet more people and experience what other cultures have to offer. Life is ever changing and you never know what the future holds; if you have hopes to travel someday I suggest you start sooner rather than later.
Now I leave you with one last thought, Carpe Diem or seize the day; hopefully I'll be writing again soon about my next big adventure!
P.S.
If you'd like any advice or have questions about where I've been and the things I'd recommend just ask, I'd love to help you plan your next adventure.
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