Rome: The Eternal City — Comfort's Compass

Over time, Italy has become a part of me, pulling me deeper and deeper into the culture and beauty.

The first time that I visited Roma, I wasn't sure what to expect. I had only seen Italy in movies and the fact that 'Under the Tuscan Sun' was my favorite rom-com only made it so that I had a distorted view of the country. To me, Italy was this country that held romanticized walks on cobble roads, nights filled with laughter, drinking wine and eating pasta. I dreamed that the moment I stepped foot into my first piazza, I would be swept off my feet by some Italian man named Marcello. Okay, fantasy over. Turns out Italy is all the things that I thought it would be and much more. Granted, the country has it's own issues, which you only really see once you have spent enough time there. Overall, it is enchanting beyond measure. Here are some aspects of Rome that I love... and some, not so much.

10 things I love about Rome

So here I am... What wonders are there to behold when visiting Rome? Here is my list of 10 things I loved when visiting Rome and 5 things I didn't.

1. La Storia (The History)

Those that know me can tell you how much of a history buff I am. I love studying civilizations... their rise, their fall and all the the things they contributed to the world as they thrived. Therefore, Rome is my playground. Step out of Stazione Termini and drink it all in.

2. I Nasoni (Drinking Fountains)

Speaking of drinking... Did you know that Rome's fountains have potable water? It's clean, crisp and perfect for those hot summer days of sightseeing. Just bring a water bottle with you and you won't regret it. It's incredible that they are everywhere and APParently (hehe), there's an app for that. It's called, "Nasoni: Fontanelle D'Italia" (Fountains in Italy) and it shows you where the nearest drinking fountain is located. This way, on those hot summer days you never have to worry.

3. Il Gelato (No need to translate... it's pretty much universal)

I am not a sweets person. In fact, I am the Debbie Downer that generally declines dessert after dinner. There are a couple desserts, however, that I have a hard time saying no to. One of those such desserts is gelato. I still wouldn't eat it after a meal, more like an afternoon snack. For me, it's specifically fragola e limone (strawberry and lemon). Italians like to make fun of me because they say that those flavors are for children and that I should go for more mature flavors like pistachio, but I say, "Nay! Can I live?"

4. Il Cibo (Food)

Who needs words...

5. I Giardini (The Gardens)

There are plenty of beautiful gardens in and around Rome to get lost in. I love going to parks and lavish, sprawling gardens everywhere that I visit and Rome does not disappoint. Whether you are strolling through the gardens of Villa Borghese or taking a short trip to Villa D'Este, you will be in awe of your surroundings and calm in the sweet serenity.

6. Le Bevande (The Drinks)

When you think of Italian drinks, the only thing that comes to mind is wine, right? Not for me. Although the wine in Italy is beyond reproach, I like some of the other drinks that scream Italy to me. My favorite being an Aperol Spritz, but don't worry, the base is still prosecco. It is made with three parts prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part club soda. Leave it to the Italians to find inventive ways to incorporate wine into everything delicious. It's more of a northerners drink, but I have to have one no matter where I am in Italy. There are plenty of different mixed drinks to indulge in and all the fantastic wine your heart desires.

7. Le Piazze (The Squares)

Whether you are obsessed with photography, history or just looking for some relaxed nightlife. The many piazzas in Rome are for you. My personal favorite is Piazza del Popolo. You can spend time at street level or head up the many stairs and get a beautiful view from above. Hang out, relax and stay a while.

8. L'architettura (The Architecture)

The Romans and then later, the Italians, must have done something right. The architecture in Rome is something to be in awe of. The fact that structures such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon are still standing is a testament to just how good they were. As you travel around Rome, there is evidence of different eras in the eternal city's history. You can still see the place where Ceasar was betrayed and then head over to the EUR to see the work of Mussolini's regime. With every building, old and new, there is something left to learn.

Even though it is technically not part of Rome, Vatican City is a must see. Basilica di San Pietro towers high and coupled with the Piazza, this place is really a beautiful architectural wonder.

9. Trastevere

Trastevere is a district in Rome that is young and vibrant. There are wonderful restaurants that are not pretentious. The food that you stumble upon in this area is popular among locals. It is traditional homemade Roman food that is made with the type of care and love you can taste in every bite. There are quite a few bars and, during the summer, there is also a great night market on the river level.

10. Il Caffe (Coffee)

I actually hate coffee and anything that is coffee flavored. In fact, I hate even the slight smell of coffee. However, coffee is the national drink of Italy, aside from wine, of course. Italians definitely drink more coffee than wine. You won't find a Starbucks here, because that is sacrilege, but you can get an espresso anywhere you go. There are no large cups of coffee. In Italy that is not a thing. It's meant for you to drink quickly and often. You will never see an Italian walking around with a cup of coffee and you shouldn't either. The only large cup of coffee that you will find is a cappuccino, which the Italians only have with breakfast. As the Italians say, "Per colazione, non per pranzo, ne con la pizza!" Meaning, for breakfast, not for lunch or with pizza. The waiter will still oblige, but he or she will give you a very strange look.

Traditional Italian Moka (Every family has at least one!)

5 Things I don't like about Rome

1. Public Transportation

The public transportation situation in Rome is not that great, to say the least. Unlike Milan, where the entire city is very well connected, Rome makes it a bit harder to get around. In the city center it is easier to catch a bus or hop on the metro, but once you leave that area, it is best to grab a taxi or drive your rental car. I was lucky enough to have a personal chauffeur, but whenever I was exploring without them, I preferred taking taxis.

2. Parking

I can't even begin to describe how people park their cars in Italy. From double parallel parking to just parking on the sidewalk or median... I am always at a loss for words. At least Romans can say that they aren't as bad as the Milanese. While parking in Rome, make sure to also pay attention to the zones. You don't want to park in resident parking or mistakenly park in paid parking (without paying). Sometimes it gets a bit confusing.

3. Traffic

Traffic in Rome is infamous, and for good reason. It can get pretty crazy and as I stated above, when it comes to public transportation, there is lots of room for improvement. As in any city, rush hour is infuriating, but Rome gets even worse when going downtown on a weekend. Yes, it is possible for traffic to be even worse outside of rush hour, especially when you are along Tevere (Tiber River), closer to downtown and around Trastevere. Good luck finding parking!

4. No Credit Card Accepted

One aspect of being in Italy, that is not always convenient, is the fact that many vendors do not accept any form of credit or debit card. Despite being a top tourist destination, Rome is not immune to this. When you go to larger chain stores or malls you can generally use your card, but a lot of other places do not accept cards. Just to be on the safe side, make sure that you have some cash on you whenever venturing out to explore.

5. Pickpockets

As in any large city, pickpockets can be a problem. Luckily, I have never been a victim of theft while traveling in Italy, but it is an all-too-common story that you hear. My advice would be to have your belongs be secure...and for women to make sure that they have a bag that can be fully zipped closed, or at least is difficult to access in passing without you noticing. Always keep an eye on your things, even if you're just sitting down to eat some gelato with friends.

I always love my time spent in Rome, and I can never wait to go back!

Have you visited Rome? What were some things you loved or were surprised by in the eternal city? Leave a comment and make sure to look out for more posts on Italy and other wonderful destinations!