"Roma - Cittā Eterna" a Rome Travel Page by MM212

With great difficulty, I attempt to write an introductory paragraph on one of my favourite cities in the world. The difficulty stems from the fact that there is little to dislike about Rome, and too much to love for a few short sentences. Even listing random non-descriptive positives about Rome: history, cuisine, culture, architecture, language, cappuccino, Romans, art, ancient ruins, sculpture, shopping, fashion, parks, pine trees, gelato etc., could be an eternal task. Though perhaps the sweetest thing about Rome is simply being in Rome. Being there to observe, being there to taste, being there to absorb...being there to experience - or rather do - as the Romans do...

The Eternal City deserves several visits and more in order to see it in its entirety. I have made numerous short trips to Rome in 1999, 2005, 2007 and 2008 (not counting many other airport stops), but this year (in 2009), my love for the city, coupled with unusual circumstances, has led me to spend six delightful Spring weeks here. The pictures and tips included are mostly from the 2005 and 2007 trips, but I am in the process of adding and updating tips while in Rome for the extended period. However numerous these tips may seem, they only scratch the surface of this multi-layered open air museum.

My tour of Rome begins at Trinita' dei Monti, just above the famous Spanish Steps. Then we descend the steps through the glamorous shopping district and up to Piazza del Popolo, followed by a tour of the centre of the city (Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de' Fiori, etc.). Next comes the heart of Ancient Rome and its Fora, Colosseum and temples. Lastly, we walk through the Quirinal Hill and end in Villa Borghese.

Ciao Roma!