Adventures in Centro Storico: One Day in Rome

Of all the cities I’ve traveled to, Rome is in my top three. Yes, it has hordes of tourists, and it may not be the most economical place to travel to, but there is something really special about Rome. Every time you visit, there is a fascinating neighbourhood to explore. On this occasion, I meandered the old, narrow alleys of Centro Storico, sipped cappuccinos, and tried to escape the torrential rain.

My first time travelling to Rome, I went on my sister’s recommendation. I marveled at all the Latin inscriptions, and after several days, left determining to return within a year or two. It would be five years before I went back, and at that time, I had graduated from a Classical History degree, having studied Latin for four years.

I was thrilled to be able to translate several inscriptions, and almost danced from archeological site to archaeological site, ecstatic to know more about the context of the buildings, murals, and artifacts I looked at. But Rome represents more than overwhelming history. The people, the language, the food, and the culture are intoxicating.

Perhaps having grown up in a bi-cultural family with a British dad and Spanish mother has something to do with my love of Mediterranean countries, and my openness to embrace new experiences. Whatever my reasons, I know that I’m not alone. Italy itself holds a special place in the hearts of many people I know.

I currently live in Seoul, S. Korea. Several months ago, I decided to return to Europe via Italy for a three-week trip with the intention of seeing friends and family. I would land in Rome, spend a couple of nights, and head to England for a week. Thereafter, I would visit my mother and family for eight days in Vitoria Spain, and finally, I would fly to Rome for another five days before returning to Seoul. So without further ado, here are the highlights of my third trip to enchanting Rome.

See related article here: Discover Beautiful Vitoria

I stayed at Roma Tempus, a hostel, near Termini station. The location was a little far from the destinations I planned to visit, but staying there would give me the opportunity to discover a neighbourhood in Rome I otherwise would never have known.

I only had a full day before heading to England. My first stop on Monday morning was the Mercato Esquilino. I discovered a deli, and asked fella to cut some cheese and salami served in focaccia bread.

Armed with my large sandwich sliced in half, I wandered over to the local park, *Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II*, and ate there beside a friendly old grandpa who chatted to me in Italian. I understood about sixty percent of what he said, and tried my best to reply. Tiring of our limited dialogue, he switched on his hand-held radio and as he beamed with happiness bouncing to the Italian pop songs, our bench moved up and down. He happily waved hello to a mentally challenged man who passed by us. My internal smile radiated on my face. It felt incredible to hang out in a park with a bunch of people who looked like they were in no hurry to go anyway.

I wanted to see the Baths of Caracalla, but they were closed on Mondays, so I decided to explore an area by the Tiber river called Centro Storico. En route, I passed the Colosseum, and stopped by the Roman Forum to record a video and rest.

Forum archaeological ruin near the Colosseum

After a while, I wandered into Centro Storico, and discovered pastry shops full of fresh sweets and crispy desserts, and garnished with all kinds of nuts. I resisted, and grabbed mushroom sauce pizza slices at a tiny restaurant that opened into the street.

Before I knew it, I was wandering down Via del Governo Vecchio. I stopped for a coffee at an inviting restaurant, and also a dessert at Two Sizes. When I left, out of nowhere, the rain started coming down. I hid under a tiny awning, but the rain began pelting down. I began to worry that my Canon Rebel DSLR would get wet.

Suddenly, a guy appeared with an umbrella and brought me to the shelter of his shop a few meters away. I immediately and accidentally locked us in his shop, and he had to go around from the back door to open from the front to remedy our predicament. He then gave me tissues to dry my hair and brought me an espresso. I learned his name was Muhammad and he explained that he is a family man who had arrived from Syria several years earlier. I was so grateful for his kindness.

Kind owner, Muhammad, Murano World, *Via del Governo Vecchio*

Later, I found myself in a shoe shop, where I was easily convinced to buy a pair of shoes and sandals. When it comes to Italy, my major weakness is leather footwear. I love Italian shoes. I would buy a third pair on my return to Italy two weeks later.

Trying on shoes at J David Moresco, Centro Vecchio

J David Moresco, Centro Vecchio (photo taken a few days later)

On my way back to the Termini neighbourhood, I passed through the Pantheon, admired the oculus, and noted a few restrictions made to the entrance since my last visit. The place was teeming with tourists. I recalled my professor’s voice in my ear, about the weight-bearing cement construction of this building that made it an architectural marvel at the time. I also needed to pee, and there was no toilet available there.

After leaving, I decided to figure out how to use a Roman bus. After learning that I had to buy a 2.50 euros bus ticket from the tobacco shop, I tried to catch a bus, but had trouble figuring out the correct bus stop to wait at to head toward Termini. I eventually made it, and after arriving at Roma Tempus hostel, Roberta the owner made a delicious dinner. Soon, I sank into deep sleep, ready to catch a bus for Ciampino airport the following morning.

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. It means a lot to me.

Natasha

Have you visited Rome? What were the memorable locations you would recommend visiting?

Natasha Banky is author of Keto Brunches and Attract and Retain a Fulfilling Relationship.