Piazzas, carbonara, cobblestones, scooters and The Colosseum. These are just a few of the well-used words that deliver visions of Rome, a place that inspires all corners of the mind with its art, its history, culture and cuisine.
There is simply nothing like experiencing this place for the first time. On every corner a masterpiece, on every sweeping landscape a tale of historic significance – and on every plate, considered, delicious tradition. Some grit, lots of glamour – and the feeling of living life to the full.
Like its food, Rome is a simple combination of bold flavors and the belief that if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. Old fashioned – yes. Fashionable – absolutely. The streets as glamorous as runways? Of course! In the words of my host Armando Manni, famed film producer and olive oil-maker to the stars, “Perfume and sunshine. Ruins and bodies. This my dear, is Rome.”
Veni, vidi, vici.
If I could bottle the way that I felt on my first visit – the feeling at every turn, of my emotions bubbling over like Proseco in a too small glass – I would savor it in small sips forever.
And now all I have to wonder is, what it must feel like the second time in Rome.
