My (not so) Love Letter to Rome
Dear Rome,
I remember the last time we met- just like it was yesterday. I remember that we fought. You won. We sorta broke-up.
I never wanted to see you again. You were *so* not my favorite.
You and your stinking non-existent road signs. I mean seriously, do you actually want people to visit your damned city?
Were you plotting a cruel trick on me, by not advertising a huge underground parking structure like that? Do you think that is the best way to say "Welcome to Rome" ?
Send your visitors to drive aimlessly, round and round your ancient city until we were so freakin' exhausted and fed up that we just decided to call it a day and head back from whence we came?
Ah, maybe that's it. Drive 'em crazy, get 'em lost and then they will leave with a bad taste in their mouth- never to return again!
Not. very. mature.
Perhaps that debacle is all on video tape, to be played in front of a Papal audience, so that they and the Pope could get a good Sunday laugh at the Americans expense? Eh?
Well, it wasn't funny!
You and your ridiculously overpriced everything. My God Rome, I am not made out of money! I could've spent a fortune trying to keep up with you.
You and your history, ancient ruins and museums. The Vatican, the Colosseo, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, the Campodiglio-do you really want me to go on? When your nickname is the Eternal City, I should have guessed it was because it would take an eternity to know you completely. You are so complicated!
It was constant on-the-go with you. You know I don't enjoy marathon museum hopping. It was all such a whirlwind, that I just couldn't keep up and I was losing myself in the process. We really never had any *us*time.
You were overwhelming me. I never caught my breath.
Granted, I didn't spend nearly enough time with you. Three days is hardly enough time to get to know someone with your depth and 2,000 plus years of stories. Oh, the stories.
Now, don't get me wrong, I did like quite a few things about you. Your glorious food, your pretty language, your cobblestones, your stunning views, your wine bars, your cafes and your gelato. Oh My Gawd, your gelato!
I just wasn't quite sure that the good was enough to outweigh the bad. Enough to convince me to give you another chance.
But, thanks to Chris, Delta Airlines, and my friend Miss Expatria, and the fact that I miss my Italy, more than you can imagine, I have decided to do just that.
Lucky You.
But be forewarned. Things will need to be different this go-round, if this is gonna work. Things are gonna need to change.
I am afraid that in the past I had taken a back seat in our relationship. I gave you total control. And you took it, willingly.
This time you'll be following my rules, Rome.
This time, I'm not driving around with you. Nope, I will be enjoying the public transportation. Plane, train, metro and bus. Oh, and feet. Lots of walking, vespa-dodging and taking-your-life-in-your-hands-street crossing.
I am not staying in the city center with all the other toursts. No, sir. I am staying in Monti neighborhood, to see the real you.
Our relationship will not be based on overpriced accomodations, and tourist food that's just not up to par.
Negatory.
If this is gonna work, you better look like seducing me by taking me to all the best local neighborhood joints.
And no marathon history tours, anymore. I'm done with those. I much prefer to wander and get lost in all the nooks and crannies. We can go to a few churches, maybe the Forum. I'd even agree to a garden or two.
Rome, I pray that you are reading this. I hope that you will use this chance wisely. I really do see great things for us in the future. I can see a beautiful Italian romance,
a love-affair to stand the test of time. I wish with all my heart that I will fall in love with you this time, but you need to prove to me that you are worthy.
a love-affair to stand the test of time. I wish with all my heart that I will fall in love with you this time, but you need to prove to me that you are worthy.
Please, don't disappoint me again.
Eternally hopeful,
Robin
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March 12th, 2009
I’m so happy you’re giving Roma another chance…quando?!
March 12th, 2009
I once could have written a similar letter to Florence. She and I are not on good terms.
I hope Rome doesn’t disappoint you again! (I suspect it won’t- imho just wandering is the most rewarding way to experience the city.)
March 12th, 2009
End of May! Will be here before we know it
xo
March 12th, 2009
As long as she follows my rules this time- I think we’ll have another shot at happiness, KC Ha! And see, I love Florence….. I guess there really is someone for everyone
March 13th, 2009
I feel it in my bones that you are going to have a marvelous time. How long will you be there?
March 13th, 2009
Only a week Joanne, but hopefully a good week!! And I hope your bones are right
March 14th, 2009
I bet you will enjoy the second time around a lot more! xo
March 14th, 2009
I bet you are right, Tara
March 14th, 2009
Hello my new wonderful American friend. I am glad you are going to come back to Roma. But you see the beauty of all our cities is you have to become intimate and passionate with our chaos. We have hidden treasures along the small streets. From staircases that go down to a secret cove or a soon to be favorite restaurant.
You see I am from Naples and we have the same problem. Street that begin and end with n rhyme or reason. After living in the US I could see order and it scared me. I once heard someone say that being in Italy is like “Panic, Chaos, and disorder” I responded our work then is done! Brava
March 14th, 2009
I look forward to discovering those little treasures at the end of the staircases….and beyond! And I love your response to panic, choas and disorder, Gabriella
March 15th, 2009
Wonderful ode to Roma .It has been a long time since I’ve been to Roma and your post reminded me my love for this town… Thank you
March 15th, 2009
Oh Melanie you are so welcome!!! I think it might be time you pay her another visit
March 23rd, 2009
That was great Robin! I just got back.. only one day in Roma but sometimes it’s enough:) Have a great time!
March 23rd, 2009
Thanks Joe!!! I will tell her you miss her when I get there!!
April 3rd, 2009
oh, I really liked this letter…can’t wait to hear about your next trip there!
April 3rd, 2009
Oh, thanks Erin. Good to *see* you!! We can’t wait to get back to Italy either
August 2nd, 2009
YIPES! Sounds like we need to go on a guided tour of Italy.. I do NOT want to be walking forever.. and end up never seeing anything. Thanks for the MAJOR head’s up!
August 2nd, 2009
Oh no. You don’t need a guided tour. Just some prior planning! And even if your walking- there are always some interesting things to see. Just NO DRIVING!! I do itin’s for Rome- so if you need additional help- you can certainly contact me!
Have fun!