It was all a joyful feast!

I just came back from a place I’ve always wanted to visit – Rome!  And, honestly, I had no idea I’d be going there until less than a month beforehand.  It was sudden and pleasantly unexpected.

I’ve been to Italy twice before. One trip took me to Milan and Venice; another was to Tuscany, including a short stay in Florence. On both occasions, I felt there simply wasn’t enough time to experience a city like Rome. I knew I’d have to come back one day and see Rome on its own.

Well, that day finally came – and went far too quickly.

A friend of mine had rented a lovely apartment for a month in Prati, one of Rome’s lively neighbourhoods. Over dinner at another mutual friend’s place, she casually said, “Why don’t you come visit?”

Why not?

It all happened so fast. The next day I was on the phone booking my flight, arranging for a trusted neighbour to stay at my place and look after my two dogs. And, as an added bonus, I’d get to spend three nights in Montreal on the way home, visiting family and a close longtime friend.

All the stars aligned.

I only had one week in Rome, but I made the most of every minute.  Without feeling overly rushed, I managed to see the classic sights – the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, Vatican Museums and Pantheon – while also wandering through the Jewish Ghetto, enjoying three rooftop evenings, discovering lots of wonderful restaurants, and exploring piazzas that seemed to appear around every corner. I travelled mostly by foot (racking up thousands of steps) but even took the Metro three times.

And then there was the food….

Pizza, pasta, gelato, espresso – and, yes, tiramisu for breakfast. When in Rome…

Not often does a city, or a restaurant, exceed my expectations. But Rome certainly managed to.

Rooftop Platters that look like this:

As I said on social media, Rome is a dream for foodies, fashion lovers, art and history buffs, and anyone who appreciates beautiful architecture.

These are some of my favourite moments from a very memorable week.

Ciao for now!

The story of my coral dress: when I was at the Kingfisher resort on Vancouver Island (less than a week before leaving for Rome) I went into a store in Courtenay.  There at the back of the store on a sales rack was this dress.  Only one.  I told the saleslady that I was about to visit Rome and I thought the dress would be perfect. She replied “that’s the last one from the I want to go to Italy collection.”  She wasn’t kidding.  I saw versions of this dress (but not the colour) in several stores.

Coming up this month: VIFF (Vancouver International Film Fest: Oct 1st – Oct 10th).  Film Festival Reviews, an Arts Club Production of “Big Stuff” at BMO Olympic Village Stage and the opera “TOSCA” at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.