My first trip to Italy after my student years

The Alitalia plane is about to take off, to rise into the sky. The passengers are quietly reading the newspaper or closing their eyes to take a nap. And here I am, tense in my seat, on the verge of a heart attack. I am out of breath. For the first time in my life, I have sat on a plane and do not feel calm. I breathe better in the air.

I am lost in my thoughts. I have never had the opportunity to travel due to numerous student jobs and lack of money. Italy is a country that has always fascinated me, and I have always dreamed of visiting it. So, the flight destination is Rome. However, I wanted to go alone, to prove to myself that I can cope in a foreign country. I am not very good at foreign languages, so this is quite a challenge! This is welcome, because it is important to be interested in other cultures and know how to get out of your comfort zone when you want to become a lawyer.

At the beginning of the evening, I finally settled into this charming room of an old hotel in the heart of Rome. Indeed, the Aberdeen Hotel is located near Rome Termini Station and very close to the Italian Ministry of Defence. At this time of year, this three-star establishment offers extremely attractive prices. To give you an idea: this is the same price I paid at the Ibis Budget in Saint-Omer, Pas-de-Calais!

Tuesday, September 24, 2024
" Buongiorno! Cappuccino and cornetto for free!" I said with great enthusiasm to the waiter at the Café La Licata.
This is one of the most famous establishments in Rome. I have just ordered a traditional Italian breakfast (la colazione) , which I enjoyed like an Italian, standing behind the counter.
The cappuccino is a real treat. As for the cornetto, it is a mix of croissant, pancake and brioche. Divinely good!
Then I take a visit to the Colosseo, where gladiator fights once took place.

I decipher the sign in English. I read that gladiatorial combats were a very popular spectacle. The participants were prisoners of war, slaves sentenced to death or forced labor. Only a few free people chose this path to earn their living, and when they did, it was for a short time.

I continue my visit to the Roman Forum, which was the main square of Ancient Rome. Then I climb the Palatine Hill (Monte Palatino) to get a better view of the Forum.

Hungry, I rush to one of the most popular Roman restaurants in the capital: Divin Ostilia. The room is small but crowded, decorated with many bottles of wine. I am speechless, sipping an excellent red wine (vino rossi) Barbaresco 2015. It is here that I try the best spaghetti carbonara (Spaghetti alla Carbonara) of my life.

The Italians do not add disgusting crème fraîche to their recipe, but egg sauce. That makes all the difference... Speaking a few words in Italian and English, I tell the manager of the establishment that her pasta carbonara is much better than in our homeland. She is very happy with these words.

I am going to visit the Pantheon.

The interior is majestically beautiful... It was originally a temple dedicated to all the deities of the ancient religion. In the 7th century, it was converted into a church. Today, the Pantheon is the Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres.

Then, tired from more than 5 hours of walking, I dozed in my hotel room, watching the Coppa della Italia (calcio) football match on TV: Milan vs. Turin. Italians love football, as evidenced by the numerous AS Roma Stores, as well as Juventus Stores scattered throughout the capital.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Already the last day of my trip... I accidentally get lost in the streets of the magnificent Trastevere district.

I am completely seduced by Italy, which hides real sensory pleasures. First by ear, with their singing and romantic language. Then, by sight, with the magnificent architecture on every corner. Finally, by taste, with the immeasurable excellence of their gastronomy.
Speaking of food... The entrecote we tried at the Tonnarello restaurant was so delicate...

The weather in Rome today is definitely very nice. I refresh myself by walking around the Villa Borghese.

It is a huge park of 80 hectares. The latter is littered with numerous sculptures. There are also various museums, such as the National Gallery of Modern Art (Galleria nazionale d'arte moderna e contemporanea). Just 2 euros to admire the works of Yves Klein, Joan Miró or even Andy Warhol, as well as the magnificent works of Italian artists unknown to me…

And here my holiday in Rome ends… It was very interesting to travel alone in an unknown country. I learned a lot about myself. I left with more self-confidence. In addition, the Italians were very friendly. My next dreams? Visit Florence and Palermo.