2023 - Rome
Rome
Rome is a city that stays with you. A city of endless history, beautiful architecture and people who live their passion for their country. We keep returning to Rome to not only see the many sights, to be part of life in the city. Some ask, why go to Rome again? As regular visitors to the city our visits are more relaxed than for someone who visits the city for the first time. First visits can be hectic. Trying to see many sights within a limited time frame.
Because of our many visits to Rome, our days have a relaxed feel. There is no oppresive schedule to maintain. We see what we want to see on a particular day and enjoy being there.
A number of years ago we changed from staying in hotels to staying for a week each time and renting an apartment. With an apartment, while still tourists, we live less like a tourist. We shop for food, cook our meals and enjoy time in our homes in addition to having outings to see desired sites.
Rome
photo: mytravellinglens.com
Rome was very crowded with tourists. When you want to get away from the crowds, take a walk along the various Lungoteveres (italian for waterfront). These are streets that run along the Tiber River. Massive retaining walls (muraglioni) were built to protect the city from flooding of the river. It was a major construction endeavour. Parts of communities were unfortunately destroying in the process. The river flows well below street level, but there are numerous stairs down to the walkways along the river. Great for walks in the daytime. Use caution in the evenings.
Apartment Piazza Mattei
For 2023, we rented an apartment with a balcony pattio located in the former Jewish Ghetto. This is a very good location for us. We have typically rented apartments not far from here.
We rented the apartment through Rome Loft and I have to say all aspects of the apartment were not fully evident through the listing. I give the Rome Loft greeter high marks as he waited for us outside the apartment (our taxi was delayed) and even helped with the luggage, and gave us a good overview of how to use the keys etc. But the apartment itself was a bit of a surprise.
We enjoy renting top-floor apartments and you typically have to be on the top to get an outdoor space. But we would pass on an apartnment with no elevator. . In this case "a set of stairs" was not actually what we had. There was a set of stairs from the 2nd to 3rd floor (the elevator stopped at the 2nd floor) and then another set of stairs from the 3rd floor to the 4th floor, So we had an elevator that went about half-way up.
Hauling luggage and food etc up some stairs is okay, but two flights was a bit much. and especially when not expected.
Website: romeloft.com
Rome's Eternal Look
photo: mytravellinglens.com
I took this picture on a visit to Rome over ten years ago. The look of Rome is eternal.
