My Roman (Language) Holiday!

There’s no doubt about it. Rome is one of the most unique and exhilarating cities I have ever been to! I loved it! Now, I’m no history buff, but even I was awed by the sites I saw there. Of course, you think of Rome and immediately imagine the Coliseum and Vatican City. Yes, those places are totally incredible, and I honestly don’t think I could find the words to even start to describe how amazing the Sistine chapel is. But there is just SO much more to Rome than that.

One of the things I loved most were the exciting, atmospheric small neighbourhoods of Rome. In particular, I adored Trastevere. Walking down the narrow cobbled lanes, past faded building fronts, I felt like I was in the true heart of the Rome. There are gorgeous, rustic trattorias serving the most delicious smelling food and hilarious street performers in the Piazza di Santa Maria, plus lovely traditional bars with outdoor seating right next to trendy bars.

The whole area is so full of life and has its own unique personality. Trastevere is a really interesting contrast to the other parts of Rome. In other parts of the city such as the Centro Storico and Piazza Navona the rich history, the historical wealth and grandeur of Rome are obvious from the most beautiful piazzas, marble fountains, and flamboyant architecture. Whereas in Trastevere, you get the impression that this was where the ordinary working class folk used to dwell; among the tiny grocery stalls, taverns, trattorias and music bars. Yet even after hundreds and hundreds of years people are still going to Trastevere for those very things! And it means it has a liveliness and deeply ingrained character like nowhere else. I loved it so much that I spent nearly half of my two weeks at the Italian school in Rome exploring and relaxing in Trastevere!

Rome is such big city with so many fantastic things to see and do it’s tough to know where to begin. However, I recommend you take at least one evening to sit back and relax in Trastevere – you will feel like you are discovering the true personality of Rome and understand why so many people feel it is the most amazing city in the world!

Zoey