So far Rome has been unbelievable. It has definitely succeeded my expectations! It feels like I’ve been here months instead of weeks because of how much we’ve already done and seen! So far I’ve checked off the Trevi fountain, the Colosseum, the Vatican, the Pantheon, the Spanish Steps and the Roman Forum off my list. I’ve also learned how to handle the confusing bus schedule, how to spot the best gelato places and how to balance doing homework and travelling. Getting to know Rome has been incredible, Italians are so welcoming and inviting. Most people here can speak a little bit of English and if not they are happy to attempt to decipher what we are trying to say.
My favorite experience in Rome up until this point has got to be seeing the Trevi fountain at night. I went during the day and people were rushing and pushing and shoving around. It was tourists as far as the eye could see. Every picture I took had either an American couple or a well dressed foreigner striking the exact same pose as me. The light bounced off the crisp cuts of the statue and the sound of the water was barely audible above the yelling being spewed out in at least 5 different languages. Even so, the chaos added to the beauty. When I went at night the atmosphere was completely different. Gone were the foreigners and the tourists. There was no yelling, just the sweet rumble of the water cascading into the penny filled water. The lights were pointed right at the statues and mesmerising twists and turns of the human bodies were highlighted in great detail. The only people there were us and a wedding party. The bride looked stunning and I envied her choice of venue. The fountain was serene and quiet, you could stare at it forever and never even notice.
I am certain that I will go back there, and it made me wonder what other monuments look like at night compared to midday! So that will be my next adventure 🙂