Rome - Walking, Walking & More Walking

My first few days in Rome were really just doing a LOT of walking and exploring different parts of the city. It is how I always like to first almost, get to know a city – that's what's most important to me traveling, to get a sense of the pace, the people and the culture ... and then, I can figure out what I really want to see of the sights and go from there.

After my first evening in the center, I must admit, I was almost overwhelmed both by the city and all of the other lemmings that were here with me (all the Italians were quite sensibly off enjoying their holidays on the beach or in the country!) So the next evening, I headed across the river to explore another little neighborhood, Trastavere – more up market and well known than where I was staying. It was very picturesque with lots of cafes/bars and restaurants. I found a lovely little spot popular with the locals (Ombre Rosse in Piazza Sant'Egidio) for my first glass of Italian white wine and bruschetta. It was a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours, just watching the world go by and enjoying seeing how the Italians socialized with each other - they know how to have a good time.

The next day I headed back into the center – my primary mission was not a historic monument or even a quaint street to wander, it was to find a store that sold Birkenstocks (I had the addresses for three ...) as my feet were otherwise going to die ... Success was achieved and I am now the proud owner of my first pair of Birkenstocks (A little humble pie to be had as I must confess to always having thought these the most ugly of shoes ... and I like my shoes ...).

The shoe problem having been solved, I headed off to explore the other half of Il Centro – and discovered the Pantheon which I will admit to never having even heard about prior to getting here. It is incredible – built in the first century AD, it is just a marvel to me. Ever since seeing my first 'old' European building many years ago (being from Canada, 'old' has always been a relative concept!), what has always amazed me is the sheer practicality of how these most amazing architectural structures were built. In Rome, this amazement has just gone to a whole new level, together with a whole new relative definition of 'old'. Seeing the Pantheon really put that in perspective for me.

I really enjoyed the neighborhood around the Pantheon – it was lovely to wander through. I found the Piazza Navona with a lovely church, the Sant A'gnese in Agone and an incredible Four Rivers fountain by Bernini (more on him later) – it was a lovely but popular piazza, lots of lemmings ... for a smaller piazza and a drink, I preferred the Campo de Fiori as it was just a little bit quieter.

And despite my love of walking, by the 3rd day, I managed to figure out the bus system - very easy and a good foot friendly alternative to potentially too much walking :-)