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Images of Springtime

There is no better time to be in Rome than Springtime. The colors and sensations of this fantastic moment of re-birth make the city come alive. There is a certain freshness and clarity in the cool air that goes away during the hot summer months when the clouds of dust and air emissions make the city swelter. We had a bit of rain on our trip, but the kind of drizzle that only dampens and covers the city in cool moisture. I found it a “friendly rain” that didn’t dampen our spirits. Out door cafes still abound with their umbrellaed havens and the vistas of color from hundreds of people carrying their umbrellas is lovely.

Red buds in Villa Borghese

Tulips and Forget-me-not's behind the Borghese Museum

Azaleas on the Spanish Steps

A douse of rain to clean the air and clear the streets (a little)

Ode to History -- Quintessential Roma

There are few cities in the world that frankly slap you in the face with ancient history. Where every turn, every moment you are greeted by a thousands of years of empire building. These are the images that define Rome to the world. They encapsulate the grandeur that it was and is. I imagine that to the inhabitants of his great city, these images become commonplace. Perhaps the kids say, “hey, wanna meet by the pantheon later for a beer?” But, in our short trip they were a shock to the senses. A testament to the power of the Roman empire and now, I believe, more a testament to the power of the church.

Panoramic of Capitoline Hill

Pantheon with busy policeman

De Trevi Fountain

Roma Vista from the Castle of Angles

Panoramic of the Colosseum

The old days of the Spanish Steps

Fountain on Piazza della Repubblica

The Roman Forum

It is colossal

Ponte Sant Angelo at night

St. Peter's Basilica Square
Can you believe it? There are no people in this picture!!!

Detail of fountain on Piazza Navona

The Pantheon with Fountain

Detain of fountain on Piazza Navona II

Castle of Angels at night

The People

For the first time in a while, we actually had some company on our trip. It was great to have a change of pace and to enjoy an evening with these two wise women and one budding star.

A self-portrait on the Castel Sant Angelo

Waiting patiently while the photographer works his magic

The ladies -- at night along Fiume Tevere

Emma looking over ancient rome

Brano and Basilica S. Pietro

A mother daughter picture in front of De Trevi. Tana is an esteemed Hay Group client, participant in the conference and friend, who flew her daughter, Patricia, to Rome for her 21st birthday. Patka currently studies in England, so it was a birthday and a reunion in Rome. Lovely.

Eva, Brano's boss-lady, Tana and Patka

Birthday wishes over champagne and gelato

Ways and Windows

What defines the look of a city isn’t necessarily the greatest monuments, but also what lay between. Whether they are the homes of affluent Romans or the seemingly dilapidated byways of the not-so-affluent, there is a singularity of color and atmosphere that encapsulates this beautiful city. When Bennett and Rita (and Lexi) visited us a year ago, Bennett had an idea to take pictures of windows and doors. I think perhaps this is a great way to understand the people. Do they pride themselves on solitude and privacy? Do they show off their green thumbs? Do they leave their home open to the elements? Or bar themselves in and others out?

Images of yore at the bottom of the Spanish Steps

A majestic Roman street

Quiet cobblestones

Reflections through the water glass

On the way to the Jewish Quarter

Pink arches

Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti in the English Ghetto

Fiat vs. Smart

There is a grain of truth in all stereotypes, not to permit use of these for the purposes of limiting others therein or creating prejudice, but Italians… oh the Italians… they do live up to a great extent many of the stereotypes. Firstly, you can hardly miss the overly animated nature of these friendly people. Gestures speak and I find it fantastic to watch two Italians discussing. Secondly, Italians love their cars. It never ceases to amaze me that there are so many people who are willing to risk their lives to drive in Rome, to park in Rome, to hazard the small-should-be-pedestrian streets with their shining fiat automobile. Even if you spent your whole Rome vacation in a stupor of vino veritas, you would be hard pressed not to notice two things – mopeds/motorcycles and smart cars.

The smart car – a miniscule version of the real thing, that is so compact it can park perpendicular to the curb. According to our guide book, of the 750,000 smart cars sold world wide until 2006, 210,00 of those were sold in Italy. Brillant. Not only for its environmental advantages, but because while sitting in an outside café and watching cars squeek by, brushing up against the tips of our toes, those driving SUV’s frankly just seemed stupid. Perhaps it is akin to us ladies buying those lovely red shoes, with the 3 and a half inch heels and then walking all day on cobblestones… not so suitable.

Then there are the mopeds and motorcycles with fearless, daredevil drivers who span all ages. To me this is a phenomenon that at every intersection, you see them pile up at the front and buzz off, they look really cool.

Parking prowess, 2 deep and perpendicular

Traffic leading down the Via del Fori Imperiali to the Colosseo

The striking combination of old and new

The cool red Vespa, Ciao Bella! Vroom! Vroom!

Food and Libation

Well, having mentioned Italian culture with its cars and gestures, one must finally mention la doce vita that encompasses a celebration of togetherness and fantastic food. You can live a life without experiencing the truly euphoric nature of fresh pasta; but, it isn’t recommended. We may mock Italian food all around the world, but there is something special about going to a none too fancy restaurant and getting the service and food that would only be served in the most upscale outside Italy. The first thing is that the meal is heavily coursed. You are expected to sit and enjoy. Not rush through one quick bite and run for the next tourist site. The meal can consist of a staggering 5 courses – antipasto, primo piatto, secondo piatto with insalata, dolce and a digestivo. Of course it is not necessary to order all courses unless you are of the bottomless pit stomach people.

We sat outside a fantastic little trattoria for hours, enjoying the people watching and munching on a huge antipasto platter, insalada, and the best bread ever (yes, and there was wine). A great moment in Rome.

The crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, salty, sourdough bread that was sooooo good.

Street musicians providing atmosphere outside a restaurant.

Restaurants on the Piazza Navona I

Restaurants on the Piazza Navona II

Restaurants on the Piazza Navona III

Gelato for Patricia's birthday

A nice vista near the Spanish Steps