Waking Up In Rome

I’m not sure why, but I feel quite at ease in Rome. Maybe because my family is from Italy. I never had much desire to see anything outside the United States, but as I grew older, I became more interested in my family’s history – where my grandparents came from, and why they came to America. I’m sorry now that I never asked them the reasons their families came here – I never thought of that as a child. My grandmother passed away early – while I was still a very young. My grandfather lived with us for several years while I was in college. I remember spending time with him – and driving him around when I was living at home and attending college in Pittsburgh. I had every chance to ask him questions, but I always had a difficult time talking to him.

Last year, my sister arranged a trip to Italy and invited me and my wife to come along. That was my first experience in Italy. Before leaving, my wife and I spent a few days in Rome (since we were flying from Rome back to the US) and I fell in love with the city. This year we returned, partly to visit some friends that live here, and partly to experience Rome again. It is a beautiful city! Every morning I think to myself, “I’m waking up in Rome!”

Travel has always interested me, but frankly there’s quite a bit I wanted to see in my own country. After visiting Rome last year thought, I had to return to see more. I won’t have time during this trip to visit the towns where my grandparents came from – but that will force me to return again – my desire to explore a little more of my family history. For now, I am enjoying Rome.

Here’s one of my favorite photos of Saint Peter’s Basilica from a bridge near where I am staying.

I’ve seen many people’s photos from here, and like how the river looks with reflections. This shot is taken from Ponte Umberto I, and the bridge in the photo is Ponte Sant’Angelo, which was built in the second century (maybe 134 AD). It’s amazing to see that kind of history! A night shot from the same location, maybe even a long exposure, would look nice as well. We’ll see if I can get one of those while I’m here…

I’m not sure everyone will feel like I do about Rome – it’s a personal thing, and I know Rome is not perfect, no city is. But it’s part of my family history which makes it special for me. Rome is a very friendly city, full of history. If you every have a chance to visit, I’m sure you’ll find it very interesting!