Going to Rome in the middle of COVID was the best decision we could've made. After a lengthy flight (masked the entire time of course) we officially landed on Rome!
Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
Outside the famous colosseum
Given how far we'd walked over the course of 8 hours, we opted to download the Lime scooter app and scooter back to our hotel. It was roughy a 20-minute scooter ride over the cobblestone streets and while it started out a bit terrifying, there was something very cool about scootering past ancient and historic monuments! (Full disclosure, it we had been visiting room any other time than during COVID we would not have taken an electric scooter through the busy streets of Rome but because of the time, there was very little traffic to compete with).
some modern art at the Vatican
I didn't know I loved dessert wine until I tried this
Our hotel wasn't quite ready for us so they recommended a lunch spot close by. (We'd be staying at the Santa Maria Hotel which was located Trastevere district of Rome - also known as the "foodie district".). We went to a neighborhood restaurant close by and had some fantastic cacio pepe and aperol spritzes. Upon return, we learned we'd been "upgraded" to room 22 and were able to check-in. While the ceilings of our "upgraded room" were somewhat laughable, it was a spacious room with access to a super cool outdoor terrace (and the hotel itself was darling and a great location - so we were happy).
(note the unique ceiling)
After a small nap, we went out that night and explored the bustling streets of Trastevere. There weren't many tourists around, but as soon as the sun went down is when it seemed the Italians all seemed to come out. The temperature and atmosphere was amazing.
Trastevere at night
We had dinner at Ristorante Ai Bozzi da Giovanni. It was incredible. For appetizers we enjoyed some sort of burrata appetizer and some sort of truffle one. Then for our entrees, some sort of pasta with black squid ink and this delicious fish in a cream sauce.
the appetizers
Black squid ink ravioli
This was some sort of white fish under this yummy sauce
After dinner we walked around a bit enjoying the buzzing nightlife against all the historical buildings and beautiful water. Then we admittedly crashed pretty hard. The next day we woke up refreshed and ready to sight see! The best part about going to Rome during COVID was that during the day there was literally no one around. Some photos of our adventures on foot below.
Fontana di piazza Santa Maria
Trevi Fountain
Spanish Steps
Admittedly, it was fairly hot going to Rome in August so we did do quite a few stops for some essentials to keep us going (water and gelato). If ever in Rome, be sure to stop by Giolitti - I got the rice gelato and I'm still dreaming about it).
Giolitti - such good gelato (try the Rice gelato!)
Of course no trip to Rome would be complete without seeing the infamous colosseum. As we'd been walking in the hot sun all day, G and I opted just to appreciate it from the outside (though I was tempted to get tickets for their night tour which sounded very cool!)
Getting on the scooter for our adventure!
After coming home, we had a more casual pizza dinner and went to bed. In the morning, we had a beautiful breakfast at our hotel where they made my face in my coffee (it's the little things!). Then, we were off to the Vatican!
a "Laine-cappuccino"
G and I had opted to purchase tickets and an English-speaking guide for our trip to the Vatican (the world's smallest country). We'd heard to expect big crowds and watch for pickpockets but of course, like everything else, much to our delight, it was practically empty. Given the rules for visiting, I brought a scarf to wear over my shoulders (given the extreme heat and lack of air conditioning in the Vatican, I would soon hate to loathe that scarf).
me dying of heat stroke in the Vatican.
Extreme heat (and feeling like I was suffocating in 90+ degree heat and a mask on) aside, seeing the Vatican was very cool. While our guide left a bit to be desired (and was very challenging to understand) seeing art and architecture that spanned so many centuries was absolutely incredible. It was also really interesting (and unexpected for me at least) to see the modern art section. The modern art section was also a welcome site as it's the part of the building with AC.
The sheer size of some of the art was also just so impressive!
more modern art at the Vatican
After our tour of the Vatican (and immediately peeling my scarf off my skin), we went home to take a substantial shower and get ready for our fabulous and awaited dinner reservation at Taverna Trilussa (a must do restaurant if you are ever in Rome!). Our dinner did NOT disappoint. For the most part, we let the server guide us except we did make sure to get the Ravioli Mimosa (their must have dish). It was...incredible.
G and the Ravioli Mimosa
For dessert, creme brulee, dark chocolate biscuits with salt, and the most amazing dessert wine
I didn't know I loved dessert wine until I tried this
We left the restaurant with our hearts and bellies full! Our 3 days in Rome were full of food, drinks, sightseeing, and merriment. Now, it was off to Puglia to see a different side of Italy!
Comments
Post a Comment