I have been once again on this long-weekend-short-trip. And this time it was a city I never visited before… Rome! Everyone told me, that I will love it. And not just once. I heard that multiple times. As a naturally skeptical person I didn't listen to them and kept my excitement on a leash. I usually do that, because it keeps my first impressions unaffected by other's opinions. But they were right… not only did I absolutely fell in love in the city, it also impressed me in a way like no other city before.
Let's start from the simple fact, that this thousands-years-old city still has the tiny streets with pavements out of old, dark stone, which makes it absolutely lovely. In a contrast to the narrow roads are enormous monuments and churches built out of stones, bricks or marble, which seem to be completely out of proportion.
The city is hot. It's loud. It's beautiful. It's constantly alive. I think I have never seen such a density of Fiat 500s and Vespas anywhere else before, which makes the city look even more adorable.
When I walked into St. Peter's Basilica, my breath was taken away (and that almost never happens). The might created by the greatness together with the detailed architectural artwork makes it special in a way, that if you're there once, you will never forget it.
While walking through the Colosseum I was touching the walls (I know, like a crazy person…), because it was hard to grasp how much history and how many centuries those walls have been through. This place forced me to step out of the real world and travel with my thoughts to ancient times. Thinking about the slaves called gladiators made me wonder if human species are evil naturally? Where is this need of cruelty coming from? It reaches ancient times and it's still taking place.
Last weekend was not just a travel from one city to another, but also into culture and history. It opened up my mind and soul.
Go to Rome if you haven't already.