The perfect pastel city. Marble lined, cobbled stoned streets. Filled to the brim with the most dreamy pasta, cool gelato and spirited people. My very first adventure into a new culture began in Rome, June last year. A three week European Summer excursion with my boyfriend, Luke.

Arriving in Rome on the most balmy Summer night, at possibly a too late 10pm. We blindly (and remarkably) made it to our Hotel, for what I believe a perfectly well deserved rest after thirty something hours of travel.

Waking up in the city, to the constant hum of car horns seemed oh so right. Easing into each day with a pastry and a coffee. My Audrey Hepburn Roman Holiday dream was taking shape…. I couldn’t quite believe that men actually stood around an espresso bar- pressed in suits (incredible!). People really parked their cars in neutral, and Vespa’s lined each little street. I couldn’t even tell which side of the road Italy drives on, because cars drive wherever there is an inch of space. Buildings were unapologetically pink, and yellow. And architectural ornamentation wasn’t even a question- an essential.

So keen and so excited to explore, we left with, unbeknown to us, the intention of walking practically the entirety of Rome in one day. The heat was beyond intense, and after 3 hours of sight seeing, we were both incredibly exhausted. A pick-me-up gelato was much in order- San Crispino the ever famous Gelato shop from Eat Pray Love was where we made an absolute B-line.

Heaven.

Much more renaissance art was to be had on this four day adventure, some delicious food, and a burning sun.

After one horrible gypsy experience, I vowed I would never return to this bustling city. But after looking through these images, I realise that is Rome, this beautiful, eclectic place. Roma hums to its own mad and beautiful tune. Now all I want to do is go back, order some Cacio e Pepe from the most humble of restaurants in Trastevere, savour a icy limone Gelato and sink back into this Roman Holiday dream.

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