Rome (Italy) | Firsts - 1 Apr, 2023

 

In my travels, I've watched and listened to many street performers. The level of creativity and talent is unbelievable. I've never observed a musician play sewer pipes with flip-flops. The Orange Boy is a regular near the Colosseum in Rome with a unique sound. YouTube videos date back to 2018.  

It is amazing how wonderful I feel since arriving in Rome. Already, I'm walking well over 16 km (10 mi) per day. Much of the tightness I experienced over the winter has disappeared now that I'm moving about regularly. The warmer, slightly humid weather is also helping to keep me loose. It isn't only my body that feels good, though. I am enjoying a return to independence. I am in great spirits!

This is the smallest Lamborghini dealership I've ever seen. The storefront is wide enough for only two cars on the inside and a couple of desks. As I admire the Huracán Tecnica in Mantis Green through the glass, I hear a loud CRUNCH! I turn and see my first car wreck in my travels. A black Audi rear-ended a black Mercedes. Surprisingly, I have not witnessed any car wrecks previously during my travels. In case you are wondering, car wrecks sound the same here, without the sound of tires screeching, since speeds are much lower in Europe.😂 After taking note, I take Lamborfeeties and move on down the street.

I love this image. In North America, it is common to find mature trees lining the streets of cities. I seldom see it in Europe. Spring is in the air, and the trees are starting to leaf out. Their golden green color is beautiful and adds a touch of color against the muted buildings.

Rome has a pleasant vibe. The volume of people is part of the experience, I suspect. Even though it is 2-3 months before the start of vacation season, the crowds are impressive. The world's most famous fountain, Fontana di Trevi is packed with people. Rome is definitely the busiest place I have been to so far. Honestly, I feel like I would be miserable experiencing Rome in the heat of summer when temps climb to 90 F (32 C) and with at least twice the amount of people. 

The Fontana di Trevi is much smaller, but its beauty rivals Palais Longchamp in Marseille. Notably, both fountains serve the same purpose and are the terminal part of their respective aqueducts.

Great news! My luggage returned to me the evening after the day I arrived. American Airlines helped me out by providing me with a toiletries package when I filed a claim at the airport. This was the first time an airline provided me with basics such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, shaving cream, deodorant, etc. Nothing feels as good as finally having clean clothes. Even though I travel lightly, I've decided that wearing the same clothes for three days is too long. The reality is a shower can only do so much for me if I keep putting on the same stinky crap! 😂😳😩

My first meal in Rome consisted of the Lasagna of the Day and grilled vegetables (i.e., zucchini, red peppers, and eggplant). I've never been a big fan of pasta and always heard that pasta was superior in Italy. WOW! Fresh pasta tastes incredible! It has an almost meaty texture that is delicate and unlike boxed pasta. It is hard to describe. It doesn't taste doughy, either. I need to learn how to make fresh pasta while I'm in Italy. Like making fresh tortillas, how hard can it be?

On my first night in Rome, I slept 12 hours. That is after I took a 3-hour nap after I checked into my Airbnb. I always find it easier to flip my clock when I gain time and much less so when I lose hours. I expected to be tired but was not counting on sleeping this much. To say I slept like a dead baby is an understatement! 😂 It feels good to feel well-rested.

The Colosseum looks lovely at night with the warm glow of the amber lights. It is a fantastic building, and I can't visit the interior.

I love walking around cities at night and photographing the sites. Frequently, the lights add definition to the buildings. I notice definitions and details that are often lost when I try to photograph places during the middle of the day. The Forum of Augustus lies north of the Roman Forum and is stunning in the evening. There are also much fewer people in the eveings which I love!

One of the great things about traveling, as I do, is every day has its novelties. Walking keeps me in a constant state of disequilibrium that I enjoy so much. The Mind has no time to automate my routine. There is no routine. Each day is different. There is nothing to dismiss or automate. Everything that happens is noted. This is the richness of life. This is what experiencing the present moment is all about. Take the time to notice novelties and firsts in your day. Don't cheat yourself of this richness by allowing them to be discarded by The Mind. It is the little things in life that ARE important.