Otter Abroad: A Roman Holiday

“Escusi? ATM?” we asked in our broken, Pidgin Italian to an Italian woman sitting behind the information desk at the small Roman airport.

“Ahh, si,” she replied, “outside around the corner.”

“Grazie” we reacted with excitement because we barely had enough Euros for a bus ticket into Central Rome.

We scurried out to the dark rainy parking lot only to find an “Automatic-Ticket-Machine.” We realized off the bat, when dealing with a language barrier you need to be as literal as possible.

So we went back in, and this time we simply asked for the “Cash Machine.”

It was spring break for us Kingston Uni students, so my girls and I spent it in the ultimate way. Lena, Kate B, Kate R and I set off for a 13-day excursion through Italy and even over to the island of Corfu, Greece. First stop: Roma, Roma, Roma!

We landed late Saturday night at the Rome Ciampino airport and after much confusion and panic, we managed to take the correct bus into Central Rome. We stayed at Hotel Bella (translation: Beautiful Hotel) but, unlike the name, this place was nothing but an ugly hostel. However, for the price and location we were more than happy to accommodate to our temporary place of residence.

Our time spent in Rome was magical. In a matter of days we saw the Vatican (including the Sistine Chapel), the Pantheon, Spanish Steps, the Coliseum and Roman Forum, countless magnificent Cathedrals, and my personal favorite, the Trevi Fountain. There is no place more magical, more spectacular and more romantic than the Trevi Fountain.

Even though we were in a city full of the most incredible history and architecture, my favorite time spent in Rome was our dinner near the Pantheon. We strolled up one of the side streets in the Pantheon neighborhood where we were bombarded with restaurants. After strolling up and down the skinny block, we ended up at small restaurant just steps from the Pantheon. We picked this particular eating place not because the food looked the best or the location was good, but because they offered a liter of the house wine for only eight euro (hey, we are college students, so we need to be economical!)

We parked our behinds, rested our tired feet and, like natural Italians, started “pourin’ the vino.” Continuing the Roman spirit, we each ordered pizza margherita! Let me tell you, there is no comparison to authentic Italian food. After sipping the last of the wine and taking that last bite of the truly unbelievable pizza, the girls and I began to wander.

We didn’t know where exactly we were going, but it didn’t matter: the city had a way of guiding us all on its own.

We stumbled in laughter and enjoyment down the cobblestone roads, briefly stopping to watch street performers or browse the markets. Eventually, without even trying, we ended up at the Trevi Fountain. As we turned the corner, following our ear towards the rushing water sounds, a gasp of amazement left my mouth. We had seen the Fountain earlier that day but this was the first time experiencing the magic at night. After gaping at the beauty for a few minutes I looked up and saw something that would only enhance our pleasure, a gelato shop.

As the four of us walked out of the busy Geletaria with a two-scoop-cone in hand, we heard a roaring applause. We looked down to the edge of the fountain to see a man on his knee and a woman in tears. We were witnessing a proposal—at the Trevi Fountain! It was the cherry on top of a perfect evening.                  

To me, we truly experienced Roman culture that evening. Monuments and museums are a must when touring Europe; however, I encourage an exploration of the other side as well. Walk down the small side streets off of the tourist attractions, put away the map for a while and just wander. Because it’s when you do that, that you will encounter the most wonderful parts of a city.