When in Rome

by Vrinda Gupta (India)

I didn't expect to find Italy

"You can get your heart broken or..... you could have the greatest love affair the world has ever known," I daydreamed of a perfect love story with my eyes glued to my cellphone screen watching 'When in Rome' as I relaxed in bed after a long day's work. Teaching is a demanding profession, but it does give you that window to breathe and rejuvenate during summers. Spring had just started in Delhi and my mind was blooming with ideas for my next travel destination during my 2-month long summer break. Bollywood and Hollywood have their strange ways of enticing dreamy beings like me, Italy it was. Shopping wonderland, gelato heaven, architectural delight and a happy hunting ground for men. Needless to say, I had a tough time choosing my first stop. Google maps led me to Corso Buenos Aires where I managed to shop for more bags than I could pack- even Plain Jane could go insane with Prada, Gucci alluring you from all sides of Corso di Ticense. My tired feet needed some more exercise the next morning, and my desire to live like a local drew me to the grassy and leafy, Parco Sempione for a 7k. My Milano experience also comprised of admiring the Duomo and the Castle museum, but the joy of shopping from the fashion capital was unforgettable. The posh city also had its share of polished men showing me around - one being an Italian lawyer. Next stop was Florence - an engineered masterpiece. I didn't want to blink as I walked through the streets, knowing I would miss something worthwhile. Was there a need to visit the museums when the whole city looked like one? Maybe yes! I started by visiting Museo di Galileo with the idea of educating myself (being a primary teacher) and that is when I realized - solo travelling is bliss. I took my own sweet time understanding Galileo’s inventions and discoveries. Magnetised by museums, next I found myself appreciating the wonderful pieces in the Modern Art Museum. It was probably the only museum which was peaceful (considering I was the only one there) because the next site was a place I wouldn't advise anyone to miss, Uffizi gallery. Capturing everything using every possible camera I had, ambling down the treasured rooms. Every showpiece is etched in my mind's eye, even after 2 long years. Did Florence have someone to show me around? Yes, yet another charming Italian man. The country gloats about its men, and rightly so! I was to leave for Rome the next morning, but I took a huge risk- challenged time! Yes, an early morning train to Pisa, confident that I would be back in time for my Flixbus to Rome. Racing against time, I got a slightly longer than a glimpse of the Leaning Tower of Pisa with a few illusional photos for my ‘traveller’ Instagram account. Hurriedly, I left for the bus which comes right outside the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but unfortunately I missed it. I had done half marathons earlier, this was just a 23 minute walk to the Pisa train station, so I ran and walked, hoping someone would give me a lift on the way (no one did, they probably thought I was drugged, running around without any sense of direction). I knew I had missed my train and was prepared to book another one. As I arrived at the station, I noticed the black digital screen flashing a 15-minute delay and I was on track once again. All roads lead to Rome! A terrific evening with a complete Italian stranger who walked me through a secluded street to a spot from where I got the most spectacular view of the city (I also learnt to trust strangers). The following days I explored the city – the Spanish steps (seems overhyped), Villa Borghese, Campo Feurri, Bocca Della Verita, the Pantheon, Orange Garden and the secret keyhole. One night I found myself throwing coins in the enchanting Trevi, and the next I was with him – sitting outside St.Peter’s Basilica talking about life’s ups and downs. A tourist like me, I met in Rome, and my soon to be husband! Pompeii and Napoli follow.