Roman Holiday

You're probably very tired from the long flight. You might feel like napping, but I think it's better we get up and out and I'm sure once you start seeing all the beauty Rome has to offer you'll be happy you're out in the thick of it... but let's stop and get a cappuccino and cornetto first! You'll need all the fuel you can get. We can pop into La Buvette on via Vittoria. It's my favorite hole in the wall cafe. Their millions of variations on drinking coffee are all divine. Let's start with a classic cappuccino and later we can stop for an iced coffee when the sun is strong and we are in need of a jolt!

One of the best ways of seeing Rome is simply by walking... and walking... and walking. Please tell me I remembered to warn you about that and you packed your best looking comfortable shoes?! You probably aren't feeling very sexy in you're clunky shoes, and you might be wondering why I'm prancing around in leather loafers with no arch? I can only attribute that to many years walking these streets, so in this instance it's a case of do as I say and not as I do, but if it makes you feel better, I can wear my tennis shoes too! ;-)

But I digress, let's take a stroll down via Margutta. It's one of Rome's most charming streets, full of art galleries and fabric stores. It's the actual street where Gregory Peck lived in the film Roman Holiday. It's beyond charming.

Oh I almost forgot, we should go over to Tearose, my prefered florist, it's just down the street and we can pick out some gorgeous buds to send home so when we get back there is some color! They also have a great little shop with a few dresses and accessories. Fantastic candles and bits and bobs. Did you notice that the wall is concrete with an imprinted damask design?

So now that we've wandered around a bit, are you feeling hungry? While we are still in the area we can go to either Nino (a favourite haunt of Tom Cruise) they specialize in classic Tuscan fare, little white beans cooked slowly in a glass flask over a low flame are to die for... I am drooling just at the thought.

If you would rather something light we can go by Gina. It's more modern and fresh. You can choose from a long list of fun salads and side and they even have a juice bar. This is about as modern as Rome gets!

Did I mention that to get to either of these we'll need to walk right past here...

The Spanish Steps!

It never gets old looking at them, I only wish people didn't leave all their old plastic water bottles and garbage sitting around on them once they are done picnicking. Speaking of which, that reminds me, Gina makes takeaway picnics-- we should remember that for tomorrow! We can picnic in Villa Borghese.

Now I know it seems like we are only eating all the time, and well, truth be told, that's pretty much life in Rome. We can stop and admire the little streets, the hidden churches, the open air markets. We can do all of that with little to no effort, as they are the very elements that make this town. By now you're feet are probably starting to throb a bit, and though it may have seemed impossible at lunch just a couple of hours ago, all of our tummies are grumbling again... I think it's about time to stop for a gelato!

How does this look?

Giolitti is one of the Rome's most well known and loved gelateria. Let's duck in and grab a cone. The ambience isn't so bad either!

It's not easy to narrow down the choices, there are soooo many.

Ahhh, now that we've got our cones in hand and sugar rush on the way, if we just turn left there at the corner and walk about 2 min...

Wow. The Pantheon. This never gets old. Literally, I could gaze at this beauty everyday and never feel jaded. It's without a doubt my favorite monument AND it's free. No long lines, no entrance fee. In fact as soon as we finish our cones we go in and marvel.

Let's catch a cab home. I think we've covered a lot of ground for you're first day. I'm sure you're feeling tired. At home we can shower and nap and rest up before dinner!

We'll be going to Antica Pesa. Hands down our favorite restaurant in town. We actually had our rehersal dinner here years ago. It's a fantastic restaurant and full of sentimental value. Not to mention the food and the wine list...

should we sit inside?

or out?

I'm so glad you made the effort and the long journey to visit! If you manage to stay awake until 1030pm without dropping from jet-lag and exhaustion then you're off to a great start. Sweet dream and i'll see you in the morning, we have so much more to see!