ITALY : THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE ROME
The more I share stories about our trip, the more I hear myself say "there's no place like Rome" when describing this unbelievable city. I had so many friends and clients suggest not to waste too much time there due to it being overly touristy, dirty, or "just another big city." And yes, I guess I can understand where these perceptions come from, but overall within my quick, two day adventure I got to experience and take away a COMPLETELY different vibe. To me it was huge and grand and I honestly found it difficult to wrap my head around the history (most specifics had been forgotten from my Art History classes... oops). The air-headed confusion I felt when contemplating the timeline of "B.C." was actually a unique and unfamiliar sensation. Maybe it was the feeling of my brain trying too hard or actually shutting down. But being in the presence of that kind of history while also visually taking in the enormous amounts of detail was enough to make me short a fuse. Around every corner revealed new and mysterious structures from..ummm like a million years ago. Ya ok, don't ask me EXACTLY how many years and don't ask me to name each statue or monument. And maybe what I felt was strictly visually induced, but there is NO PLACE I have ever seen that comes close to having the massive amount of awesome things to look at than Rome. It is visually and energetically overwhelming just to be there. Our Airbnb being steps from the Colosseum made it so easy to get around and get there quick. New friends recommend a 4 hour bike tour. It took us around and through the entire city, stopping for photos, informational chats and of course gelato at each notable location.
To briefly discuss my best bike tour look, I'll share with you that the sweater, scarf and sneakers were a trio of must-haves while whipping through the streets of Rome on bikes. The sweater and scarf were comfy and kept me just warm enough. When you're THAT far from home, you want to feel like yourself without appearing like a classic American tourist. Although nearly impossible to fit in, at least a casual street-style can help you feel like you do. I'm also pretty sure wearing sneakers saved my life that day. Those narrow cobblestone streets are treacherous! (and quite thrilling). These are the times you don't want to overthink your look. Sometimes choosing an outfit quickly and more practically can come off as that casual coolness and ease you used to pick it. To wrap up this post: 1. don't think so hard when dressing for vacation adventure days and 2. make sure to spend extra time in Rome!
| TARGET velvet sweater | H&M distressed denim | CONVERSE sneakers | MADEWELL scarf |
