Chic Traveler: Roman Holiday

Rome is unlike any city you will ever visit! A bittersweet feeling overcame me while looking over the Roman Forum, for there lay the remains of what was once the greatest city in the world. I try to imagine and visualize the commerce, the culture, the people who lived amidst it all. People are EVERYWHERE...tourists with sneakers, shorts, tank tops and cameras around their necks and wrists. I wonder if one day our great cities will be nothing but other ruins, a reminder of what was once great.

Still Rome is full of life. The best way to explore the city is on foot. Do not dare get on a red tourist bus! I really do not understand the point of flying half way across the world to Italy only to board a big red bus! Walk on foot and experience public transportation just like the Romans. You cannot experience Rome unless you walk its many rocky streets and accidentally discover some Roman ruins that you didn't even know existed! That is half the adventure--just remember to always have a map on you. Maps can be found for FREE at any tourist information site or most hostels and hotels. They usually have the monuments marked on them. It is better to do this than to buy one because you don't have to feel bad about folding it up, shoving it in your pocket or purse, and writing all over it!

Vatican City is a must while you are in Rome. The home of the Roman Catholic Church, a property of 108.5 acres within Rome, has its own head of state, the Pope, its own postal system, coins, and Swiss Guards (in colorful uniforms). The Vatican Museum, home to Michelangelos Sistene Chapel and Judgement Day, has a reduced entrance fee, for students so don't forget your student ID. St. Peters Basilica is just what you would expect and more!

The immense height of the ceiling, paintings and sculptures are amazing. The dome in the Basilica was also designed by Michelangelo. It is important to dress appropriately when visiting the Basilica or else you will be turned away (even after you pass the security check). This means long pants for men and covered knees and shoulders for women. A young Italian guard at the Museum told us that if you call early enough (a few months before you arrive) you can reserve a spot in a small private tour of the gardens. The tours only takes place once in the morning because the gardens are closed in the afternoon when the Pope takes his walks.

For travelers looking for a more authentic experience, visit the bohemian Trastevere area of town. On the other side of the Tiber River from the Historical Center and not to far from Cap dei Fiori, you can cross at Ponte Sisto. As soon as you arrive you notice the difference. Small cobblestone and windy streets lead from one small piazza to another. Small local restaurants and pubs are fun at night when the streets become super crowded.

When I was there, there were street vendors along the Tiber and streets closer to the bridge. There may have been a festival or it may just be what they do every week! In Trastevere, my boyfriend and I enjoyed the most delicious pizza we have had so far in our time here!.My personal size flat crust pizza featured gorgonzola and rughetta while his was covered in mozzarella, potatoes and sausage. Mamma Mia!

Rome also has a lot of Enoteche, which are wine bars. I suggest ordering a bottle of glass of wine and a plate of cured meats and cheeses...perfect for two!

Most importantly visit all the sites, but take some time to wonder through the streets, taste some gelato, buy some fresh local fruits from street vendors, sit in a piazza to write some postcards, and take A LOT of pictures!

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