2008 Woodie Awards
Ciao, from Italy
Jenna Rignanese
Issue date: 2/15/07 Section: Features
- Page 1 of 1
Walking down the street alone, it's an early Tuesday morning, I head straight for the number 44 bus. I feel confident today. My schedule is open for anything with a list full of ideas and no commitments.
Finding an open seat on the busy morning commute is a hassle. I see an open spot facing out the window, and I rush to sit down. The bus ride is long and rumbling, but I listen to my iPod and gaze out the window to pass the time.
I arrive at my first destination after six stops. I hop off the bus, and begin walking. I walk, and walk, breathing in the air, and taking in my surroundings. I pass by ancient ruins that drop hundreds of feet below the ground. They appear movable like small pebbles and bricks from my view. What an amazing sight to see in the middle of a bustling city!
It's a new day in Rome, and the locals are busy at work. The bars and cafes are bustling, newspapers are being delivered, the beggars are planted on their regular corners, and it looks like any normal European day.
I make my way in and out of a few shops and boutiques, walk around the Spanish steps, and stop for a cappuccino to write a few postcards. I feel great. This is a perfect day.
Suddenly, The sky opens up and buckets of rain pour from the skies above. Walking at a faster pace, the sudden realization of the distant bus stop is now upon me. Two more miles and I'll be there.
I skip onto the bus and grab one of the handles above. There is no sitting room, so I am forced to stand. My sweater, jeans, and boots are soaking wet. Still, disappointment was nowhere in my mind. My first independent excursion went well. I was still in one piece with just a little rain on my coat.
The precipitation and winds came through for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. On one of the wettest nights of the week, we ventured out to Piazza Navona, a cozy, artsy plaza, where open-air restaurants line the walls and artists set up shop near the center fountains.
Sitting under a canopy, we dine over dim candle lit tables with lavender table clothes and ornate place settings. Our meal is long and enjoyable.
As our dinner comes to an end, I gaze out at the glistening fountains as the pouring rain spatters off of the rooftops. Something about it strikes me as beautiful and peaceful. While looking at this picturesque scene, my heart skips a beat as I realize, this truly is a magical place.
Finding an open seat on the busy morning commute is a hassle. I see an open spot facing out the window, and I rush to sit down. The bus ride is long and rumbling, but I listen to my iPod and gaze out the window to pass the time.
I arrive at my first destination after six stops. I hop off the bus, and begin walking. I walk, and walk, breathing in the air, and taking in my surroundings. I pass by ancient ruins that drop hundreds of feet below the ground. They appear movable like small pebbles and bricks from my view. What an amazing sight to see in the middle of a bustling city!
It's a new day in Rome, and the locals are busy at work. The bars and cafes are bustling, newspapers are being delivered, the beggars are planted on their regular corners, and it looks like any normal European day.
I make my way in and out of a few shops and boutiques, walk around the Spanish steps, and stop for a cappuccino to write a few postcards. I feel great. This is a perfect day.
Suddenly, The sky opens up and buckets of rain pour from the skies above. Walking at a faster pace, the sudden realization of the distant bus stop is now upon me. Two more miles and I'll be there.
I skip onto the bus and grab one of the handles above. There is no sitting room, so I am forced to stand. My sweater, jeans, and boots are soaking wet. Still, disappointment was nowhere in my mind. My first independent excursion went well. I was still in one piece with just a little rain on my coat.
The precipitation and winds came through for the remainder of the week and into the weekend. On one of the wettest nights of the week, we ventured out to Piazza Navona, a cozy, artsy plaza, where open-air restaurants line the walls and artists set up shop near the center fountains.
Sitting under a canopy, we dine over dim candle lit tables with lavender table clothes and ornate place settings. Our meal is long and enjoyable.
As our dinner comes to an end, I gaze out at the glistening fountains as the pouring rain spatters off of the rooftops. Something about it strikes me as beautiful and peaceful. While looking at this picturesque scene, my heart skips a beat as I realize, this truly is a magical place.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
stan
posted 2/15/07 @ 7:02 PM EST
i am retired from vermont and living just 20 miles from rome. this is truly a magical place. every one on earth should see this for a few months. it would take at least that long as there is so much to enjoy. (Continued…)
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