Snapshots from a Winter in Rome

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Every time I visit Rome, I like it a little bit more.

The first time, in high summer, I didn’t understand the appeal. It was too hot and too crowded for my tastes.

The second time, in the height of winter (January), I was surprised and impressed. The city streets were bustling, but not overcrowded. It was winter coat weather, but the sun was shining. And all I remember is how much I loved the food.

This time, arriving in late winter, when just a hint of spring was in the air, I liked it even more. I still loved the food—white chocolate and basil artisan gelato, crispy Jewish-style artichokes from the ghetto, tender Roman-style artichokes, and strong cheese—but this time I was also surprised at how absolutely beautiful Rome is.

Somehow, in the height of my discomfort that first summer, I missed it. I remember the crowds instead of the monuments, the sticky bus seats instead of the pretty squares.

And my second trip was so short (just a day) and so centered around food (on a food tour) that I missed it again. Which just goes to show that some places need to be seen and seen again, I suppose.

But this time, as we drove vintage cars through fields of grazing sheep and strolled through the picturesque Trieste neighborhood and made our way to a little restaurant in the Jewish ghetto, I kept thinking how pretty Rome is, with its towering churches and sprawling parks, its old stone streets and perfectly kept ruins.

So when I thought about what I wanted to say about my winter weekend in Italy, I started with the photos. Because this is what my winter was. Color, beauty, snapshots of a city that seems to shift and change every time I visit, revealing itself slowly over time.

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A big thank you to The Beehive for arranging the little blog event and putting us up, to Scooteroma for the vintage car tour, and Gina and Eleonora for taking us around the fresh markets and small eateries. And a big thanks to Liz, who gave an interview for my book last year and helped me complete my quest for Jewish-style artichokes on this trip.

All photos taken with my brand-new Sony a6000.