Buongiorno! Day 1: Rome was breathtaking. I landed in FCO airport and hailed a taxi to my Airbnb in the heart of Rome. I stayed with Pierra and her mother in the home they grew up in. The key looked like the key to a castle, look at the size of that thing!
I took a 20 minute walk to the Spanish Steps were I met my photographer/tour guide Francesco. We toured, ate, and was photographed around the city for 4 hours (very exhausting with jet lag). I learned about Rome's history and ended my tour with a complimentary shot of limoncello, the traditional Italy liqueur.
The Trevi FountainThey say tossing a coin behind your back means you'll return to Rome <3
The Colosseum
The Pantheon
Fun fact: When it rains in Rome, it doesn't go in through opening at the top due to the air pressure inside the dome. Once a year the light at the top of the dome will shine directly down and the religious figures have a rose ceremony in which the dome becomes completely filled with rose petals (last 2 photos).
The Streets of Rome
I ventured out to Trastevere for dinner at Tonnarello
Interesting fact: Every fountain has clean, drinkable water.
I ended my night with a walk around the tiny streets near my apartment. I could hear the locals celebrating as I fell asleep, I was too exhausted to explore the local bars. I slept a solid 10 hours -- next up, Venice!
xo -Erika