Lehigh Valley Voice - August 15, 2023
Day 1
Arrive safely in Rome after some minor turbulence. Grabbing my luggage, somehow instantly I spot my limo driver amongst a sea of limo drivers. The 4-star hotel is everything I could ask for. I immediately unpack and trudge to Via Veneto when it begins to rain. With a borrowed umbrella and a recommendation of where to eat, I find shelter from the downpour and enjoy the best spaghetti carbonara coupled with the best vino bianco at Vladimiro’s Ristorante. After my delicious meal, I push past the tourists on the narrow winding streets to the Spanish Steps and admire the view.
Day 2
I grab a croissant and cappuccino and start my day with a Colosseum Tour while imagining the gladiators and lions fighting. After two hours of steep climbing, I hail a cab to my hotel to prepare for my evening food tour in Trastevere, a cool Roman neighborhood buzzing with young people, restaurants, and music. I meet Davide, our charming and intelligent guide, and several other Americans. We saunter from place to place, sampling pecorino Romano cheese and prosciutto, Sangiovese wine, Pasta Amatriciana and Cacio e Pepe, Saltimbocca, and pistachio gelato. Yum!
