ROMAN HOLIDAY

Entering the city my taxi driver shouted "Look at Roma, bellisimo bellisimo!". Proudly waving BOTH hands in the air he introduced me to each historic monument we passed expressing his heartfelt appreciation for them. Driving in Rome is in itself an adventure!

In my book, anyone who tells you four days is enough here is mad. Rome takes the cake for me. Arguably it is the most beautiful city in the world.

But it's the spirit of Rome that I found most impressive. The people and their passion for food, love, music, history, art, friends and simple moments.

The taxi driver breaks into song "Bellisimo bellisimo" he exclaims this time emphatically pointing to the radio and we belt out a ballad we both know in unison.

The shopping well f... me (f is for fashion). That's four days right there!

The boxes I ticked were:

1.The Colosseum...

2. Roman Forum

3. Trevis Fountain

4. Spanish Steps

5. Pantheon

6. Santa Maria Angelo (my late Mum's favourite church)

Of course I dined at one of the restaurants in a Piazza (Novana) to see the energy at night, and frequented better quality and less expensive establishments in Trastevere on the West Bank of the Tiber south of the Vatican City.

I didn't go to the Vatican City. Not seeing the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum was a crime. Only forgiven by solid plans to return soon and discover the Italian countryside in the process. Only three full days in Italy and I am richer because of them:

...the lady working like a dog in the Italian burger "Eataly" who would'n't let me pay for my coffee and said "This is on me because you're so nice"!

...the boys who ran the restaurant and bar I stumbled across in Trastevere who included a northern beaches Aussie boy and myself in their birthday celebrations.

...and two flight attendants who insisted on buying a stranger prosecco.

The Italian people give even when they're struggling financially.

In the words of my taxi driver (a beautiful young mother) on my return to Fiumicino "Pay - no good, taxes - no good, hospitals - no good, schools - no good, justice - no good". She spoke of corruption and handouts to gypsies and immigrants while locals (if they can get a job) work long hours and pay enormous amounts of tax. "People , stressed - no good."

The same conversation came up time and again. Hardship resonates. Many speak highly of the days of Mussolini and their hope for a better future. But they can't see one, "Not possible, not possible" sang the taxi driving beauty. It was a different tune to the one I'd heard on arrival.

But when the Barista at the "Eataly" generously handed me my free espresso I asked "Do you like living in Rome?" She summed it up "I love her, and I hate her" she said.

I recommend:

Fuelling up with brekkie at the hotel or, on the day you arrive, finding a quick cheaper alternative near to your accommodation to revisit so you don't eat into your limited time to explore.

If it's your first time - boarding a bus tour to get your bearings.

Wandering the streets and losing yourself. The majority of cultural landmarks are in close vicinity. Write down your hotel's address and make sure you can find your way home!

Being your own tour guide (organised tours can take a long time in piping hot sun and deplete your enthusiasm to see everything else).

Taking photos and being a tourist. If you're interested in photography you won't be short on subject matter.

Talking to locals, from my experience it's how you really get to know the city

Sampling as much food as possible.

Shopping (window or the real thing), you'll be salivating.

Buying leather (it's good quality and cheap).

Dressing up at night. It's a refreshing change after sweating up a storm seeing the sites. Italians present themselves beautifully and joining in is half the fun of being in Rome!

Travel Tip:

Start with a city like Rome and finish on an island or sea loving spot. The other way around and you'll be less enthusiastic about exploring. You'll also return home feeling rejuvenated.

I stayed at:

Hotel Majestic Roma (in Via Veneto) and found it delightful and conveniently central.