Walk through the magnificent Roman Empire and sample a bit of bellissimo—Italian style

Should I start my Italian adventure with that connecting flight that I missed in Zurich? After all it would be a perfectly tense and dramatic Bollywood-ishtyle moment to start a story. Also, it was how we—an overtly-excited bunch of Indian tourists—did begin our experience in modern yet ancient Rome. Indeed, Rome is a city of contradictions; sandwiched between the past and the present. There is no other city in the world thus spotted with historical relics. Built between 1,000BC and 750BC, it has been the centre of modern civilisation for centuries and witnessed assassinations of emperors and powers-that-be, all clamouring for a piece of it. If there is any place on earth where a sense of power and past hangs like a thick fog, it is in Rome. Walking through its cobbled squares and lanes is like treading on pages of history. But let us not linger long in Rome for the first 'official' stop was to be the Vatican City—around 2.76 kilometres away. I probably need not mention that Vatican is a country in its own right, and the smallest one at that. It is also one of the holiest Christian places, home to the Pope established in 1929. It seemed then that our travel through Italy was destined to start dramatically—the morning we started walking towards Vatican it began to pour. But, Rome is the city of gallant men and we were rescued, too, by our knight of the shinning brollies—Murad from Bangladesh— who was selling umbrellas right at the hotel entrance as early as 6.00 am. Interestingly, Rome, Florence and Venice are filled to the brim with people from Asia and Africa. Immigrants double up as street vendors selling local wares on pavements. We were still clutching our wet umbrellas when we reached the entrance to the Vatican Museum and what a treat it turned out to be! If one could ignore the milling crowds and queues, the massive sculptures by Michelangelo and Raphael at the entrance could easily transport one to the 16th century. Vatican Museum holds some of the rarest treasures of the world; it has enough creations by Raphael, Leonardo Da Vinci and Michelangelo, under a single roof to make you think it is a miracle. If that does not touch your heart, then a walk to Saint Peter’s Basilica will. A word of caution— the place is usually chock-a-block with people. We anxiously followed our guide’s—Valeria—bobbing black umbrella through the crowds. Also, it would be wiser to pay that extra penny and get a guide. They have interesting tit-bits not mentioned in the guide books. Our experience at Vatican was but a day long and we were back in Rome at the day’s end. The next day was dedicated to the capital city. The city seeks, nay it demands, attention. It needs to be experienced on foot. If you do so, soon your heart will be captured. It is a vibrant place, crisscrossed by walkerfriendly footpaths and pavements. You can tread miles and not feel tired. Since each alley and lane is pictureperfect, you will be encouraged to walk a bit further, and a bit more. No tourist can be in Rome and not visit the Amphitheatre or Colosseum—neither could we. Emperor Vespasian started the construction of the Colosseum in 72AD and it was completed in 80AD. When it was completed it is said 55,000 spectators could enter the building through its 80 entrances. Though it is a magnificent ruin one could almost close his eyes and imagine the great games between gladiators. Our must-visit list also included Forum, Trevi Fountain and Piazza della Repubblica. Though we stopped often to ask our way, our walks were guided by the city map which is meticulously drawn up. At times we did have problem communicating but hey, even our vast country has north-south, east-west language gap—and the group was given a sympathetic ear at all times. You must be familiar with an old saying that goes—see Naples and die. Well, we wished to see it and live to tell the tale. This ridiculously picturesque seaside paradise is also a world heritage site and home to pizza, music and oh-the-melodious mandolin. It is also one of the most romantic places I have ever visited, followed perhaps by Florence, where we all had a date with a certain breathtakingly handsome David, who awaited us at the Accademia Gallery Firenze. Alas, we were not his only admirers. The queue of David’s “fans” made us re-think plans for the day. But we did not give up. The next morning we were right under his gaze. What an experience it was, to stand before this magnificent statue—a miracle in marble. We looked on in stunned silence and bated breath (expecting him to speak because he was so life-like). It is indeed an accomplished artists who can both capture the human emotion and set it free on a lifeless piece of amarble. But do not make David the only must-do; Giotto’s Bell Tower, Piazza Della Signoria, Ufizzi Gallery and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the birthplace of Galileo, should also be a part of the itinerary. For a foodie, Italy is a gastronomical delight—wine is often cheaper than water and there are those wonderful items (all beginning with a ‘C’ coincidentally); cheese, coffee and chocolate along with freshlymade risotto and spaghetti sprinkled with oil freshly squeezed from orchard grown olives. Osterias are Italy’s answer to a budget traveller’s prayer—these are roadside, locally-run eateries that offer a limited menu, but served with care. Excellent quality at a cheap price. Our final stop was Venice—the city of 118 islands connected by stone footbridges. When in Rome do as the Romans do—walk. There are no wheeled vehicles allowed in this ancient city known for its melody masters such as Vivaldi. At one point of time it was referred to as the Republic of Music and it is said that an anonymous Frenchman remarked that Venice is that place where “In every home, someone is playing a musical instrument or singing. There is music everywhere.” I must confess that the rather ritualistic gondola ride was not that exciting for me because the canals are really not that clean. There is a sense of decadence and decay to Venice that lends it an atmosphere which stands in contrast to its people who are lively and ready with a smile. Bellissimo!