Rome 2.0 – A weekend that filled me with life (and my head with ideas)

I first visited Rome in 2023. Standing beside the Colosseum for the first time, I was completely awestruck. We explored the inside too, and I remember thinking that this city had something I would not easily forget. And I was right. I knew straight away that I would come back – and this year it finally happened.

This time, we approached the whole weekend differently. No rushing between sights, no list of “must-sees”, just… taking it easy. Flights, rucksacks, a room in the centre and a desire to enjoy the city as it really is. And Rome rewarded us generously.

I love the film Gladiator, and although it was not filmed in Rome itself, every corner of the city brings it to mind. Those stones, those arches, those views into the distance… you almost expect to hear the crowds in the arena at any moment (only to hear a scooter and someone singing in the next street – but that has its own charm too).

And the food? It really was heaven. I tried Saltimbocca alla Romana – which translates as “jump into the mouth” – and I have to say it did so willingly. Tender meat, ham, sage, a little white wine… simple and divine.
Then came tiramisu from Two Sizes. If you know, you know. If you do not, go. Full stop.
And the ice cream from Frigidaria? The kind that makes you go back “just for a walk past”, only to end up there again, of course.

But the most powerful experiences came from keeping my eyes wide open – street artists, painters, musicians, dancers… They are all creating in the moment, and it draws you right in. That is exactly the energy that always gives me a boost. Watching people, the light, the textures of buildings, the colours of shutters – it all sets my mind turning, and I can feel new paintings beginning to take shape.

It was a weekend without plans, but it made a big impression.
I am leaving with a head full of ideas, a heart full of calm and a smile that stayed with me even after landing back home.

Thank you for reading this Roman diary right to the end. I am sharing some photos – perhaps they will remind you too that sometimes it takes very little. A short weekend, a big city and an open mind.

Arrivederci, bambíni!

“Rome never shows you everything. But it always shows you what you need at that moment.”