Rome: The Eternal City

From the gargantuan Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica, to the monumental Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, the Eternal City of Rome, Italy offers an incredible adventure for men and women of all ages.  Art aficionados, history buffs, and foodies alike will be overwhelmed with the options available to satisfy their cravings to be immersed in the Italian lifestyle and culture.  I can tell you from experience that a visit to Rome is unlike any other and will definitely exceed your expectations!  Whether you want a low-key vacation, blending in with the locals, or if you want a fast-paced adventure seeing all the city has to offer, you will definitely be able to give your friends a full report of the picturesque architecture, succulent cuisine, and historic appeal.  Just think of it as your own little moment of fame, telling them what you did “When in Rome!”

The moment you set foot on Roman soil, you will know that you are walking through a city with a rich history.  Not only that, but some of the people who graced this city with their presence are, shall we say, not your average Joes.  Take, for example, Michelangelo.  Yes, THE Michelangelo.  He painted the current version of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel that you can still tour today.  Although he did not use a paintbrush, Julius Caesar also made his mark on Roman territory.  More recently, Rome has birthed celebrities like Food Network’s Giada De Laurentis, known for her sumptuous Italian cuisine and endearing personality.  Needless to say, Rome has definitely given us countless household names, influencing what we see, what we believe, and even what we eat.

If you only have a short period of time in which to see the city, be sure to invest in the double decker bus tour.  By doing so, you will be able to snag a lot of incredible photographs and get off at key locations to get a more up close and personal view.  It goes without saying that a visit to the Colosseum is a must.  It’s not enough to just take a photo from the outside.  Explore the many levels of this architectural wonder, marveling at the amazing workmanship that went into this colossal construction project, in spite of the primitive tools that were available in 70 A.D.  This structure could hold between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators.  Find a spot inside the Colosseum, sit down, and imagine what it was like to sit there many years ago, watching the gladiators or a mock sea trial.  I guarantee that it will be a moment you will always remember!

Some might say that Rome has it all.  Whether or not it has it all, there is certainly a vast array of possibilities when it comes to choosing how to spend your day.  For instance, why not walk down the street and visit another country?  Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world, is right in the middle of it all.  There is no border, so tourists can walk right through the gates.  Allow extra time to tour St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums, as there are typically long lines, especially during peak travel months.  Even so, it is definitely worth the wait!  The Vatican is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is home to some of the most famous art in the world.  Send a postcard to someone back home and tell them you spent the day in a country within a country!

When it comes to accommodations in Rome, there is literally something for every budget.  From budget-minded hostels to luxurious 5-star hotels, you will be sure to find what you are looking for.  During my last stay in Rome, my dad and I booked a room at the NH Leonardo da Vinci hotel.  Having stayed at another NH hotel in Amsterdam on a previous vacation, they gave us an outstanding rate.  It was more modern than some hotels you find in Europe, having all of the amenities of the average 3 or 4-star hotel in the United States.  While it was a more upscale hotel, they also provided a complimentary breakfast buffet, which was a nice way to start the day.  Still, our favorite place to stay in Rome is the Hotel Sonya.  Recommended by the experienced traveler, Rick Steves, this hotel is quaint, off the beaten path, and will give you a true Roman experience.  They include a free breakfast as well, with a vast array of Italian delights, including delicate pastries, quiche, fruits, vegetables, and so much more.  This is more than your ordinary continental breakfast.  It is a culinary adventure for your taste buds!

If you are looking to immerse yourself in the culture even further, walk a few blocks away from the Hotel Sonya and enjoy a vibrant street market, complete with clothing, fresh produce, and many other items.  If all of this shopping has made you hungry, head to the Café Washington for a succulent Italian meal.  Having eaten there several times, I can tell you firsthand that their lasagna, tortellini, spaghetti and meatballs, and pizzas are very good.  Be sure to step around the corner and cap off your meal with a scoop of gelato or ice cream, as this restaurant also serves up a wide array of frozen treats!  Looking for something different to satisfy your appetite?  Head over to Amalfi Pizzeria for their signature pizza/calzone combo, where one half of the pizza is a traditional pizza and the other half is a calzone.  So delicious!  Needless to say, Rome has a huge culinary scene that will keep you hungry, wanting to try as many different foods as possible.

If you find yourself in Rome, wishing you could come again one day, be sure to make a wish at the Trevi Fountain.  The largest Baroque fountain in the world, the fountain as we know it today was officially completed in 1762.  It stands at 85.28 feet high and uses 2,824,800 cubic feet of water every day.  It is one of the most popular fountains in the world and is a must-see for anyone traveling to Rome.  There is also a legend that if visitors toss a coin into the fountain, they are ensured to return to Rome one day.  While this is simply a legend, I can tell you from experience that one trip to Rome could never be enough!  Like they say, even Rome wasn’t built in a day!  So grab your passport and pack your bags!  It’s time to go on the ultimate Roman adventure!

What are some of your favorite things to see or do on the island of Santorini? Please comment below and share your recommendations! May you always have joyful journeys!

Jennifer Campbell

Paris: The City of Light

As a little girl, I remember seeing the Eiffel Tower featured in magazines and books and on television.  Its sheer size seemed to tower over the city of Paris similar to the way the Jolly Green Giant would dwarf the citizens of Munchkin Land.  The sparkling lights atop the tower created a magical spectacle that left me speechless when I fulfilled a childhood dream and set foot on Parisian soil for the first time.   From the glistening top of the Eiffel Tower to the sandy bottom of the River Seine, Paris is a city of wonder with its stately architecture, classic cuisine, and stunning sights to behold.

The moment you step onto the sidewalks of Paris, you will be captivated by the beauty that surrounds you.  But maintain your focus and make your way to Rue Cler, a street for locals and tourists alike.  The boutique hotels on this street offer an affordable accommodation in a setting that is perfectly Parisian.  My choice would be the Hotel Grand Leveque, a hotel recommended by the prolific European traveler Rick Steves.  I recommend paying a little extra to reserve a room street side on an upper floor, where you can lie in bed at night and watch the Tower twinkle atop the buildings down below.  I can personally tell you your final night in Paris will be a breathtaking one as you reflect on your journey through France while watching this magical sight unfold.

Rue Cler is a street built for foodies with its fromageries, bakeries, cafes, and markets.  Be sure to spend a day perusing the street, stopping in for a freshly baked baguette from the bakery, a slice of your favorite cheese from the fromagerie, some thinly sliced meat from the delicatessen, fresh fruit from the local market, and for dessert, a flaky, buttery croissant with a creamy chocolate filling.  Once you have shopped like a Parisian, carry your items to the perfect spot for a picnic: the Eiffel Tower.  For you see, while Rue Cler does not feel a bit touristy with all of the locals shopping and eating there, it is within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, Napoleon’s Tomb, and many other Paris landmarks.  The American Church of Paris is also just around the corner.  This cathedral provides an interdenominational service that will uplift and inspire you, complete with the beloved melody of a choir and pipe organ.  You will also find the École Militaire metro station a few blocks away, which makes it easy to travel to far-reaching destinations within Paris and nearby villages.  So make the most of your vacation as you become acquainted with the locals and do a little sightseeing as well!

If you want to see Paris from a bird’s eye view, climb to the top of the Arc de Triomphe at the western end of the famed Champs-Élysées.  This noteworthy monument honors the French men and women who gave their lives for their country during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.  If you want to see even more of the city from high above its chimneys and steeples, make the trek via metro and funicular to the highest point in all of Paris, butte Montmartre.  While there, visit the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, an impressive structure that was completed in 1914.  Finally, the Eiffel Tower offers a panoramic view of the city by day and an enchanted spectacle of lights at night.  You can brave the 600+ steps from the ground to the second level or use the lifts that will take you all the way to the top!  If it’s the Eiffel Tower you want to see from a semi-bird’s eye angle, visit the Trocadero, considered by many to be the number one place to have your photograph taken with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop.  There’s nothing like sitting on the marble steps basking in the awe of this magnificent Tower that has graced the city skyline for over 120 years.  The fascinating spectacle of this romantic city seems like an image taken straight from an artist’s canvas.

A trip to Paris would not be complete without a day spent at the Louvre, one of the world’s largest museums.  The architecture of the building alone is enough to make anyone take a second look.  Construction began around the 12^th century.  While it has undergone major renovations and additions over the past several hundred years, visitors can journey to the crypt and see a portion of the medieval Louvre.  While many people may think of the Louvre as an art museum, it is much more than that.  This museum houses some of the greatest collections in the world, from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged Victory of Samothrace.  While there, be sure to venture over to the Denon Wing to see Da Vinci’s renowned depiction of Mona Lisa.  Across the room, marvel at the beauty of my favorite work of art in the entire collection: The Wedding at Cana by Paolo Veronese.  It is a massive painting that measures over 20 feet high and 30 feet wide.  The subject of the painting is the miracle performed by Jesus in the Christian New Testament when he turned the water into wine.  If you can pry yourself away from this awe-inspiring canvas, peruse the galleries filled with artwork and ancient relics from all over the world.  Just don’t expect to see it all in one day, as there are over 35,000 exhibits on display.  Still, you can see the works of art most important to you in one day, if that is all your itinerary will allow.

During your stay in France, you will discover, just as I did, that French cuisine absolutely lives up to its name.  Whether you are searching for the classic French meal with French Onion Soup as the appetizer, Beef Bourguignon as your entrée, and chocolate mousse for dessert, or an eclectic fusion of flavors with your choice of Asian-inspired ginger-glazed salmon over a bed of long grain rice or a play on Italian cuisine with homemade lasagna, Paris has it all.  One of my favorite places to eat in all of Paris is Le Petit Cler, a café that is always filled with local Parisians lingering over a glass of wine, fresh baguettes, and a deliciously prepared meal.  This café has several options to choose from, including a succulently seasoned rump steak that is moist and tender, paired with a salad of freshly mixed greens, a baked potato, and a cream sauce that pleases the palette.  Want some lighter fare?  Their chicken salad features the freshest ingredients topped with strips of real chicken and their special house vinaigrette.  Cap your meal off with one of their signature desserts, including a creamy vanilla custard or sinfully delectable strawberry tart.

Want to take a day trip outside of the city limits?  Catch the metro and then transfer to the high speed rails for an excursion to the Palace of Versailles, an exquisite royal estate situated just 20 kilometers from Paris.  If you are traveling with children or are still a child at heart, journey to Disneyland Paris.  It’s a unique experience, even for those of us who have been to Disney’s Parks in the United States.  Think classic Disney with a European flair.  They maintain Disney classics like “it’s a small world” and Pirates of the Caribbean while bringing in new adventures such as Pinocchio’s Fantastic Journey, a dark ride featuring animatronics and a multisensory experience.  Looking for something more grown-up?  Visit the beaches of Normandy and pay tribute to the brave men and women who lost their lives in 1944 during a surprise attack and battle that raged on for over a month.

After an amazing day of sightseeing, enjoy a sunset cruise on the River Seine as you soak it all in, from the silhouette of Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower.  Prepare to kiss your sweetheart as you sail beneath Lover’s Bridge, the perfect landmark for the capital of romance, as it showcases padlocks placed by couples from around the world.  It is the perfect way to conclude a memorable journey through the City of Light.  Whatever you choose to do during your stay in Paris, you’re guaranteed to have a delightful glance into the French culture and lifestyle.  And don’t cry when it’s over.  Just smile because it happened and remember that a return trip is a must if you desire to see and do it all!  Paris is infinitely more than an once-in-a-lifetime experience!

What are some of your favorite things to see or do in Paris?  Please comment below and share your recommendations!  May you always have joyful journeys!

Jennifer Campbell