Victoria Ellison
However, as usual, luck was not on my side and this superb creation was closed for renovation. I subsequently found myself gazing longingly through the bars of a gate; like a prison cell banning me from the artistic and mathematical genius of Bramante. Definitely hunt it down if you get the chance (trust me it isn’t easy to find).After discovering your personal hidden gem I suggest going in search of replenishment and setting off to find one of the many batten down holes which at first sight may remind one of the basement of a mortuary, but once inside become an Emporium of all things sweet and decadent. What you have no doubt really discovered is a haven of Italian bakery, adorned with pastries of every kind and scattered with locals enjoying a mid day Rendez vous or languishing in a moment of solitude to break up the day.
I would also suggest walking to as many places as you can, as you will find so many unexpected delights; and Rome, much like London or New York is difficult to get truly lost in. But at the end of the day, whether one finds oneself enamoured or like Joyce are not so impressed, there will always be a charm to Italy that one cannot always explain, for me it is the simplicity that comes with the Italians more relaxed way of life, resonating from every nook and cranny, a feeling almost perfectly described by Patricia Highsmith, ‘This is what I like, sitting at a table and watching people go by. It does something to your outlook on life.’
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Michael Tompsett, fineartamerica