How do they survive? *rolls eyes*
1.Cobblestone roads.
The streets are beautiful. However, not long after you arrive, you realize that walking the streets of Roma could justify hiking boots, but then you wouldn’t fit into Roman fashion. That would be a shame.
2.Walking everywhere.
If someone in the United States says, “Oh, you can walk there,” expect 10 minutes, tops. In Roma, it could be anywhere from a 5 to 45 minute walk. I’ve walked 7 miles today, and it’s only 4 p.m. Stay tuned for buff calf pictures. (Give me a week or so)
3.Getting confidently lost.
My google maps is on the moment I sit in my car in the small town of Lubbock, TX. However, getting lost on Roman streets is almost the norm, even according to Romans that attend John Cabot University. Just don’t use a gelato shop as a marker. There’s 500+ of them in a 6 mile radius.
4.Sharing the sidewalk(?) with vehicles.
Is there even a sidewalk? Every inch of cobblestone that is not beside a main road is fair game for anyone. One girl during our meeting even admitted to being hit by a car, already. (She’s fine, it’ll buff.) Vespas also go 40 mph+ everywhere they can. It’s obviously your fault if you’re in the way, at least that’s what they’ve yelled to me. (In Italian, of course.)
5.Living without dryers.
Most of the heat in Roma runs off gas, and the bills are outrageous. A clothes dryer is few and far between, and they use the fresh Roma air to dry their clothes. It’s a little nostalgic, though, to hang your clothes to dry. Oh, and by the way…
6.Streets that smell like flowers.
The streets are lined with walls covered with white, sweet-smelling flowers that fill the air and tickle your nose. Sometimes, too much. I sneeze a lot. Worth every sneeze.
7.Entertainment on every corner.
Street performers and musicians are everywhere, but be warned. The charming tap-dancer might have a friend that is utilizing your distracted attention to pickpocket your wallet. They’re very talented at what they do, as it is how they make their living. Awareness is key, but enjoy them.
8.Standing for coffee.
Most Italian coffee shops have a service charge if you sit. It’s common to stand at the counter to finish your espresso, then quickly move on. Espressos are about the size of a shot, and are very strong. I prefer them over gelato, and I LOVE gelato.
9.Security everywhere.
Since the Paris attack, there are armed security guards at many places, including banks and universities. They do not speak English, take their job very seriously (as they should), but you can usually get a smile and a “Ciao” out of them. They make you feel safe.
10.Beautiful, and not so beautiful, graffiti.
The walls are covered in graffiti, which some call street art. (Accurate at times.) Other times, you see men scrubbing it off the walls of their businesses. It seems to be a losing battle.
11. Delicious Food.
From homemade tortellini, fresh pizza or fantastic wine (sorry, mom), every meal is better than the last. Accompanied by local musicians, fresh air and good company, meal times are special.
12.Mandatory nap time.
Well, maybe not mandatory. Italian law states that from 1-4 p.m., streets and sidewalks must have a quiet time. They are very serious about this, as I saw with an elderly Italian women as she shushed passing tourists. She’s now my spirit animal, so it’s casual. Honestly, I usually need a nap around this time from all of the walking that I do.
13.Tourists. Tourists everywhere.
Whether it’s because they bring in business, i.e. a LOT of gelato sales, or because they (I SAY THEY BECAUSE I LIVE HERE NOW, OKAY?) can be fascinating, Italians seem to love visitors in their country. This is good, because places such as the Pantheon and the Colosseum are constantly packed with hundreds of tourists. After a butchered pronunciation of “Buongiorno,” you might receive a “Ohhhh very good, you try so hard, americano, si si.” Why do tourists visit so much? Because…
14.Existing within history.
As I mentioned before, the Colosseum, Pantheon, Vatican City, place of Julius Caesar’s death, are just to name a few. Walking throughout the streets of Roma, you’re likely to accidentally run into the Trevi Fountain, or the Spanish Steps. Every day is walk through history, and surrounded by culture.
I hope you’ve enjoyed learning some quick things about Roman life. Stay tuned for more adventures.
Bellissimo Giorno!
Until next time, arrivederci.
I’m looking forward to sharing more adventures this summer. Stay tuned on my blog, or my sassy Snapchat or Twitter @fannah_hord
Hannah Ford
Texas Tech University – agricultural communications major
TurnRow Media 