It was an incredible month. Rome is an incredible city. There is so much to see and so much to do. I am so glad I took my time and did not need to rush. But, besides the time I spent with Natan and Mia, and with Paula and Dee, I spent my time alone, so, at times, it was a lonely month.
I spent some time thinking about why this was different from other trips. Here is what I thought:
Traveling in Asia, all of the foreigners can identify each other and tend to gravitate towards each other, so it is easier to meet people. In Rome I look like the Romans and am often mistaken for one.
Staying in an Airbnb is isolating. I would stay in a guesthouse next time.
Asia has more street food, or small informal places on the side of the road to eat, which is another place to meet other travelers.
Rome is a holiday destination. Couples come here and stay in their “couples bubble.” Being on vacation is a very different mindset than traveling for a long time.
I am much older than the last time I traveled (2013 to Laos and Cambodia). Even then, I was much older than other travelers, but the age difference has increased.
There may be a cultural difference between how Europeans engage with travelers and how Asian engage.
Take away: my next trip alone will be back to Asia and I will stay in guesthouses.
Highlights of the trip:
The Colosseum
The Forum
The Pantheon
My favorite church – Santa Maria of Nngels and Martyrs.
Victor Emmanuel II Monument
But of course, the top highlight of the trip was getting to spend time in Rome with my family.
