Rome, January
At the beginning of 2024, I set off on my second solo trip abroad. I wanted to feel independent, free, and open to whatever is coming my way. The start of the year is usually gloomy — that post-holiday slump where winter feels never-ending — so this escape felt exactly like what I needed.
The night I landed in Rome, I wandered through unfamiliar streets, searching for my hostel. My heavy rucksack slowing me down while my little suitcase clattered along the cobblestones. And honestly? I loved it.
Of course, I had the usual worries — being alone in a new city at night, surrounded by strangers, just wanting to drop my bags and breathe. But eventually, after weaving through smaller and smaller alleyways, I found my temporary home. It had a games room, a big communal kitchen, and more floors than I expected.
This was also my first time staying in a mixed dorm. I was nervous — very nervous. But almost immediately, I met this incredible Canadian woman, and we slipped out together for dinner. We were craving a simple slice of pizza… but naturally, we ended up in a fancy restaurant instead. It was gorgeous — not exactly budget-friendly — and it's also where I learned, to my surprise, that an Aperol Spritz is alcoholic. Just my luck.
That night, the moment my head hit the pillow, I was out. I had plans for the next day — the classics: the Colosseum, the usual tourist spots, and an entire city waiting to be explored.
One of my favorite things about being somewhere new — especially abroad — is uncovering the history you never learned in school. Of course, I knew a bit about Roman history, but being there, standing among the ruins where legendary battles once took place, imagining the people who lived and fought there... it was something else. It's like walking through echoes of a world we'll never fully understand.
The future is different, they'll have images and videos, endless footage to look back on. But for us, to understand the daily lives of those who came before, we have to piece it all together — from stones, stories, and what little time left behind. And that makes every step through a place like Rome feel sacred.
After far too many steps, tripping over all the cobbles and finding an underappreciated photo spot, I showered, went for a last-night snack, and hit the hay. Just so I could wake up early the next day to get the Trevi Fountain all to myself.
Later in the day, I came back this way, and I couldn't believe the hustle and bustle this fountain attracted. You could barely move, police there all the time watching — and for what? Everyone in the background of your pic while you struggle to throw an iconic penny into the water.
Don't get me wrong, I sat for ages. In the morning, when it was just me, the white fountain glowed in the early sun — as if God lit it for me. And later, watching all these people enjoy it is always amazing.
During the middle of the day, I walked across the city to the Castel, the bridges, and a few vintage shops, where I found these beautiful old knit jumpers. Of course, I doubted whether I needed them (or could bring them home) and left them — only to FaceTime my mum and sister, who encouraged me to walk about three miles to go back and buy them. And wear four jumpers at the airport if necessary.
That night, whilst I walked to get strawberries and a drink from the shop, I stopped at a little jewellery place. This bracelet caught my eye, and I knew I'd regret it if I didn't get it — small black flowers on a gold chain. Even though it's broken now, I could never get rid of it. That is my home in Rome moment.