We stayed for a month long sojourn at Michele’s flat in the “old” Roma district referring to the fact that it is an easy walk to such antiquities as the Forum, the Spanish steps, the Trevi fountain, or the Parthenon. The Coliseum is six blocks away. You could not be more central than this small studio apartment sitting on the top floor of a four-story building complete with elevator and a colorful terrace/patio overlooking the Victor Emmanuel Building in the distance. We spent many an hour on the terrace dining and watching the sunsets. This flat has a suitable kitchen with stovetop, well-stocked kitchenware and utensils, a bar fridge, a cozy bath and sink along with a laundry washer (indispensible in the hot weather). The neighborhood is dotted with countless shops, bistros and cafes. We seldom eat in the same place twice.
On our first day we were greeted by Michele who gave us a thorough understanding of the studio and its contents. He took us about the building and shared some of his favorite locales in Rome. He even invited us to his shop close to the Trevi Fountain where we could print off some necessary travel documents and later met his charming mother and grandmother. At one point an outdoor umbrella and vacuum cleaner broke during use, but Michele was quick to get new ones.
I must say we had a rich and bountiful time while in Italy. And who could not enjoy the “eternal city” from the vantage point of this charming studio-apartment in the heart of Rome. How quickly would I return? How fast can you say “ciao amici?’