you never forget your first trip to Rome, Italy

Italy is my roots, my heritage, my family. My paternal grandmother was born in Italy and lived in Bari (Southeastern Italy, near the top of the heel of the boot) until she married my grandfather at the end of the war. She came over on a boat, by herself, and lived in a VERY small town in the middle of New York State. She lived on a farm, spoke very little English, and knew no one besides her husband. It still boggles my mind that so many young women made this journey to start new lives. I was scared to give up my life to move from Chicago to NYC, ha! Imagine the difference. With all that being said, it took me 33 years and working for two international airlines before I finally visited Italy. I had moved to Chicago almost a year prior but the majority of the people I considered good friends were still in Phoenix. One particularly great friend, asked me if I wanted to go to Rome for my birthday. The flights were full on United, so I was able to buy a Zed (airline employee discounts to fly standby on other airlines) and fly with her on US Airways. We only had a few days in Rome, but I'll never forget the wonder and the excitement of finally being in my Grandma's home country.

I wish I had notes of all the places we ate and the price we paid or the length of time we waited in line at each attraction, but this trip was almost ten years ago. What I will always remember, and what I want to share today, is the feeling. The history and the and power in the Roman Empire, The Catholic Church, and architects of the past hundreds of years. Rome isn't just amazing food (the best food!), a beautiful language, and the most romantic people.

I've visited many Italian cities since this first trip to Rome, but Rome to me, will always tell the story of Italy. Romans aren't afraid of their dirty secrets and violent past. They learn from it and move forward. In the Vatican, I was struck by wonder and pride for my Catholic upbringing. I was overcome with emotion, just as I have been at the golden Buddha in Bangkok, the goddess of relationships in Japan, and the god of the sea, in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, my love for the Catholic religion has all but died in the lasts ten years. There is only so much gay bashing, child molesting, and Trump supporting one religion can do and still call themselves Christians. I follow the teachings of "love your neighbor as yourself" and hope that someday soon, all Catholics will do the same.

There is so much to do in Rome, besides the main tourist attractions, but I strongly recommend you visit everything. We learned that paying for a guide can save you hours and you actually don't spend much more money than a normal entrance fee. This trip occurred in November, and it was a very different experience (time spent in line and weather conditions) than my other summer trips. It did rain a bit while we were visiting in the Fall, but weather did not take away from the experience at all, especially since the hot summer sun can be as much of a hindrance. Without further comment, here are the top tourist spots in Rome that you must see on your first trip!