Wanderlust Wednesday: Rome

Hello and welcome back to Wanderlust Wednesday! Today’s city is Rome. Not Rome Georgia, but Rome Italy. 🤩 Rome was my first international solo trip and will always be my first love.

So how did this all happen? Well, in 2005, I finally got my big break in my career which required a tremendous amount of business travel. With those travels, I had perks with frequent flyer points. So in the spring of 2006, I decided on a 10-day international vacation — Rome. 🇮🇹

I asked several friends if they wanted to go with me. All I got was a no.😣 So I booked a solo trip. Once it was booked, those same friends told me that a single woman should never travel alone. Ha! If they could see me now!

Anywho, since this was my first solo trip, I did my research. I went to Barnes & Noble. You know THE bookstore before Amazon and purchased Rick Steve’s book on Rome. I still have it 12 years later.

I read the book cover to cover and it became my bible. It told me about free walking tours, how to stay safe, where to eat, and day trips to explore other parts of Italy.

With excitement and trepidation, I was on my way to Rome which started my love of travel. I walked the entire city; had a cappuccino every morning on my street Via Veneto; rode the bus like the Romans; ate meals fit for a queen. I had a phenomenal time by myself!

Below are moments of my virgin voyage of Rome.

The Colosseum

My guide during the free walking tour

The Spanish Steps

The fountain across from the Spanish steps

The Trevi Fountain

I was told if you throw a coin over your left shoulder, you will return with your true love. I did return 10 years later but with my god child

The Vatican and Sistine Chapel

I spent the whole time looking up and getting yelled at for taking pictures lol. You are not allowed to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel. Who knew?!

Just Rome

Just some pictures of Rome. Okay, I don’t remember where I was but you can Google and find out 😉

As afraid I was initially, this solo trip was one of the best decision I made. It gave me the courage to conquer my fears and allowed for the birth of interNATionalcaty.

You are probably wondering can YOU do this? That answer is a resounding YES. Is it scary at first? YES! However, you can do that solo trip and it will be the best liberating experience. Even if you are afraid and still want to do it, I can help and guide you through this experience. Just contact me.

See you next week and remember “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”.