Explore Italy like an Italian

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it should also not be explored in a day. 

To really appreciate this city, its history and the extraordinary architecture, you have to spend at least three days here. Pretend you're as laid back as the Italians and take. your. time.

Something like the Vatican City and the Colosseum, for example, should not be left for one day (I learnt that the hard way as I ended up rushing through the Vatican Museum and being too late to go into the Colosseum). That said, I then decided to make the most of my mistake and wait around an hour or two – until the time of day when the Colosseum is at its most spectacular as the colour of the ruins changes while the sun sets.

Rome, to me, was like an overdressed lady with loads of make-up and shiny jewellery. Since one reigning pope would try to outdo the previous one by being able to say this or that fancy church or fountain was built while he was in power, every building competes to be more spectacular than the rest.

There are about 700 churches in the city. As our tour guide said,"I don't know why God needs so many houses." I must say, I don't know either.


At the Colosseum just before sunset.

That a building like the Pantheon is almost 2 000 years old, to me, is almost incomprehensible. This 19-century old Roman temple was completed around the year 125 and it's still standing to amaze people from all around the world today.

The hole in the dome-shaped roof is 9 metres in diametre.



Thousands (or no, probably millions) of tourists have made a wish at the Trevi fountain. According to our tour guide an average of 3 000 euro is thrown into the fountain every day, with tourists hoping their wishes are going to come true.

Apparently "someone" removes the money in the early hours of the morning every day. Although people are told the money goes to charity there are all sorts of rumours doing the rounds, such as that it actually goes to the Italian mafia.

I'd rather keep my money in my pocket...



Entering the spectacular Vatican City. 

I'm Carina van Wyk and I'm addicted to Italian ice cream...the one thing you cannot explore Italy without.

I found the best Italian gelato at a place called Giolitti in the street Via Uffici del Vicario.

This one had three different scoops - nutella, coffee, and vanilla with chocolate shavings - with fresh cream on top. Heaven in one's mouth! And, believe it or not, this is only their medium gelato. I would never be able to finish a large one.