Living in Rome always sounds like such a romantic dream…
A glorious dream that most people,unfortunately, wake up from when they nod off at the office and are violently jerked back to the fluorescent lights and flickering computer screen. Other times, one dreams about drinking a deep, dark, blood-like glass of Barolo red as you bite into warm crusty fresh-baked bread topped with juicy Sorrento tomatoes or plump olives. Perhaps you imagine strolling down the flowering Spanish Steps and weaving in and out of chic Italian boutiques as you shop Via Condotti and flirt with the tall, dark and exotic gentlemen whose musical notes of their never-tiring ‘Ciao bella‘ melody caress your ears. Unless, of course, you have overlooked the odd mix of macho-metrosexuals and find yourself drawn to rich raven curls bouncing on top of a stiletto-heeled beauty who coquettishly smiles your way.
If this is your dream, it is time to wake up, not only because your boss is nearing your desk but because you are replaying a scene from a Fellini movie. Rome, in the real world, grows in contrast to what you have imagined. However, that Italy does exist, at times, but only in rare glimpses, which can be experienced more frequently once you learn how to see beyond the grit.
There are three ways to view the Italy of your dreams, rent any Italian film from the 50s and it will remain forever accessible; close your eyes again and freely imagine as you wish; or open your eyes and tantalize all of your senses by acquiring a new approach, which will enhance your love affair with Rome and entice you to an encore performance.
Rome is a city of oxymora which fool you and twist you, then leave you lost and out of breath. Deciphering it all has given me an exciting journey; one that I will share with you until I am successful at luring you here. That should be easy. The reality of the eternal city, as I see it, will be revealed, slowly; it may not draw you hither in haste, but you will love la bella Roma more, for it is real and not just a dream.
Beyond Rome lie Europe, Asia, Africa and other places I can only imagine going to, but once I have experienced its wonders, so will you, for I will take you there as well; vicariously at first, but one has to start somewhere.
Glenys Vargas is a New York City Jazz singer/songwriter who currently lives in Europe. She is a world-class triple-threat performer who has graced the stages of hundreds of cities, spanning over fifteen countries among three continents. While in NYC, she primarily performed as an actress/singer/dancer in many musicals. She has appeared in films, TV, commercials and has even modeled for Versace and Gaultier. Although she currently concentrates on Jazz, she also sings R&B/Hip-Pop and other genres that are native to her New York City roots. Glenys’ music may be heard by visiting her official website, where you will also find a full bio, booking details, photo galleries and much, much more.
Hai Glenys,
Welcome to the world of blogging! It is nice to find other North Americans here in Rome, blogging.
Looking forward hearing about the Roman world of jazz here…
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Hi Rose, I’m glad you are enjoying it. I hope to live up to your expectations.
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I’m usually not a fan of blogs but girl…you rock!
I will put this precious link into my “favorites”
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Thanks! I really appreciate your feedback. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
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im not fun of blogging but also think it’s good! realy mean! thanx!
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoy my writing.
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Hi!
If you’re looking to promote yourself a tad bit more in Rome, or simply check out the jazz scene, I would recommend the website http://www.frestyl.com.
It allows artists, venue owners and the general public to create a profile and list events they will be performing/hosting/attending.
All the events are then viewable from a map of the area you’re in, making the info rather easy to get to.
Enjoy!
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Thanks for the info! I’ll definitely check it out.
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Just desire to say your article is as astounding. The clearness
for your put up is simply cool and i could assume you’re a professional in this subject. Fine with your permission let me to snatch your RSS feed to keep up to date with approaching post. Thank you a million and please continue the gratifying work.
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Thank you so much for the great compliment!
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“Glenys’ Rome & Beyond” was a incredibly awesome posting, . I hope you keep writing and I’m going to continue browsing!
Regards -Kai
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Thank you Kai!
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I tend to agree with every thing that has been composed throughout “Glenys’ Rome & Beyond”. Thanks a lot for all the facts.Thanks for your effort,Alecia
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Thanks Alecia!
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You truly constructed a lot of good points in your post, “Glenys’ Rome & Beyond”. I will possibly be coming back again to your web-site soon. With thanks ,Pete
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Thanks Pete. I appreciate it.
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I’ve enjoyed your blog–are you still in Rome? We are planning a family trip this June with our four kids and your insight has been helpful. I am very worried about pickpockets on the train–two neighbors here in Virginia had their wallets/cameras taken. yikes! But, we are not letting that stop us from visiting Italy!!
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Yes, I am still in Rome. Yes, there are pickpockets. But, I’ve never had my pocket picked while in Rome. In fact, the only time my purse was stolen was not by gypsies nor in Naples but in Parioli, Rome’s chicest neighborhood. I was at a private party in someone’s home where everyone had left their purses on the bed. When I went to get mine, it was gone. So you always have to be craeful and aware no matter where you are. Don’t leave bags unattended and always keep your hands on them. Read my post ‘Avoiding Scams‘ and ‘Mangiare Bene – How to pick a top restaurant in Italy‘. Remember, if you believe you are being ripped off at a restaurant or shop, call the police or Carabinieri by dialing either 112 or 113. Check Trip Advisor before eating anywhere and make sure it isn’t a place known to scam tourists. Once you are aware, you can enjoy the beauty this country has to offer. Enjoy!
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That story is crazy, but I do believe things like that can happen anywhere. I did read another interesting story about the Italian mafia and the environment it creates among the Italians, that they don’t see thievery so much as wrong, but as a way of life…
I’ve got a question, if you wouldn’t mind? As I’ve said, we have four kids (boys aged18,16,13, and a girl 11) and I want them to experience a typical Italian department store (if it exists?). Can you point me to a particular one that might have items that natives buy?
We have reservations at a Marriott near the Vatican so if there is one on that side of town? Or a neat market to visit? I’d love to find a reasonable Italian leather purse or scarf.
I lived in Paris for three years back in the late 80s (showing my age…) and look forward to taking my children to Printemps or BHV during our few days there at the end of our trip.
So envious,
Angela 🙂
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Department stores are more common in the states. While they do have a couple here, they pale in comparison to Saks 5th Ave or Bloomies. The two you’ll find in Rome are Rinascente (Piazza Fiume) and Coin (Via Cola di Rienzo), which is a 10 minute walk from the Vatican. You’ll find the natives along Via Cola di Rienzo and Via del Corso, but you’ll also find plenty of tourists as well.
If you really want to hang were the natives hang, try having a picnic lunch at Vivi Bistro, which is inside Villa Pamphili. Sundays are the days when the park is most crowded with Italians. You could also just make your own sandwiches yourself and save some money. Vivi Bistro is a little restaurant inside the park. It’s near the Via Leone XIII entrance.
Then take a stroll to feed the ducks in the lake and count the turtles or spot the jumping giant carp and try to figure out what kind of species the strange-looking bird is. Personally, I call it a turducken.
That’s if you want to really be around the natives. Otherwise, enjoy the sights, the shopping and the food, there’ll be plenty of natives wherever you go.
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Today, I went to the beach with my children. I found a sea shell and gave it to
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LoL I know this is totally off topic but I had to tell
someone!
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