An ancient city filled with stories...
I remember feeling quite scared as I landed. Popping into a coffee shop to ask for directions on how to get to my hotel. The walk was much longer than I anticipated given that people kept telling me how walking friendly the city was. I took a very early Saturday flight from London and landed very exhausted as usual. But my adrenaline to explore kept me going. I quickly washed up at the hotel and took only essentials and set out to explore.
As I was walking the streets, I couldn't help but feel a bit lonely and helpless. The streets were difficult by north american pedestrian standards. I had to follow old ladies who walked into traffic to get across the streets. I passed by a coffee shop and bought something to eat then kept on my way to the Colosseum. A 30 min walk did not seem so bad but in an unfamiliar country with no internet was still a little daunting. I explored the ruins and the roman forums but could not help notice the glances and stares I was getting from strangers. Was it really odd that I was travelling by myself? Did I stand out that much?
I then made my way to the Spanish steps and joined a walking tour. These local free walking tours are usually the highlight of my trips. Our tour guide was very enthusiastic and generous. I can't remember all the places we gone but he did buy all of us cappuccino or espresso. There I met two Korean sisters travelling together. They were fun and friendly travel companions who walked me back to my hotel. The openness of humans to strangers is really determined by your own mind set. In being open minded you set yourself up to receive goodness. Believe its possible and things will be possible :)
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