The feeling that Rome gave me....

Rome is a place that would remain in my memories for several reasons.

First of all, the collection of historical architectural monuments. THey are so magnificent and so full of history. Every sand every stone, every block and every column tells a story. While the government tries its very best to preserve what it still has, there is evidence that history and its details are slowly seeping away as more and more tourists visit the city and are careless when appreciating the beauty of the monuments.

Second of all, traffic lights are of no use in Rome, or perhaps only the cars are obliged to obey the rules. Pedestrians are kings of the roads. The Italians cross the roads without any regard for the traffic lights or rules. WIthin a few hours of touring the city, both of us have more or less picked up the trick of crossing the roads. Lesson learnt : Just put your foot on the road when you see a gap between two cars and bravely walk ahead. The cars will automatically slow down even if they are driving at high speed. Of course, when you notice that the cars probably cannot slow down that fast, then perhaps you may want to pause for a few seconds and allow the cars to pass first. It is a give-and-take relationship.

Third of all, Italians exude a very interesting air around them. It is not a negative force, neither is it a positive force. It is a feeling that tells me that they have made peace with the elements around them. THeir vivacious way of verbal expressions, their confidence with their own langauge and culture and identity. It is just like we were in this vacuum of no extremes.

Rome is a special city to be in. HOwever, somehow, I just feel that there exists a suppression of the many stories that the city wants to tell. Perhaps it is the globalization and modernization of the city.