Rome Begins Just South of Trastevere

At least it did for me. I had very little trouble in navigation from the airport, taking the “local” train, then the Tram, and finally a short walk down a side street lined with “relatively” new tallish apartment buildings to find my B&B. On the other hand, I had a great deal of trouble pronouncing Trastevere. From, the moment I arrived, waiting at the luggage carousel I was being counseled on the correct pronunciation. This area was to be my primary stomping ground for the next two weeks and I can’t even say it properly. After much coaching over the next few days, of course, I did manage (with much thought each time) to make a decent stab at it. And by the second week, it was - second nature to me now, by George, I’ve got it! (that’s – Tras-tehv-ah-ray)

Upon arrival, my Italian is almost non-existent - not nearly as good as my French or Spanish, which I don’t speak either, but my survival skills in those are well-practiced and I can pick up a little in conversation. The Italian people, however, are warm and helpful, even many in Rome. Before the end of my trip, I have improved to a decent level of survival speak, even if I can’t hear a thing!

Looking Left

After settling into my marvelous B&B and benefiting from the spectacular weather, I walk out, look left, look right, it’s almost heaven – not West Virginia, it’s Trastevere, well the main street of “Viale di Trastevere”. Of course, cars, mostly very small and non-descript abound, but that's an other post! I'm off to wander and explore the center of my world's sojourn- Trastevere.

Looking Right

Trastevere is the 13th district of Rome, its name derives from the Latin “Trans Tiberim” (beyond the Tiber). It was placed out of the town and joined to the rest of Rome through the Subliciotale bridge until the emperor Aurelian (270-275 A.D.) included it within the Roman walls.

One of the old walls of the city

Just the charm of the narrow cobbled streets and buildings

The light and the small fountain at the end of the street draws me toward it.

Then up the Janiculum Hill for views and what views. I am told Romans love to look down from the hills, maybe it's cause Rome was founded as a hill town.

More street scenes of Trastevere

One one level, my lovely magical carpet ride continues, but on the other hand, must

take of some business……..