Restless In Rome

I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing with thoughts of what I need to prepare for teaching in September, how I need to entertain my 15-year-old niece on our last day in Rome, about my love’s job interview on Thursday and lots of other things. A typical morning. I left where we are staying at 4 am.

When I left, the sun wasn’t up; it was cool. It was perfect for a constant sweater like me. I started walking through the dark streets of Rome. I usually travel alone. It gives me time to reflect on where I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going. My mind leaps around from topic to topic with no rhyme or purpose.

The sky grew lighter as the flower shops opened and the bars closed. Walking past the homeless bodies sleeping on the cobble stone side walks. The more light there was, the more the city revealed itself, the more inner my thoughts grew. Rome, like most cities, is most beautiful when no one is around. I wish I had brought my camera.

I followed the narrow streets past the Basilicas towards the Foro Romano and the mighty Colosseum. No one was around. Seeing the ruins alone made it even more special. On this trip, I’ve been more in awe of structures than of people. When I travel in Asia, it’s the other way around. A lot of that may be due to ensuring my 15-year-old niece is enjoying herself in a safe environment free of worry.

Now the sun is higher in the sky. The clock is past 7 am. The street cleaners are making too much noise. The others will be here soon. I’ve been listening to Sleeping At Last by Atlas too many times. I should walk back, but I need to stare off on the ruins one last time and think of what was.