One of the most rewarding things about maintaining this website is meeting kindred spirits. Anthony and I met through vivandlarry.com years ago and had a passing acquaintance on Facebook. We finally hung out in person when I moved to north London two years ago. He and his partner lived nearby. We immediately bonded over our love for Vivien Leigh and classic cinema. He studies film, as well, and knows more than I do about a lot of stars of Hollywood’s golden age. He is also really good at impersonating film characters. When he started quoting The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (not just Warren Beatty, but Vivien Leigh and Coral Browne, too) I laughed so hard I cried. We became instant friends.
Anthony has been studying abroad in Rome since October and this week I finally got a chance to go and visit him. It was my first trip to Italy, and because we share so many of the same interests, I was happy to let Anthony show me around! Here are photos from day 1 of my visit.
Anthony at his favorite cafe, Pompi – they serve the best tiramisu I’ve ever had!
The original Roman city wall
Our first stop was Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, where the Popes lived before relocating to the Vatican.
Frescoes!
Next, we headed over to the Coliseum. We opted not to stand in line to go inside, but that’s okay because the entertainment came to us. No gladiators, sadly!
Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate in 312 AD
Forum Romanum
Musei Capitolini
Hercules with his impressive physique.
I absolutely loved the residential architecture!
And, of course, we had to do a mini Mrs. Stone tour! Piazza di Spagna.
I really like the Spanish steps, I visited the Keats and Shelley house last time I was there. Did you know that the Romans called it the English Ghetto in the 19th century, due to all the English expats living there. When I was in Rome for the first time in 2007 I didn’t go to the Colosseum either, lines too long, too expensive. It was lovely just looking at it!
Was the Keats House worth it? It’s a shame some of those big attractions cost so much and are so crowded, but it’s to be expected, I guess.
Hi Kendra! I’m so glad you finally come to Italy,I’ve always been sure you would love my beautiful country as much as Larry and Viv did..there are a lot of places linked to them-as a matter of fact. I’be so happy to join you and your friends, if you ever came again and let me know..
Hi Rita, Rome was lovely! I’d love to explore more of Italy some day. I’ll let you know if I ever make it back there 🙂
Yeah,Kendra, amazing number of old , old stones(,must have been elevating!) and two cute faces, but the other news is more exciting–asked my husband to “preorder” right away—does one get it then plus vite? Best, Renata
Thanks for the pre-order! You’ll get it in October when it’s published. Pre-ordering just means you reserved a copy, and get a discount from Amazon
I love your style, both of yours!
And as a foreigner who’s been living in this city for 2 years now, I found Rome’s incredible beauty has never ceased to surprise me, day after day 🙂
Fabulous photos! I feel like I’ve been on a wee Italian vacation. 🙂
Thank you!