Family Adventure in the Heart of Rome

Ciao Roma! A Fond Farewell

As our Roman adventure draws to a close, today was all about soaking in the last bits of this magnificent city. From exploring ancient artifacts to enjoying breathtaking views, Rome truly gave us a memorable send-off. It's hard to believe our week here is already over; it feels like just yesterday we were marveling at the Colosseum for the first time. Today was a mix of history, culture, and a little bit of shopping, perfectly encapsulating the essence of Rome.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Non c’è trippa pe’ gatti. The quirky name alone made me smile – I always appreciate a bit of local humor. It was a cozy spot, filled with the aroma of fresh pastries and strong Italian coffee. We fueled up with some delicious cornetti and cappuccino, ready to tackle the day's adventures. Sofia, of course, opted for a chocolate-filled pastry, her favorite way to start any day.

First on our agenda was the Capitoline Museums. As a translator with a love for history, I was particularly excited about this visit. The museums are located on the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, and offer a fascinating journey through the city's ancient past. The climb up the Cordonata, the gently sloping ramp leading to the top, was a pleasant way to start, offering glimpses of the city below.

The Capitoline Museums are actually two palazzi: the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, facing each other across the Piazza del Campidoglio. This piazza was designed by Michelangelo, and its harmonious proportions and stunning layout are a testament to his genius. Even Pieter, who usually prefers modern architecture, was impressed by the Renaissance design. We spent a good amount of time simply admiring the piazza before even entering the museums.

Inside, the museums are a treasure trove of Roman artifacts, sculptures, and artworks. We wandered through the halls, marveling at the iconic bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, which once stood in the center of the piazza. The collection of Roman busts was particularly captivating, each face telling a silent story of emperors, senators, and everyday citizens of ancient Rome. Sofia was fascinated by the statue of the Capitoline Wolf, the mythical she-wolf that nursed Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. I tried my best to explain the legend in a way that a 10-year-old would understand, and she seemed genuinely intrigued.


Uncover the artistic and historical treasures of Rome at the Capitoline Museums, where every corner tells a story of the Eternal City.

The beauty of Rome lies not just in its monuments, but in the stories whispered by its ancient stones.

After immersing ourselves in ancient history, we made our way to the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, also known as the Altare della Patria. This imposing white marble structure is dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II, the first king of a unified Italy. While opinions on its architectural style are divided – some Romans affectionately (or not so affectionately) call it “the wedding cake” – there's no denying that it offers some of the most spectacular panoramic views of Rome. The sheer scale of the monument is awe-inspiring, and it dominates the Piazza Venezia with its grandeur.


Explore the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II, a stunning historical landmark in the heart of Rome, symbolizing Italian unity and pride.

We took the elevator to the top, and the view was simply breathtaking. From up there, we could see the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill, and countless other landmarks stretching out in every direction. It was the perfect vantage point to reflect on our week in Rome and appreciate the city's incredible history and beauty. I pointed out the various landmarks to Sofia, trying to connect what she had learned in school with what she was seeing in front of her. Pieter, meanwhile, was busy taking photos, trying to capture the essence of the Roman skyline.

Lunch was at Matermatuta, a charming little restaurant near Piazza Venezia. We were ready for a break after all the sightseeing. The restaurant had a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere, and the aroma of traditional Roman cuisine filled the air. We ordered some classic dishes, like pasta carbonara and cacio e pepe, and enjoyed a leisurely meal. Sofia, who is usually a picky eater, surprised us by devouring her plate of pasta. I think the fresh ingredients and authentic flavors of Italian cooking had won her over.


Discover Matermatuta: A premier dining destination in Rome offering exquisite Italian cuisine in an elegant setting.

After lunch, we strolled through Piazza Venezia, a bustling square that serves as a central hub for traffic and pedestrians. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings, including the aforementioned Monument to Victor Emmanuel II and the Palazzo Venezia, which once served as Mussolini's headquarters. We took a moment to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the piazza, watching the people go by and listening to the sounds of the city.

Next on our list was Via del Corso, one of Rome's main shopping streets. While I'm not usually one for excessive shopping, I thought it would be fun to browse the shops and pick up a few souvenirs. The street was packed with people, a mix of locals and tourists, all eager to find the perfect memento of their Roman holiday. We popped into a few stores, admiring the leather goods, clothing, and artwork on display. Sofia was particularly interested in the souvenir shops, wanting to buy a miniature Colosseum to take back home to Amsterdam.


Experience the vibrant heart of Rome at Via del Corso, where shopping, history, and culture converge.

I found a beautiful silk scarf with a Roman motif, which I thought would be a nice reminder of our trip. Pieter, ever practical, bought a new leather belt. Sofia, after much deliberation, finally settled on a small, hand-painted ceramic wolf figurine. We also picked up some postcards to send to friends and family back home. It was a fun and lively experience, even for someone who doesn't usually enjoy shopping.

For our final dinner in Rome, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at PER ME - Giulio Terrinoni. This Michelin-starred restaurant promised a culinary experience to remember, and it certainly delivered. The ambiance was elegant and refined, and the service was impeccable. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a selection of innovative and beautifully presented dishes. Each course was a work of art, a testament to the chef's creativity and skill.


Experience culinary artistry at PER ME - Giulio Terrinoni, where modern European cuisine meets fresh seafood in an elegant Roman setting.

From the delicate seafood appetizers to the rich and flavorful pasta dishes, every bite was a delight. The wine pairings were also excellent, enhancing the flavors of the food and adding to the overall experience. Sofia, surprisingly, was quite adventurous with her choices, trying everything from the oyster amuse-bouche to the truffle risotto. Pieter and I savored every moment, knowing that this was a meal we would remember for a long time.

As we savored our last bites of dessert, a decadent chocolate creation, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness that our Roman holiday was coming to an end. This trip has been an incredible experience for all of us, filled with history, culture, delicious food, and unforgettable moments. Seeing Rome through Sofia's eyes has been particularly special, watching her learn and grow and develop a love for travel and exploration.

Tomorrow, we head back to Amsterdam. While I'm looking forward to returning to our cozy home and familiar routines, I know that a part of me will always remain in Rome. The memories we've made here will stay with us forever, and I'm already dreaming of our next adventure. Until then, ciao Roma, and grazie mille for everything.

As I reflect on our trip while writing this blog post, I realize how fortunate I am to be able to share these experiences with my family. Balancing my work as a freelance translator with my passion for travel blogging can be challenging, but moments like these make it all worthwhile. The ability to immerse myself in different cultures, learn new things, and create lasting memories with Pieter and Sofia is something I truly cherish. And who knows, maybe one day Sofia will follow in my footsteps and become a travel blogger herself! For now, I'll continue to document our adventures and share them with the world, hoping to inspire others to explore and discover the beauty of our planet.

And that's a wrap from Rome! Tomorrow, we'll be heading back to Amsterdam, filled with memories and a suitcase full of souvenirs. Until our next adventure!