Family Adventure Through the Eternal City: Rome

First Day in Rome: History Comes Alive

After months of anticipation, we finally touched down in Rome! The air was thick with the promise of adventure, and a hint of something ancient and profound. It's the first day of our family trip, and I could not be more excited to share our experiences in this captivating city.

Our journey from Halifax was smooth, thankfully, and the 939 Hotel proved to be a perfect base for our Roman escapade. The family-friendly vibe and multilingual staff were a godsend, especially when trying to navigate the city with a somewhat jet-lagged Oliver in tow. After a quick freshening up, it was time to dive headfirst into the heart of Rome's historical wonders.


Discover 939 Hotel, your perfect base for exploring Rome's historic gems and vibrant culture, with modern amenities and welcoming service.

First stop, the Colosseum! As a history enthusiast, I’ve dreamt of this moment for years. Seeing it in person was breathtaking. The sheer scale of the amphitheater is humbling, and you can almost hear the roar of the crowds and the clash of gladiators' swords. Oliver was wide-eyed, trying to imagine the spectacles that once unfolded within those ancient walls. Emily, ever the pragmatist, was fascinated by the architectural ingenuity that allowed such a massive structure to stand for nearly two thousand years.


Explore the Colosseum in Rome, a monumental arena where history, culture, and architectural beauty come together, captivating every visitor.

We spent a good couple of hours wandering around, soaking in the atmosphere. I tried to explain to Oliver the significance of the Colosseum, painting vivid pictures of gladiatorial contests and public events. He was particularly thrilled by the stories of brave warriors and fierce animals. Of course, I had to throw in a bit about Russell Crowe in *Gladiator*, which seemed to seal the deal for him. He ran around pretending to be Maximus for a good ten minutes!

Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither can its wonders be fully absorbed in one.

Next on the agenda was the Roman Forum. Just a short walk from the Colosseum, the Forum is a sprawling complex of ruins that was once the center of Roman political, religious, and social life. It’s a bit more challenging to navigate than the Colosseum, as much of it is in ruins, but with a bit of imagination, you can easily picture the bustling marketplace, the grand temples, and the senate buildings that once stood here. I felt like I was walking in the footsteps of Caesar, Cicero, and countless other historical figures.


Discover the Roman Forum, an open-air museum that immerses you in the rich history and stunning architecture of Ancient Rome.

Oliver, however, was less impressed with the piles of rocks and broken columns. To keep him engaged, I turned it into a treasure hunt, pointing out interesting details and telling stories about the people who lived and worked there. We even pretended to be archaeologists, carefully examining the ruins for clues about the past. This seemed to do the trick, and he was soon running around with renewed enthusiasm.

After a morning steeped in history, our stomachs started to rumble. It was time for lunch, and I had just the place in mind: Armando al Pantheon. This traditional Roman restaurant is just around the corner from the Pantheon and is known for its classic dishes and cozy atmosphere. Getting a table was a small victory in itself, but it was worth the effort. We started with Bruschetta, and then enjoyed the Spaghetti alla Gricia. Oliver, surprisingly, devoured his pasta, declaring it the best he’d ever had. High praise indeed!


Discover authentic Roman cuisine at Armando al Pantheon - where tradition meets exceptional taste in the heart of Rome.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we decided to do some shopping. We walked to Amor Roma gift shop, where we got some souvenirs. Oliver picked out a miniature gladiator helmet, while Emily found a beautiful scarf with a Roman mosaic pattern. I couldn’t resist buying a t-shirt with the inscription *SPQR* – *Senatus Populusque Romanus* – the Senate and People of Rome. Maybe I should also get an AS Roma shirt, but I don't think that would fit the historical theme.


Explore Amor Roma gift shop for unique souvenirs, trendy clothing, and authentic accessories that embody the spirit of the Eternal City.

As the afternoon wore on, we made our way back towards the hotel for a bit of a rest before dinner. We had reservations at Ristorante Ad Hoc, which I had heard specializes in truffles. It sounded like just the place to celebrate our first day in Rome. And it did not disappoint! The atmosphere was elegant and inviting, and the staff were incredibly attentive. We opted for the tasting menu with wine pairings, and each course was a delight. From the homemade pasta with truffle shavings to the perfectly cooked seafood, every dish was a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality. Oliver even tried a bit of truffle, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. Emily and I, however, were in heaven.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at Ristorante Ad hoc in Rome - where every meal is a celebration of Italy's rich culinary tradition.

Before heading back to the hotel, we took a leisurely stroll through the streets of Rome, enjoying the sights and sounds of the city at night. The Colosseum was beautifully lit, casting a magical glow over the ancient ruins. We stopped for a gelato – pistachio for me, strawberry for Emily, and chocolate for Oliver – and savored the sweet treat as we walked. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.

Of course, no day is without its hiccups. I realized that I had forgotten to pack sunscreen, which is a rookie mistake, especially considering Rome in September can still be quite sunny. I also realized that I forgot my universal power adapter, so I'll need to find one tomorrow, so that I can keep you all updated on our family's adventure.

Tomorrow, we’re heading to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. I’m particularly excited to see Michelangelo’s masterpiece, and I know Emily is looking forward to exploring the Vatican’s art collections. Oliver, on the other hand, is mostly interested in seeing the Pope. Wish us luck!

But for now, it’s time to rest and recharge for another day of Roman adventures. *Arrivederci!*