Family Adventure Through the Eternal City: Rome

Vatican City and Roman Nights

Today was nothing short of awe-inspiring, a day where history, art, and faith converged in the heart of Rome. From the early morning hustle to the tranquil evening, every moment was a brushstroke on the canvas of our Roman adventure. Come along as I recount our family's day exploring Vatican City and the culinary delights that followed.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Sant' Eustachio Caffè. Emily and I managed to sneak away before Oliver woke up, craving that authentic Roman coffee experience I'd read so much about. The aroma alone was enough to invigorate us for the day ahead. I opted for their famous espresso, while Emily enjoyed a creamy cappuccino. There was a certain buzz about the place, a mix of locals and tourists all eager to start their day with a perfect cup. Oliver, of course, was more interested in the pastries, devouring a chocolate-filled cornetto with gusto. It's these little moments of normalcy that make traveling as a family so special. I even managed to pick up a bag of their wood-roasted beans, hoping to bring a piece of Rome back to Halifax with us.


Discover the essence of Roman coffee culture at Sant' Eustachio Caffè, where tradition meets excellence in every cup.
Fueled and ready, we made our way to Vatican City. The crowds were already starting to swell, but thankfully, I had pre-booked our tickets, allowing us to skip the notoriously long queues. As a historical reenactor, I was particularly excited to see the Vatican Museums. The sheer scale of the place is staggering. Room after room filled with ancient sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, and artifacts from across the ages. Oliver, surprisingly, was captivated by the Egyptian collection, pointing out the hieroglyphs and mummies with wide-eyed wonder.


Discover the Vatican Museums, home to artistic masterpieces and rich history, including the iconic Sistine Chapel and treasures of the Catholic Church.

The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection. - Michelangelo

Of course, the highlight of the morning was the Sistine Chapel. Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by the grandeur and the profound sense of history. Michelangelo's frescoes are simply breathtaking. The Creation of Adam, The Last Judgment – these aren't just paintings; they're windows into the soul of the Renaissance. Even Oliver, usually restless, was hushed into silence, gazing up at the ceiling with a sense of awe. It's a moment I know we'll all cherish forever.


Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Sistine Chapel, an artistic triumph in Vatican City featuring Michelangelo's legendary frescoes.
Leaving the Sistine Chapel, we entered St. Peter's Basilica. The sheer size of the basilica is overwhelming. The intricate details, the soaring dome, the sense of spiritual significance – it's all quite moving. We lit a candle for my grandfather, a devout Catholic and the man who first ignited my love for history. I could almost feel his presence beside me as we walked through the hallowed halls.


Explore the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and a significant spiritual landmark in Vatican City.
By lunchtime, we were famished. I had made a reservation at La Forchetta d'Oro, a charming trattoria near the Vatican. It was a welcome escape from the throngs of tourists. The restaurant was bustling with locals, always a good sign. We started with a selection of antipasti – bruschetta, olives, and creamy mozzarella. For the main course, Emily and I shared a plate of homemade ravioli filled with ricotta and spinach. Oliver, predictably, opted for spaghetti Bolognese, which he devoured with gusto. The food was simple, honest, and utterly delicious, a true taste of Roman cuisine.


Discover authentic Italian flavors at La Forchetta d'Oro, where Roman culinary traditions meet a warm and inviting atmosphere.
After lunch, we took a leisurely stroll through the streets of Rome, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the beautiful September weather. We stopped at a local gelateria for a sweet treat, Oliver choosing a bright pink bubblegum flavor, while Emily and I went for classic pistachio. As we walked, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day we'd had. The Vatican is more than just a collection of museums and churches; it's a testament to human creativity, faith, and the enduring power of history.

As evening approached, I wanted to experience a different side of Rome, something a little more authentic and off the beaten path. So, we ventured into the Trastevere neighborhood, known for its lively atmosphere and traditional bars. We found ourselves at Bar San Calisto, a local institution that's been serving cheap drinks and good vibes for decades.


Discover the essence of Rome at Bar San Calisto, where local flavors meet a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Trastevere.
The place was packed with a mix of students, artists, and locals, all chatting and laughing over glasses of wine and bottles of beer. I ordered a couple of Peronis and a limonata for Oliver, and we found a table outside in the bustling piazza. There was something incredibly charming about the place, a sense of unpretentious authenticity that's hard to find in such a touristy city. Oliver was fascinated by the street performers, a group of musicians playing traditional Italian folk songs. He even got up and danced for a few minutes, much to the amusement of the crowd.

For dinner, we had reservations at Aroma, a Michelin-starred restaurant located on the rooftop of Palazzo Manfredi. I wanted to treat Emily to something special, and the views of the Colosseum from the restaurant are simply unparalleled. The food was exquisite, each dish a work of art in itself. We started with the marinated “scapece” char, followed by the mullet stuffed with broad beans and pecorino cheese. For the main course, I had the Chianina beef fillet with red wine sauce and black truffle shavings, while Emily opted for the sea bass and salmon duo. The service was impeccable, and the sommelier paired each course with a perfect wine. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day.


Experience fine Italian dining at Aroma with stunning views of the Colosseum – a perfect blend of gourmet cuisine and historic ambiance.
As we sipped our after-dinner drinks, gazing at the illuminated Colosseum, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Rome is a city that truly captivates the senses, a place where history comes alive and every corner holds a new surprise. And to share it all with my family makes it even more special.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore more of Rome's iconic landmarks, including the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and the Trevi Fountain. I'm particularly excited to visit the Pantheon, a marvel of Roman engineering that has stood for nearly two thousand years. And of course, we'll have to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, ensuring our return to this magical city [DayNumber 3]. Until then, buona notte from Rome!