So here I am, sitting on the beautiful balcony in our Airbnb in Rome. It's 8:30 PM and the sun is about to set. My lack of descriptive vocab will never be able to accurately convey the beauty and serenity this city brings about, but I am trying my hardest. The city of Rome is filled with so much beautiful architecture, people and skies. My heart raced today when I saw the piazzas, the concrete statues built by the ancient Romans - artifacts that have lasted through decades and weathered through so much. I hope I never forget how this feels like. It shifts things a bit into perspective you know, that I am but a speck of dust in this universe. Being able to zoom out and look at the bigger picture, I guess. People leave. Everything is temporal.
I look up and I see the skyline of old Italian houses mixed with the silhouettes of domes - churches, basilicas, statues of mythological creatures and roman soldiers defeating lions and octopuses showing signs of strength and triumph.
Never would I have imagined exploring Rome for the first time alone. I went to so many places, took in everything in silence and tried to absorb as much as I can. My feet are sore but this is what I am grateful for: The luxury of time, the fresh air and freedom. I am here! Now. Alive, present and sitting on the balcony watching the sky burst into shades of purple, pink and blue hues. There are little to no clouds in the sky and the sunset is enchanting and I am so in love. There is a breeze and soft beats playing from a rooftop bar somewhere nearby.
I wish I could capture this moment and keep it in my memory forever. I am so at peace right now. Rome, you're a first for me. I've had many firsts this year and you're one I thoroughly enjoy. I love every alley, every old Italian concrete wall, every monument, every piazza, basilica, temple, church and park that I had the opportunity to chance upon today. You are exploding with stories of the past, historical sites filled with pain, triumph, worship, religion and essentially stories of how the people of the past used to live.
I am grateful I had this time alone out here, forcing myself out of my comfort zone and challenging myself to navigate with just google maps and a paper map. You are a special one, Rome. For now, this is enough. I'm taking in deep breaths and looking out into the skyline. The sunset, oh my God. God has made life so beautiful. I am so thankful. I am okay. I am enough. This is enough.
I love you, Rome. Thank you, Italy.
