A Golden Afternoon Stroll

Rome, Italy

There are moments in time when I wish I could capture the beauty of the scene my eye perceives at that exact moment in a photo; but rarely does the actual picture accurately depict the subtle nuances and lighting of the moment. The above photo is one of those rare instances when vision and depiction are represented nearly equally.

Walking from the Trevi Fountain to Campo dei Fiori, with the late afternoon sun filtering through the dusky alleyways of ancient Rome, you can't help but be lifted into a golden romantic mood. Meandering through the crooked cobblestoned streets, tiny cafes and artisanal boutiques beckoning right and left, brightly painted buildings  mingle with sagging doorways and window boxes filled with flowers and herbs.

Lively shadows bounce across the pathways, relieving the harsh glare of the sun that creates sentimental patterns with lamps, benches, and signs announcing the plato di giorno, fresh market offerings, and gelato flavors.

Ancient structures house modern appliances, when a pizza shop displays its wares through clean glass panes, drink coolers, and fluorescent lit entryways.

Mounds of creamy, neon-colored ice cream await the weary traveler in need of refreshment; a quick perusal reveals classic flavors sharing space with unconventional pairings. My sister chooses her favorite:  mixed berry with chocolate. The miniature spoon scoops up a blob of rich, deep chocolate taste cutting through the sweet tartness of the berry flavor. It is the perfect snack for a perfect afternoon stroll through an ancient Roman village.