How To Live Like A Roman

After arriving in Rome and shaking off the jet lag, I wake up the next morning excited to explore the neighborhood my wife Susan and I will call home for the next seven weeks. Our rental apartment is in a charming, quiet area just a short walk from Piazza del Popolo. Our landlord lives in the same building and grew up here, along with his sister, who still resides here as well. Their parents were opera singers in Rome, so they affectionately call their rental “The Opera House.”

The two-bedroom apartment is simply decorated with antique furniture and artwork from the opera and Victorian periods. Piazza del Popolo, Latin for “People’s Square,” is one of Rome’s most historic and expansive public squares. At its center stands an Egyptian obelisk, over 2,000 years old, brought to Rome by Emperor Augustus in 10 BC after his conquest of Egypt. It’s a breathtaking sight.

In the evenings, Romans of all ages fill the piazza, soaking in the sounds of street musicians and indulging in gelato and other sweets from nearby shops. Piazza del Popolo is the place to be—alive with socializing and people-watching.

To the east of the obelisk, a dirt path winds up to a steep staircase leading to the top terrace of the Villa Borghese Park. From there, you’re treated to a stunning Roman sunset, with St. Peter’s Basilica framing the horizon.