Spanish Steps, Our Last Night in Rome

Spanish Steps, Rome

I heard of this famous point of interest for a little while and wanted to visit it for sometime. But Stan at times is reluctant to visit what he terms ( tourist traps ).  I had to do some convincing before he finally agree to visit this place on the last night of our stay in Rome.

We walked from Inn Giovy to the Spanish Steps in the evening; it was still challenging in this high temperature and humidity. But the walk was worth it as we discovered some interesting sights on the way. One of  them was the Via Quattro Fontana or 4 Fountain Road.  At this intersection there are 4 fountains, one at each corner, a monument with streams of water spewing out of mouths of water related Roman Gods such as Trident.

Finally we found ourselves standing on the top terrace level of the Spanish Steps. I have seen pictures and video of the Spanish Steps which did not do justice to the beauty and grandeur of these famous steps. It would be possible for any cameras to capture all four levels of these steps, each level has 12- 14 steps, bridged by a good size landing at the top.  But no camera or video devices could possibly convey the atmosphere of this place.

There were many people sitting on every one of these steps; friends chatting, families and kids laughing, lovers kissing, old couples holding hands and just sitting and looking, men, young and old, in groups or alone, sitting, standing by the posts and watching, young women in their beautiful dresses, giggling, posting for pictures, tourists gawking and frantically trying to catch the beauty and actions on their digital cameras, hawkers with their bags full of LED light gadgets throwing a few of them in the air demonstrating  their lighting power, others with soft drinks and beers trying to make deals to potential customers,  It was a place, full of actions and things to behold.

Stan and I took our spot, sat down and did what everyone was doing; sit, watch the world go by and soak up the atmosphere so that in the future, we could recall this beautiful night and talk about the memory we have of this unforgettable evening.

We walked back and ate at a restaurant called Leon’s and ordered fettuccine and clams, my favourite pasta dish but not on the menu. The chef/ owner made it especially for me and it was delicious! ( But he also charged me double the amount of the regular pasta dish on the menu. I guess if you asked for something not on the menu, you need to pay for it!)

R.T., 4^th and last night in Rome

Aug. 16, 2012