Long weekend in Rome or me against the other tourists

Rome is amazing, but during a long weekend due to holidays and bridge days, it gets overcrowded. During my sightseeing tour, the two most important questions are: How can I get to the area I want to see the fastest, and how can I take photos of the area without people in them? Well, a battle begins, a battle against all the other tourists.

The most fiercely contested attractions are those that are famous and free to access - such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps, or the Trevi Fountain. Here, I have to rely on some tricks to get pictures without people in them - but usually with less satisfying results. I then visit the highlights that are well-known but have an admission fee - such as the Colosseum, which has a combination ticket with the Roman Forum, so you only have to line up once. I have to admit that I do cut in line a little bit (not in a completely rude way, just a little), and a man behind me immediately calls me "Trump". I ignore the comment and reach the Colosseum in 30 minutes. The attractions that require an entrance fee and are not as popular - such as the Caracalla Baths - are a true delight. There are a manageable number of visitors, no crowding at the ticket counters, and a much more pleasant noise level.

The public transportation, especially the buses, are also bursting at the seams. You have to line up for the outdoor seats at the restaurants, and in general, you need a lot of patience to make your way through the narrow streets or around the popular hotspots. Additionally, May 1st demonstrations make getting around even more difficult, with some streets closed and some squares requiring detours. I can hear my feet cursing loudly...

And yet, Rome is and remains amazing. The sight of the Roman Forum in the middle of the city always leaves me speechless, and the Colosseum - especially when you stand on the stands - takes my breath away. I feel connected to millennia-old history wherever I go. What I also feel is the strong presence of the Catholic Church, a power that is more intimidating than inviting and makes me thoughtful. And then there are the wonderful little alleyways that always have a somewhat melancholic feel due to the lack of light, the narrow houses in various shades of yellow and orange, and the paved squares with fountains, trattorias, ice cream parlors, and all kinds of entertainers.

So, whether it's with countless other tourists or all alone, Rome is always worth a visit, and staying here during a very busy weekend was a good exercise in patience and tranquility. I just had to get inside the Colosseum as quickly as possible.. 😊