I couldn’t sleep. My mind was racing with thoughts of what I need to prepare for teaching in September, how I need to entertain my 15 year old niece on our last day in Rome, about my love’s job interview on Thursday and lots of other things. A typical morning. I left where we are staying at 4 am.
When I left, the sun wasn’t up and it was cool. It was perfect for a constant sweater like me. I started walking through the dark streets of Rome. I usually travel alone and it gives me time to reflect about where I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going. My mind leaps around from topic to topic with no rhyme or purpose.
The sky got lighter as the flower shops started opening and the bars started closing. Walking past the homeless bodies sleeping on the cobble stone side walks. The more light, the more the city revealed itself the more inner my thoughts grew. Rome, like most cities, is most beautiful when no one is around. I wish I had brought my camera.
I followed the narrow streets past the Basilicas towards the Foro Romano and the mighty Coliseum. No one was around and seeing the ruins alone made it even more special. On this trip I’ve been more in awe of structures than with people. When I travel in Asia it’s the other way around. A lot of that may due to ensuring my 15 year old niece is enjoying and in a safe environment free of worry.
Now the sun is higher in the sky. The clock is past 7am. The street cleaners are making too much noise. The others will be here soon. I’ve been listening to *Sleeping At Last by Atlas* too many times. I should walk back but I need to stare off on the ruins last time and think of what was.