La Citta da Sola

This morning I left the house early to explore the city a little on my own. It really felt like I had Rome to myself. While Rome is inundated with noisy tourists it is hard to image the city as it existed, even 200 years ago.

While wandering the empty streets, I could sense how the city might have been. Quiet and picturesque, yes, without the noise and clutter of the cars, but also much more. With the city to myself I could feel more of its history seeping through the cobblestones. Each space was waiting for me alone to discover it; explore it; influence it. I always knew Rome would change me. Now I understand that my presence here changes Rome as well. Each and every visitor to Rome leaves some trace on the cobblestones, affecting the city for good or ill, changing the course of its history, however minutely. I believe have found my favorite way to discover Rome: da sola.