No matter how you decide to get to Rome, it is a long way from Canada. During the fight I was fortunate to enjoy some time up front with the pilots for a bird's eye view. As I sat in the cockpit admiring the mountain peaks breaking through the clouds, a 747 soared by overhead, leaving only a jetstream behind to decorate the atmosphere.

As you arrive at Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (Fiumicino), the taxies are more than willing to relieve you of a large sum of money to get you to the city center (approx. $70.00 cdn). Another option is to take a train ($15.00 cdn) to Termini, which is Rome's transportation hub. Rome's two limited subway lines both intersect at this station.

All efforts at expansion of the underground transportation system have been hindered by the discovery of more ancient ruins. The city's bus system is much more extensive, enabling you to access most areas of the city, however, they operate on RST (Roman Standard Time), which does not necessarily mean that your bus will arrive at the stated time, if it arrives at all.

Within our first day in Rome, we were lucky enough to meet a fourth generation Roman, who graciously wanted to show us the beauty of Rome as seen through his eyes. As I sat back in the luxurious leather seats of his Mercedes, I couldn't help but admire his ability to negotiate his vehicle through the narrow rustic streets of Trastevere, dodging people and vehicles along the way.

We finally settled at a remote lookout point in Gianocola, an area on the southwest border of Rome, providing a breathtaking view of the entire city. Rome by night is a remarkable sight, all major attractions are lit up, from the Vatican City to the Roman Forum, enabling the city lights to rival the illumination of the stars.

On our second day, we were whisked away by a few friendly Romans on the backs of their vespas. As we entered the turnabout in Piazza Venezia, I gazed upon the grand Vittorio Emanuele monument as images of watching "A Roman Holiday" as a child sped through my mind. We darted in between cars and through traffic at such a speed that I began to realize that red lights only mean yield to the locals. I was thankful to be a passenger and for the exhilaration of viewing the city from a vespa as the wind rushed past me, along with the multitude of ancient sites in Rome.

If you would like to see the city at a slower pace, a few businesses now provide bikes for rent, as an alternate option for tourists to peddle their way through the winding streets.

The best way to see Rome though, is still to walk it. Stroll the quaint cobblestone streets from the Colliseum to the Pantheon, while enjoying the infamous Italian Gelato. Inhale the fragrance of fresh flowers and food in the charming market at Campo de' Fiori. Window shop for the latest in designer fashions along via Condotti. Watch the sun set over the city from the top of the Spanish Steps. Linger over yet another glass of wine while people watching in Piazza Navona, and wish upon the blue underwater lighting of the Trevi Fountain at night as the crowds slowly dissipate.

No matter how you choose to make your way around the city, it is obvious why Rome has a reputation for being the vibrant, passionate, ancient city that it is. In the end, perhaps all roads do lead to Rome after all.

About the photos:
Top: An Italian bicycle, awaits its rider.
Bottom: My friend and I take a rest from sightseeing.

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