#1. Rome, Italy
The number one Friendliest City I’ve Ever Visited, is Rome, Italy. I love this city. When people ask for recommendations on where to travel, my first response is always Rome. My family and I ended up spending 5 days there, before hoping on a cruise for my sister’s wedding. And did I ever make the best of those 5 days! From eating pizza daily, to wandering the streets and sight seeing, this city offers it all. My absolute best and friendliest memory comes from this trip, and it sounds as if it’s something straight out of a movie.
As I mentioned, I was there on a family trip. Mostly everyone attending my sister’s wedding was married, or had a date/friend along to explore, or at least, have companionship. I however, did not have a +1. I was also around 25 (I believe?), so when everyone wanted to turn in for the night at 9pm, I was just getting ready to go out. I begged, pleaded and bribed people with wine to come join me for an evening out on the town – but alas, everyone was either too exhausted from the day, or still jet-lagged. Bummer. Although I’m a fairly out-going person, mustering up the courage to go out alone, in a foreign country, didn’t come easy. It was on one of the last nights I said, hell with it! And decided to venture out to explore the city in the evening before we left.
I said goodbye, or maybe I snuck out of the hotel – I couldn’t tell you. But what I can tell you is this, I know my parents won’t be happy after reading this reckless story. So, Hi Dad and Mom, I’m sorry – please don’t call to yell at me about my irresponsible choices – I’m too old to ground now. Love you so much!
I snuck out and was wandering the streets looking for a cool spot to grab a glass of wine (and pizza, obvi). Granted it was only around 9:30pm, so it wasn’t even that late yet. I wandered until I arrived at a hotel. I can’t remember the name of it, but it looked pretty cool, and I went inside. I was told there was a lounge/bar upstairs, and I proceeded to take an elevator to a place that unbeknownst to me, would be the beginning of one of the best nights of my life.
I arrive at the lounge, and it’s dark, small and practically empty. Not my idea of a crazy night on the town, but a glass of wine sounded delicious, and, when in Rome! (You know I had to) I went and sat at the bar, two seats over from the only other person at the bar; a gentleman dressed extremely well, who smiled as I pulled out a barstool. I ordered my glass of wine, fiddled on my phone and contemplated ordering food. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN the most FABULOUS WOMAN is a huge white coat (fur accents) strolls in and sits besides this gentleman. I mean, she was stunning. Blonde. Incredibly fashionable. Late 40s, maybe early 50s. She just took over the entire room. Anyways, I’m pretty sure she saw me staring at her fabulousness, and she proceeded to sit in the empty seat between this gentleman and I. She introduced herself, and then she introduced her husband – the man already sitting at the bar.
