Daniella’s Blog from Rome, Part 2: The First of Many “WOW” Moments
In her second blog from Rome, Daniella gets her first taste of Roman architecture, ambience – and gelato.
By Daniella Dickson
My first day in Rome was one of those experiences where I simply wanted to slow down and take everything in. After settling into my Airbnb, I had my very first authentic gelato, and it certainly lived up to the hype. It was the perfect introduction to a city. It didn’t feel real that I was finally in Rome, studying the architecture I had spent months learning about in class.
One thing I wasn’t quite prepared for was navigating Rome’s public transportation. Let’s just say… it was an experience. As someone who’s used to OC Transpo, I never thought I’d say this, but it suddenly didn’t seem so bad. Even though figuring out buses was a challenge, it was also one of my favourite parts of the day because it gave me a glimpse into the everyday lives of the locals.
Our first architectural stops were Largo di Torre Argentina and the Pantheon, and I honestly couldn’t stop saying “wow.” Seeing the Pantheon in person on the very first day couldn’t have been a better start to the trip. We’ve talked about it in class, seen countless photos, and studied its history, but standing in front of it is a completely different experience. Its scale, the massive columns, and the craftsmanship are something you can only truly appreciate when you’re there.
Next, we stopped for lunch, where I had pasta. What stood out to me was how people approached meal time. Instead of grabbing something quickly and moving on, people sat together, talked, laughed, and really took the time to enjoy each other’s company.
As we continued walking through the city, I found myself constantly looking up. Everywhere I turned, there were towering marble columns, detailed sculptures, and monumental buildings surrounding us. The city felt like an open-air museum where every street corner revealed another layer of history, and what struck me was that ancient buildings weren’t hidden away behind fences; they were woven into the city’s everyday life.
Another thing that immediately caught my attention was the colour. Rome felt so vibrant. I loved seeing warm yellows, rich oranges, and soft blues throughout the city. It made the city feel more alive, welcoming, and full of character.
By the end of the first day, I realised that this trip wasn’t just about seeing famous landmarks. It was about experiencing the spaces we’ve discussed throughout the year. Walking through Rome for the first time, I wasn’t just observing architecture, but I was experiencing it. Every street, piazza, and building had its own atmosphere, and I couldn’t wait to see what the rest of the trip had in store.