Rome-ing Into Luck

Location:
Italy, Rome

Rome, Coliseum tour

There is perhaps no way to sum up my trip to Europe than to emphasize the glaring lack of funds in my bank account. Prior to my departure eastward, many had warned me that the exchange rate alone was enough to classify any American tourist as “poverty stricken.” It may have been my paranoia, but I could swear that even the hollow-eyed beggars lining the streets of every city were gazing at me with pity. There was no way around it: I was flat broke. So broke, in fact, that I often had to chose between eating and enjoying the sites. Needless to say, I returned to the States twenty-two pounds lighter, and I’m not referring to British currency.

It was only when I arrived in Rome that my fortunes began to change. Since I was on a very limited budget, I often alternated between visiting the overpopulated tourist attractions and exploring the cultural eccentricities that lay free of admittance fees. When I found myself in Rome, I knew that I could not leave without seeing the Vatican, the Pantheon, and the Coliseum.

As usual, the story began and ended with money. While on the “Historic Rome Walk,” an activity suggested by my guidebook, I was abruptly stopped by an older woman, who stammered, in broken attempts at Italian, if I could direct her and her husband to the Pantheon.

“Well, as luck would have it, I’m looking for it myself,” I answered in pitch-perfect English. Much to the delight – and obvious relief – of my new American friends, the three of us set off with renewed excitement to find the elusive Pantheon.

As we made our way across the crowded Roman streets, I got to talking with the woman, who, ironically, had grown up in the same small town as I attended college in. After reaching the Pantheon, we bid each other goodbye, and I barely gave the chance encounter another thought.

That is, until the next day, when I ran into the same couple at the Coliseum. I was standing in line, waiting to be admitted for the barest of entrance fees, when I noticed the woman’s husband beckoning me to join him and his wife on the elaborate tour they would be taking not just of the Coliseum, but of Palatine Hill as well; a historical wonder that I had ruled out on the basis of expense. Flushed with embarrassment, I indicated that I was flattered by his offer, but could never dream of affording such an extravagancy.

“Don’t worry about it,” he responded. “This one’s on me.”

And with that, two people with whom I had been acquainted for less than twenty-four hours, paid not only my admission into the wonders of ancient Rome, but treated me to an expertly guided tour – a luxury which I never would have considered. I was overwhelmed with gratitude at their generosity, but also thrilled at the prospect that, at least for one day, I could afford to eat lunch.

Further Information

Travel tips: Catch the major tourist attractions, but don't forget to scope out some of the smaller parts of the culture, too.
Must see/do at this place: The Pantheon, Coliseum, and Vatican are all musts, but sitting in the park and people watching has its merits as well.
You should avoid here: Be careful of the sun; make sure you dose yourself in sunscreen.