On March 4th, 2013, I landed at Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. I admit it was a relatively sudden move for me. I had spent most of 2012 in Maine and then had returned to Chicago and later North Carolina. My restoration work had been slowing down and I decided to realize one of my dreams: to spend a significant time in Italy.
One of the reasons I always wanted to do this is that I hold dual US/Italian citizenship. I want to improve my language skills and just experience in a deeper way this culture here.
So, after collecting my luggage, I ignored the 14 Euro train from the airport to central Rome, and I instead chose the 4 Euro rat trap bus. My low-budget adventure to Italy had begun….
I had researched moving to Italy for a while, and discovered that renting a room in Rome or Florence would actually not cost that much more than living in Chicago. About 500 Euros rent a month. And by this I mean an apartment share. Of course that means staying in one place for at least a month or two, which I actually prefer. I’ve traveled a lot, and find now that I would rather be in one place for a lengthy period, as opposed to flitting around, This way I can really get to know the one place, possibly even make friends.
The first week I stayed in the La Controra Hostel Rome, which was excellent. The staff was gracious and helped me immensely in finding an apartment and with the logistics of dealing with Rome. And I did find a room, actually just off Craigslist. For the first 10 days I had a very centrally located room in central historic district. It’s been wonderful walking out my door and wandering thorough ancient streets, and going to the Campo de Fiore vegetable market, which has been in existence for 600 years!
Unfortunately I got sick for about five days, a cold, but the last several days I was able to paint in the neighborhood and enjoy it more. I’m moving the 19th of March to a larger room (from the same landlord) a little farther out, but still only a 10-minute metro ride from the Center.
Rome seems an extraordinary city, and I’m sure I’ll regret leaving here when I do. I’ve started painting on the streets and should start posting paintings in the next few days. It’s beautiful here by night, and I think you may see more night paintings from me. I’m working on learning Italian, and even managed a short conversation with a greengrocer -but it’s going to be a long road!
Also, I’ve been inspired by some artists who are involved in the painting a day movement, and have been auctioning their work off online. Subscribe via email or RSS with the links on the right sidebar if you’re interested in receiving notices about new posts on this website or about paintings for auction. Prices will be starting very reasonable. Grazie , Ciao!
Stephan Giannini 