One of the most rewarding things about maintaining this website is meeting kindred spirits. Anthony and I met through vivandlarry.com years ago and had a passing acquaintance on Facebook. We finally hung out in person when I moved to north London two years ago. He and his partner lived nearby. We immediately bonded over our love for Vivien Leigh and classic cinema. He studies film, as well, and knows more than I do about a lot of stars of Hollywood’s golden age. He is also really good at impersonating film characters. When he started quoting The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone (not just Warren Beatty, but Vivien Leigh and Coral Browne, too) I laughed so hard I cried. We became instant friends.
Anthony has been studying abroad in Rome since October and this week I finally got a chance to go and visit him. It was my first trip to Italy, and because we share so many of the same interests, I was happy to let Anthony show me around! Here are photos from day 1 of my visit.
Anthony at his favorite cafe, Pompi – they serve the best tiramisu I’ve ever had!
The original Roman city wall
Our first stop was Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, where the Popes lived before relocating to the Vatican.
Frescoes!
Next, we headed over to the Coliseum. We opted not to stand in line to go inside, but that’s okay because the entertainment came to us. No gladiators, sadly!
Arch of Constantine, erected by the Roman Senate in 312 AD
Forum Romanum
Musei Capitolini
Hercules with his impressive physique.
I absolutely loved the residential architecture!
And, of course, we had to do a mini Mrs. Stone tour! Piazza di Spagna.
