Marendy Blog: Day 20 (Friday 21st November) a day of exploring Rome

After a blissfully lazy morning of sleeping in, we found ourselves still recovering from the incredible experiences of yesterday’s Roman Guides tour. If you’re visiting the historic city of Rome, I can’t recommend Roman Guides enough—their small-group approach and attention to detail make every moment feel special.

A heartfelt thank you to Eni and Mada for their hospitality last night. The evening felt less like a formal history tour and more like gathering with old friends, sharing stories and laughter under the Roman sky. It’s these connections that make travel unforgettable.

One of our errands in Rome turned into a little adventure of its own: a trip to the post office. Luckily, it was just around the corner from our apartment, so we set off to learn the ins and outs of Italian mailing rules and to pick up a box.

The language barrier was real, but that’s part of the thrill of travel—navigating new systems with a smile and a bit of patience. Armed with our box and paperwork, we returned to the apartment to figure it all out. Our apartment manager, Mia, kindly stepped in to double-check the forms and even handed us some tape to seal the deal.

With everything packed, we made our way back to the post office, translator app at the ready. We had prepared a handful of simple phrases, and judging by her smile, the clerk appreciated our effort to communicate in Italian.

The box itself was no small parcel—measuring 50 x 40 x 60 cm and weighing in at 6 kg. Sending it via standard mail cost €98 (around $200 AUD). Pricey, yes, but still cheaper than paying for an extra suitcase on the flight. Inside went a mix of clothes, festive Christmas decorations, and a few treasured souvenirs from our time here.

It wasn’t just about shipping belongings—it was about experiencing another slice of daily life in Italy. Even something as ordinary as mailing a package became a memorable chapter in our journey.

After our postal adventure, hunger led us in search of a late lunch before tackling Rome’s iconic sights. We stumbled into Vaccinari, a bustling spot crammed with locals and tourists alike—truly shoulder-to-shoulder dining. The pasta was nothing short of heavenly, so good that we shamelessly used bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. Coffee was, of course, quintessentially Italian—rich and satisfying.

The house wine was simple but pleasant, while the bottled “still” water seemed suspiciously like it had made a detour from the tap. One thing we’ve noticed: free tap water in Italian cafés remains elusive. Still, the food was excellent, and the staff—quirky but warm—made the experience memorable.

Fueled by carbs and caffeine, we set off with Google Maps guiding us to the Trevi Fountain.

Tossing a coin

The crowds were thick but not overwhelming, and we joined the ritual of tossing a coin into the sparkling waters, a promise to return. From there, we wandered toward the

Pantheon

Pantheon, a colossal marvel nearly 2,000 years old and astonishingly intact. The long lines and looming rain clouds convinced us to admire it from outside rather than wait to

Temple of Hadrian

Roof of Temple of Hadrian

On the way back, we ducked into the Temple of Hadrian for a quick look, conveniently escaping a light drizzle.

Chocolate shop

Ducks

As the rain grew heavier, we found refuge in a café, indulging in coffee and irresistible local pastries. With about 20 minutes of walking left to reach home, we decided not to risk a soaking and headed to a taxi rank. In true Roman fashion, two groups of Italians arrived after us yet managed to snag taxis first—apparently, queuing etiquette is optional here. Eventually, a cab pulled up, and we enjoyed a scenic, circular ride through Rome’s streets, arriving home 20 minutes later, €20 lighter, and thoroughly entertained by the day’s mix of food, history, and small adventures. A great day, we crashed in apartment and prepared for some dinning excellence.

After a leisurely pause of an hour or two, we wandered just half a block from our stay to Ristorante La Taverna dei Monti, a cozy, family-run spot that immediately made us feel at home. The staff were both friendly and professional, striking that perfect balance of warmth and attentiveness.

We began with a simple yet satisfying spread: cheese, Italian ham, fresh bread, and a half-litre of the sweet house wine. Melissa chose Tonnarelli allo Scoglio, a seafood pasta that arrived with a delightful surprise—a small lobster nestled among the spaghetti. I opted for Straccetto all’aceto Balsamico, tender slices of beef served with a balsamic-dressed salad, accompanied by a side of Roman-style artichokes. Needless to say, the bread didn’t go to waste—we used it to savor every last drop from our plates.

As if the meal weren’t already memorable, the house treated us to two shots of ice-cold limoncello paired with crisp dry biscuits. A small coffee rounded out the evening perfectly. The entire feast came to just €62.50, an absolute steal for such quality and hospitality.