Lazio: Finding My Roman Charm Under the Blue Sky and White Clouds
Arriving in Lazio, I didn't feel the hustle and bustle of Rome. Instead, there was a tranquil and soothing atmosphere, a leisurely vibe different from the central area of Rome. Lazio, the land surrounding Rome, has a completely different appearance. It embraces Rome like a gentle mother, and also those tourists who long to escape the urban jungle.
My journey in Lazio began with Ostia Antica. This ancient Roman port city, buried under sand, lies quietly on the outskirts of Rome, waiting for people to uncover its history and stories. Walking through the ruins, I felt as if I had traveled back in time to the prosperous Roman Empire. Among the remnants, one can still faintly see the bustling scenes of merchants and ships. Imagining the ancient Romans living, working, and trading here, a sense of historical weight emerged, evoking deep respect. The sunlight cast mottled shadows on the ancient columns, adding a touch of mystery. Ostia Antica is not just an ancient city but a living history book.
Leaving Ostia Antica, I drove to Civitavecchia. This port city is the gateway to many beautiful islands and an important transportation hub in the Lazio region. Here, I felt the Mediterranean sun and sea breeze, with a lazy and comfortable atmosphere pervading the air. I strolled along the port, watching ships come and go, feeling the vastness and mystery of the ocean. At dusk, the setting sun dyed the sky a golden red, breathtakingly beautiful. At a restaurant by the port, I enjoyed a delicious seafood dinner, with fresh seafood and Mediterranean spices, the taste was incredibly delicious.
The next day, I headed to the Etruria region. This ancient land was once the center of the Etruscan civilization, leaving many precious relics. I visited the Etruscan tombs in Tarquinia, where the walls are adorned with exquisite murals vividly depicting the life and beliefs of the Etruscans. These murals are not just artworks but valuable historical materials showcasing the glory of the Etruscan civilization. In Tarquinia, I felt a cultural atmosphere completely different from Roman civilization, an ancient and mysterious aura.
Returning to the vicinity of Rome from the Etruria region, I chose to visit Tivoli. Tivoli is famous for its beautiful villas, the most famous being Villa Adriana and Villa d'Este. Villa Adriana, the private villa of Emperor Hadrian, is grand in scale and exquisite in architecture, a marvel of ancient construction. Walking through the villa's gardens, I felt as if I had returned to the prosperous Roman Empire, experiencing the emperor's luxury and power. Villa d'Este is renowned for its beautiful gardens, with fountains and lush greenery, creating a pleasant scenery. Here, I felt a tranquil and comfortable atmosphere, an escape from the urban hustle.
In Lazio, I also visited many other attractions, such as Casina Valadier and Villa Aldobrandini. These villas are not only architecturally exquisite but also scenically beautiful, important cultural heritage of the Lazio region. In these villas, I felt a strong artistic atmosphere, a pursuit and yearning for beauty.
Lazio not only has rich historical and cultural heritage but also beautiful natural scenery. I strolled through the countryside of Lazio, feeling the tranquility and beauty of nature. The fresh air, bright sunshine, and green fields made me feel relaxed and happy. In Lazio, I experienced the charm of a slow life, a leisurely and carefree lifestyle.
Before leaving Lazio, I returned to Ostia Antica, watching the sunset dye the sky golden red. Reflecting on my experiences in Lazio over the past few days, my heart was filled with emotion. Lazio, this beautiful land, deeply attracted me with its unique charm. It is not as bustling as Rome, nor as prosperous as other cities, but it has a unique tranquility and beauty. It embraces Rome like a gentle mother, and also those who long for peace. I fell in love with this land, its tranquility, its beauty, and its authenticity. I am sure I will return here again to experience the unique charm of this land. Goodbye, Lazio!
During my journey in Lazio, I also tasted many local specialties, such as grilled skewers and fresh seafood. These dishes were not only delicious but also affordable, a great way to experience the local culture. I also met some locals who were warm and hospitable, making me feel the friendliness and kindness of Italians. In Lazio, I felt a different pace of life from Rome, a more leisurely and carefree lifestyle. It is a slow life, a way of living close to nature, allowing me to relax and unwind completely. Lazio is a land worth savoring, where you can feel the sediment of history and the depth of culture, as well as the tranquility and beauty of nature. I am sure I will return here again to experience the unique charm of this land. Goodbye, Lazio!