EVERY CORNER A STORY

Travelling has always been one of my finest hobbies. Every year I travel to a different country gaining exposure to different cultures. This year I went on a trip to Europe with my family. Europe, where most of the world's greatest love stories such as "Romeo and Juliet" have built their basis on, has the most overrated tourists’ attractions. Although we visited a number of countries I will only highlight Rome, because it is my favorite. It is true the city can sometimes feel a bit like a theme park but there is still a lot to see and do.

There are many churches to visit in Rome and the Mosque of Rome is the biggest mosque in Europe which is considered to be an important centre amongst Rome's Muslim community. The Sistine Chapel is another interesting place to visit which consists of a huge collection of paintings from all periods that would actually send one back in time. Its ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, is a master piece which changed the course of western art and is the centre of attraction at the chapel. Apart from ancient buildings and art and history, the Trevi fountain is the most iconic monument of the city. According to an old legend if you threw a coin in the fountain it would bring good luck. I used to go to the Trevi fountain everyday to throw a coin, hoping for better luck. 

The hotel we stayed in was known as Grand Hotel De La Mineve Roma. It has been a five star hotel since the end of 18th century and is one of the best hotels of Rome. Our room was spacious and elegantly furnished, with every modern convenience. The carefully chosen traditional colours, fabrics and furnishing added an ambience of classical luxury to it. The bathrooms were huge with walk-in showers and Jacuzzis with hot water facility which would relax us after a long and tiring day out. The dining of the hotel was a warm and inviting place but roof garden was the most attractive place to dine in, with views of sun setting over the splendors of Rome below.

My most favorite place in Rome was the leading shopping street, 'Via dei condotti'. It contained a wide category of boutiques and salons and brand outlets such as Prada, Dior, Dolce, Gucci, Bulgari and Louis Vuitton. I bought many shoes, bags and sun glasses from there. The most attractive thing about this street was that besides these shops there were city's finest restaurants, cafes and bars where one could relax and have good dinner followed by a cup of traditional coffee after a tiring day of shopping. Eating out in Rome is a completely different experience.

Romans surely know how to make great food. Traditional Roman food like Carbonara and Cacio e pepe were the best way to get introduced to this city which loves to eat. I had specially requested the chef to give their recipes as well but of course one could not bring out the same taste and flavor and I miss eating there.

The people of Rome were also very warm and welcoming, always willing to help. I even made a very good friend there. Her name was Aelia. She was the daughter of my tour guide and would often accompany him on our trip. At first I did not like her because of her blunt personality but as we spent more time together I began to grow fond of her. We used to go almost everywhere together, learning a little about each other every day. We even took many pictures together and exchanged numbers and email addresses. I still remember how she cried when I was leaving.

Unfortunately our trip to Europe had ended but it was worth the time and money we spent on it. I came back with overwhelming memories and amazing experiences and I hope I get to visit it again.

  BY :
    Zoya Makhdoom.
    Ahris Agha. 
    Hamna Irfan.