We danced in the streets
I’ve never been to a city that feels full of life quite like Rome. The people here seem to understand the core elements that make for a delightful existence. Blending delicious food and drink with large (and free) communal spaces allows for the opportunity to connect with strangers and inject spontaneity into your life.
We visited a market and were immediately engulfed by crowds chattering, gossiping and laughing their away around the fresh meats and cheeses. As we were queuing for some sandwiches, an old lady hobbled up to the counter and waggled her bony fingers at the butcher. His face lit up as he waved her over and began to feed her all of his fresh cuts of the day. In fact, he fed us all!
Later, as we wandered the streets under the setting sun, we heard thundering bass. Someone had set up a DJ booth outside the metro station. The street had turned into a rave. A group of women on a hen party announced that their friend was getting married. The crowd cheered as the DJ sprayed champagne over them. By chance, a group of men on a stag-do were also celebrating their friend getting married. The two soon-to-be-wed danced together as the crowd cheered around them.
The British culture reacts against those who draw attention to themselves. We’re a people of uptight manners and repression. Even writing about this kind of spontaneity and joy makes me feel uncomfortable. I can’t hide it beneath irony or sarcasm. It’s a kind of happiness that is in-your-face and unapologetic. It’s beautiful.
Then, as quickly as it started, the music stopped. The crowd applauded and the DJ took a bow. Another brief moment of ecstatic joy in the city of Rome.