On The Southeastern Outskirt Of Rome, Castel Gandolfo...

The Roman Colosseum

What I end up treasuring specially at times are... the side discoveries I run into beyond visits to primary destinations. On this one particular Rome visit, it was Castel Gandolfo.

The usual rounds... the Roman Colosseum and Ruins, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain,and so on... but a mere half an hour or so by car is Castel Gandolfo. What I did though this one time was, simply take one of the metro lines all the way to the end... not knowing exactly what was out that direction. Once I got there, I simply asked around of a nearby landmark, and after a short bus ride... there I was at Castel Gandolfo by Lake Albano. A quaint medieval town, known for being where the Pope's summer residence is located.

The Village Shop...

A Village Street Scene

What I love about most around these small town or village scenes is... sitting outside a cafe, small bites, wine, espresso and people watching... most notably the townfolks just going about their ways. And on that specific morning, my focus became the street, the square. Expressive conversations among townfolks... greetings, small talk, cheeks kissed, engaging smiles, animated laughter, seemingly deep exchanges... folks taking time out to simply grab the moment... just marvelousl! Indeed, such scenes remind me to downshift, refresh... the hurried soul I unconsciously on occasions so become.  

Anyway, yes... live through the journey.... explore, discover, immerse... even more priceless  experiences and memories then become! 

Castel Gandolfo by Lake Albano,
Church of St. Thomas of Villanova, town plaza, a sidestreet...