Homecoming

When I arrived in Rome, it again wasn't what I expected. But it was unexpected in a different way to Paris. Something wonderful happened on my first evening in Rome. Walking to dinner just around the corner from our hotel, dodging scooters, and taking in everything around me, I took a deep breathe and thought 'I'm home'. Possibly some of you know what I mean when I say this. Ever since the plane landed, I'd had this feeling, similar to the one I got when I walked off the plane in Australia. I don't think I can explain it if you've never felt it, but it was an instant connection with a place, like meeting an old friend. I could have happily stayed in Rome forever. What is especially interesting about this feeling, is that when we headed north, to Venice and Florence,  that feeling of being at home vanished. Sure the places were still beautiful, the weather was still warm. But I didn't feel like I belonged. Walking out of the Termini, on our way back, I took one look around me at the chaotic traffic, the people and the buildings, and thought again, 'I'm home'. In Naples, I had the same feeling. Maybe its the chaos of it all, maybe its the vibrance of life against the ancient, crumbling background.But something about it all makes me feel like I belong. And if I never go anywhere again in my life I would want to go back to Rome.