Sometimes it’s nice to get away. Living in Kinshasa is a bit intense. Getting out here and there, if you can, is a good thing to reset your mind. The madness of the city and country can get you down and narrow your mind.

I am in Italy for a friend’s wedding.

It’s been a great few days but travelling alone is sometimes a bit dull or lonely. I’m glad I enjoy writing. But at some point you miss your friends and feeling like a creep in a touristy town can be overwhelming when everyone is in groups.

Anyways, it’s only a few more days. Soon I’ll be back in the glorious Congo.

Do you like travelling alone? Why? Why not?

My itinerary in Italy:

• Landed in Rome (beginning of July, 30-35 degrees Celsius and sunny everyday!)
• Went to the south (Palinuro, 2 hours south of Naples by car) by train (Trenitalia, 40 euros train ticket). That’s where the wedding was. Incredible place, a bit hot and dry but beautiful beaches. Try to rent a boat for a day and COVER YOURSELF in sunscreen unless you want to die of sunburns 🥵
• I came back to Rome and just galavanted in the various neighborhoods for a few days before my flight back. I tried Emma Pizzeria after reading a website (Time Out). They make Roman pizzas (thin edges) not Napolitan pizza (no thick edge crust). The service was slow but the pizza was good. They make people wait 1 or 2 hours if you don’t book ahead!
• So far Garbatella is one of the most authentic or unique places I found thanks to a Financial Times article (Paywall unfortunately)

See for yourself a few photographs of my trip.

Vatican City 🇻🇦

Rome

To get around, I used a 72 hours Roma public transport card for 18€ and the Google Maps app. The buses sometimes never show up or you might jump onto the wrong bus like me (pay more attention than me 🙂 ).

Garbatella (metro stop in Rome)

Google Maps link

Start here : Piazza Benedetto Brin and walk east along Via Francesco Passino to Piazza Eurasia

Palinuro

Google Maps link to Lido Il Marinella beach in Palinuro

Stay in the center to enjoy a bit of shopping. Rent a car as taxis don’t seem easily available.

Try Da Isidoro pizzeria.