I am getting ready to set off to Rome today. The bag is packed, the cab is ordered and I think it will be lunch at Heathrow Terminal 5. I’ve been going to Rome quite regularly for more than ten years. In 2001 I spent five weeks there: four at a language school, and was then joined by family for a holiday in the final week. I got to know the city fairly well then, but it’s a city so rich with wonderful things that despite many more – shorter – visits since, there are still whole areas I haven’t explored and sights yet to see.

I’ve been lucky to be able to stay in friends Robert and Jenny’s flat near San Giovanni in Laterano but this time, travelling with them, I’m hoping to get a more ‘insider’s’ view as they have favourite places off the tourist route and Robert, half-Roman, has family and friends there. However, there are certain things in Rome that can never be missed, however many new places there are waiting for me. One is Caffe Sant’Eustachio famous for its coffee, arguably the best in the world; to stand inside one of my favourite buildings ever – the Pantheon; a visit to the market at Campo de’ Fiori; and of course a daily trip to a gelateria or two – too many good ones to name – for the most fabulous ice cream you’ll find anywhere.

Well, this is necessarily a short post as I mustn’t miss that plane! But I wanted to whet your appetite for I hope you’ll follow my Roman journey as it’s the first time I’ve been there since starting the blog and I’m looking forward to sharing some of my favourite places and some new ones too.