I was one of the movie goers who just saw “Eat, Pray, Love” opening weekend.
Read the book, loved it beyond words, and the movie did not disappoint. But come on -do you blame me? It is a fantasy travel movie of sorts, with the main character bravely living in unfamiliar places for a year- Italy, India, and then Bali …trying to find herself after a sad break up and painful divorce.
The cinematography was beautiful…so much so the travel industry is betting more people will be inspired to visit the movie locations with all kinds of “Eat Pray Love” packages…
Before you book any gimmicky tour, read on…
I have been to only one of the movie’s locations -Rome, Italy….and watching the film I was easily transported back.
Julia Roberts (as the main character) visits some of the Eternal City’s beautiful places…including my favorite spot – yes not one of my favorite, but my favorite – Villa Borghese.
Villa Borghese
I spent nearly a whole day here – it was walking distance from my hotel near the Spanish Steps. It is the largest public park in Rome, and is a peaceful contrast to the cacaphony of car horns and scooters on the chaotic Roman streets.
European parks are so different than those in America – with sculptures and art standing freely amidst the trees. Sad to say in our country they would probably be covered with graffiti. There are also museums in this Roman park for the more valuable pieces – my favorite being the Museo e Galleria Borghese.
After days of visiting sites on a larger scale - think Vatican, Coliseum.. – the Museo e Galleria Borghese is intimate and manageable…and much of the focus is on sculptures, especially those by Bernini.
I was happy the film included the Villa Borghese, which is written about in many guide books. But I want to share with you some places where my Italian friend who grew up in Rome took me some years back…sort of off the beaten path…a local’s picks…not on most top 10 lists.
Quartiere Coppede
1) Quartiere Coppede: A totally unexpected residential area of Rome in the northern part of the city..worth the trip off the beaten path. By just looking at the group of palaces, it wold be hard to pinpoint exactly where in the world you were. It has a bizarre mix of ancient Greek, Roman baroque, Medieval, and Art Nouveau architecture. It is a strange but fascinating place…the work of architect Gino Coppede…whom my friend told me was crazy and eventually institutionalized. I couldn’t confirm that in my research, but did find something that said his life’s work was not received favorably, and he committed suicide.
Stadio dei Marmi
2)Stadio dei Marmi: One of the sports arenas of the Foro Italico, a sports complex commissioned by Mussolini. It was one of the sites of the 1960 Summer Olympics. Rarely would one use the word elegant to describe a sports stadium, but it is just that – elegant and majestic. The tiers of the stadium are topped with 12 feet tall, muscular white marble statues depicting 60 chiseled athletes…
My recommendation – my friend took me there after dark -
Stadio deo Marmi at night
It was even more amazing at night, right on the Tiber, with the white marble (and muscle)…… glowing in the moonlight.
Il Vittoriano, Rome
3) Il Vittoriano – An enormous white marble monument at the Piazza Venezia, built for the first king of a united Italy. It is also dubbed “the wedding cake” . It is worth a visit for the views alone – one can ride the elevator to the top of the structure and get a breathtaking 360 degree view of Rome.
Once again – we went there after dark…and seriously there could be a whole other “After Dark” tour of Rome. Just compare the photos and you can see the different experience form day to night….
Italian food for thought: Many reviews of “Eat Pray Love” criticize the movie because the author traveled the world for a year -and who can afford to do that. But – a recent New York Times article found that people who spent their money on trips rather than more permanent, material things like furniture or a remodeled kitchen are actually happier…and live una vita bella. But if you are reading this blog, you probably already knew that…
