A Cinderella Story

The view from our fifth story apartment looked out over the rooftops of Rome. The location was perfect, two minutes walk from The Pantheon. Unfortunately the same couldn’t be said for the view outside the front door when we stepped out the next morning … a laneway lined with graffiti-covered roller doors.

We hurried passed the litter-strewn ugliness, eager to make the most of our early start. The Trevi fountain, the Spanish Steps, magnificent gardens and awe-inspiring architecture dovetailed into a long leisurely morning.

Returning to our apartment for a late lunch, we thought we’d lost our way. The roller doors had given way to row upon row of outdoor cafes, quintessential Italian bakeries and delicatessens. The cafes were alive with chatter and laughter and the aroma filling the laneway was both heady and tantalising. How could we resist?

As we sat waiting for our order, I noticed this fruit barrow in the doorway. Its every detail seemed to reflect the beauty all around us … the atmosphere, the vibrancy of the food and wine, the light heartedness of the people.  It was one of those moments you remember forever.

As we wandered home through the laneway that evening, candles had been lit, fairy lights danced in the still night air and the laneway took on a romantic and magical air. Waiters decked out in black and white … voices now hushed and soft, and dress more formal. Plates were shared and wine sipped. We enjoyed the most amazing cannelloni I have ever tasted. It truly was a Cinderella experience.

Early next morning we stepped out into the laneway to Cinderella’s tattered rags and a lonely pumpkin discarded against the graffiti-covered roller door.