‘I have an appointment in Rome.’ Sounds just great, doesn’t it? Just me with a suitcase full of beautiful outfits, fragrances, great food and marvellous wine. And it gets even better: I will meet the most wonderful women and am sure to get my first italian gelato this year!

Just in time, like every year, these friends of mine remembered: We urgently need to look out for nobody but ourselves again. By that I mean: strolling through the alleyways before our first coffee, snacking tomatoes on the market and moving in slow motion all day long. Rome – even the name sounds like history, elegance and dolce vita: pressing your nose against shop windows, enjoying gelato in all colours and shouting salute across the piazza in non-existent Italian. Plus, of course, the Colosseum, cappuccino and historical monuments.

Via del Corso and Via Condotti – all the little boutiques that hide real treasures. Hotel tipps? Peace and contemplation in the hotel garden of the @HOTEL DE RUSSIE, a restaurant visit to the HASSLER with the best view of Rome (fully booked – unfortunately!) and then the colossal Palazzo MANFREDI. One thing is for sure – it’s not just my suitcase that will return heavier than when I arrived.

When evening falls, the city is bathed in golden light, says the travel guide. A walk across the Bridge of Angels, past the magnificent Piazza Navona, a last drink with a view of St Peter’s Basilica and the feeling of security: Where we are, we are exactly right!

Live life like Coldplay: VIVA LA VIDA – and we’re right in the middle of it!!! (PS: and don’t let anyone grumble because it’s not really Italian but it just sounds sooooo nice)