I spent several glorious exploring the ancient streets of Rome. Despite occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, it was deliciously warm; mild enough to amble around in a t-shirt, with an umbrella at the ready. When clouds gathered and thunder threatened, ancient monuments seemed to grow in stature and glow, almost as if the stormy skies released in them some sort of inner luminosity. In between cloudbursts, the sun came out and I took some time to capture a few reflective moments in this most magical of cities.
Pools of rainwater gathered in and around the Circus Maximus as I rambled by, creating breathtaking mirror images of the Roman Forum beyond.
The cobbled stones of the Piazza Navona made a delicate backdrop for reflected architecture.
And the medieval streets of Trastevere glittered like precious gemstones in the pitch of night.
With sights this delightful I am quite content to get soaked by a sudden downpour.
xxx Ailsa
Where's my backpack? 
I love the cathedral reflection in the cobblestone puddle – great shot!
Thanks Beauty, I took a million shots of rainy Rome, it was hard to choose my favourites, but that one in the Piazza Navona really appealed to me.
beautiful picture:)
Thanks! It’s an incredibly photogenic city. 🙂
I LOVE ROME!
Me too! I was born to live La Dolce Vita. 🙂
Beautiful. You have such a great eye.
Thanks Judy, I fell under the spell of the Eternal City, it’s just so beautiful. xxx
How great is the reflection in the puddle! And the colours of the old yellow stone buildings are so inviting that I want to go there. Now.
Get planning a vacation, Trish, it’s glorious! I will be writing more about Rome in the coming weeks if you need any more encouragement to go! 🙂
I can’t wait to read more. We’re thinking of traveling to Italy this summer.
Oh you will love it, it’s gorgeous! 🙂
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time Alisa, I can’t wait to read more!
Oh my gosh, what adventures I’ve been having. Rome is terribly romantic and I do love a little romance! 🙂
I am with others who have commented. The puddle shot is brilliant!
I am addicted to puddles, Sue. I cannot pass one without glancing to see if there’s something fabulous reflected in it. 🙂
I am going to remember that Ailsa! Wonderful idea.
Rome is one of my most favourite cities on earth. Fantastic and interesting shots! 🙂
Thanks Shelley, it’s such an amazing city, I can see why it’s your favourite! 🙂
I have this yearning to fly into Rome & spend time there – all by myself
Now that sounds like a very good idea, Sue! Do it. 😉
I’ll join the puddle-shot admirers.
Haha thanks Lyle, it’s proving to be a very popular puddle! 😉
Me too! That’s a fantastic shot!
Thanks! 🙂
Ailsa, what fun! I lve Italy, and have been to many places but funnily enough, have yet to get to the Eternal City….. I love architecture reflected in puddles, and your shot of the cathedral ticks the box for me…..
This is my first time in Rome, Sue, and I am entirely enchanted by it, it has me under a spell. xxx
I suspect that will happen to me if I ever go….
De-LIGHT-ful indeed!! 😉
Grin. Thanks AJ – it’s been nice to escape the windy insanity of Ireland for a bit. I hear there was a crazy wind storm the day I left for Rome, over 100kph winds. Yikes.
The reflection in the cobbles photo is great ☆
Happy that you like Rome !
Enjoy your trip !
Oh yeah ,,, la dolce vita in any season. That puddle at the Piazza Navona is a jem, Ailsa. Brava! 🙂
Loved the photos. It reminded me of last summer and brought a smile to my lips. And I really needed a smile today. Thank you! 🙂
Ah, Rome ~ very romantic (and busy!). All your photos are wonderful but I too favor the puddle shot.
I love that one of the puddle in the Piazza Navona – the reflection is so clear.
Stunning photos! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Love the reflection in the puddle on the cobblestones!!! Great shot!
You ‘re quite right, Ailsa, the reflections and the pictures as well, are really gorgeous
By the way, Rome is still one of those cities I dream of travelling to, one day.
Beautiful
The reflecion in Piazza Novona is beyond stunning! Fab post Ailsa.
wow wow wow. Love the reflection of th Piazza Novona on the cobblestones.
I love Rome… ahhhh I wish I was there now. Thanks for giving me a mini virtual vacation.
Your picture of the medieval streets of Trastevere is a work of art.
This brings back brilliant memories, like so many of your posts, Ailsa! Perhaps one day we’ll actually cross paths on our travels! In the meantime, if you’re still in Rome, try getting up to the Maltese Embassy. It’s worth the unique view: http://jaspasjourney.wordpress.com/2014/01/10/rome-through-a-keyhole/
Oh this is awesome, I literally just posted about the keyhole and then read your comment. Kudos to Rich for that brilliant shot, it’s tricky to capture, isn’t it? xxx
Stunning pics!
That’s it!! I’m booking for next month.
Haha, yes!
I really like the reflection in the cobblestones such colour and clarity
My wife and I will be in Rome on Thursday. We can’t wait!
Great post 😀