Today was a day that I waited for my entire life… the day I got to follow in Lizzie McGuire’s footsteps and see the Trevi Fountain in person!
I woke up at 8:30 AM, just like Steven said he wanted to do… but he had slept so poorly the night before that he kept sleeping. We were struggling y’all but it’s FINE!
That was my opportunity to get ready, so I put on my makeup and a flowy skirt, like one does in Italy. Once I was ready, Steven was finally coming back to life and we began our trek to the Trevi Fountain!
Will Walk for Fountains
It was about a 37-minute walk from our Air B&B but it was such a beautiful route, I didn’t even mind! There was so much to look at and admire the entire way there. It helps that the buildings were tall and gorgeous. Time flies when you are surrounded by so many sights!
We passed by a bunch of alleys and seemingly endless streets. When you’re not used to it, from our perception, Italy can feel like a façade or a movie set. It often makes us feel like we’re at Disney, which is a testament to how “all in” the parks go when modeling their infrastructure. The bright colors and the grandeur of the Italian architecture add such a whimsical aspect to it all. It really helps you cultivate that “main character energy” we all know and love to embrace.
We walked through a huge echoey tunnel and kept getting closer and closer!
All of a sudden, we were about to turn the corner. We were in such a zone from navigating and walking that it seemed like we got there so quickly. It totally snuck up on me – I saw a sign for the Trevi Fountain and braced myself for that “first look.”
This Is What Dreams Are Made Of
I took a few steps past that corner and the Trevi Fountain was right there in all of its glory. Straight in front of us. WE WERE REALLY HERE! So many emotions welled up inside of me and I cried actual tears.
First off, I have DREAMED of seeing this place my whole life. Seeing Trevi Fountain magically captured in The Lizzie McGuire Movie for years burned it into my bucket list since 2003. Especially since that is such an enchanting turning point in the movie.
Then on top of that whole aspect, I just did not expect the past few years of my life to lead me to Rome. I thought I would have to wait so much longer to get to the country I’ve dreamed of visiting since childhood. We talked about going so many places around the world, and Rome was never a thought until nomad life became a real, viable option.
At the same time, there were a lot of days over the past few years when things just felt stagnant. (I’m sure a lot of us can relate to that feeling.) It felt like there were spans of days or weeks or even months with no forward movement, but as with the flow of life – that’s never technically the case. It was all leading to something beautiful.
All of that to say, seeing the Trevi Fountain was the “I really made it” moment. With all of the twists and turns life has been throwing the past few years especially, it really panned out that all roads led to Rome. I was just over the moon and overflowing with emotion and gratitude!
The Atmosphere of the Trevi Fountain
People-watching here was SO MUCH FUN. We began up on the second level and overlooked the entire guest area, and everyone was sooo happy and taking their pictures. It just made my heart full and I felt right at home! There were so many fun group dynamics and outfits and I was truly living for it all.
Of course, I had to join in and get a few photos of my own!
Then we went down to the first level and Steven and I threw coins in the fountain to make a wish! But of course, he pulled a whole Gordo on me and was like “I’m in Rome with my girlfriend, I’m good!”
(Scene linked HERE in case you’ve never seen The Lizzie McGuire Movie, which if that’s the case, you have some homework to do!)
We even had a super nice couple take a video of us tossing the coins in! It turned into one of my favorite videos of all time – I’m emotional all over again! This whole morning was just so surreal. (watch the Reel of this moment HERE)
After taking our time enjoying the atmosphere all around the fountain, we needed a sweet snack. We went and got gelato at a shop super close by named Milky Gelato Shop. I don’t know if it was the most authentic gelato or anything but this stuff was delicious. Typically I’ve noticed you can choose multiple flavors at most gelato shops in Italy, so we got half Oreo and half hazelnut. It was SO SO GOOD!!!
We took our gelato outside at the Trevi Fountain overlook and savored it with a beautiful view. What a magical, magical morning.
Well After That… Let’s Run an Errand
We started heading back towards the Air B&B and ran an errand or two on the walk home.
So here’s a little nomad life packing-ism for ya: Two things I decided not to bring to Europe with me were a hair straightener and a curling wand, which are total staples for my hair routine. (on days when I actually get ready) I figured it would be better to get one out so it had the correct European plug. However, this proved to be a huge challenge!
I asked at Pharmacies and beauty supply shops where the heck to buy these and they strangely sent me to technology/electronic stores! Like I said… shops are very separated by type of item out here, there aren’t really any “one-stop shops” like Target.
So to my surprise, the tech shop actually had them and they were only 20 euros each… which should’ve been enough evidence for me to know. But unfortunately, they were both really crappy. They lasted me through our month in Italy but they just did not heat up enough.
So that was a bust! I will continue to be on the lookout for better options as our travels go on and I’ll let you know where I found some winners.
Trevi Fountain & Work In The Same Day
We walked back to the Air B&B and worked all afternoon. My mind was blown that I went to the Trevi Fountain in the morning and worked in the literal same day… what the heck!
To end off the night, we had Tortellini and watched The Muppets Haunted Mansion special on Disney+, which was fantastic. Talk about a crossover I never knew I needed!
Thank you guys for coming back and reading today’s post! Seeing the Trevi Fountain was a true manifestation come true. I appreciate all of your kind and encouraging comments, they truly mean the world to me!
Feel free to share these posts with anyone in your circle who you think would love coming along on the journey And, of course, you can follow me over on Instagram @JessicaFaye508 for more real-time updates.
Until next time… we’ll see you back here for the next Itlay Adventure!
