This is an open letter to Rome, Italy.

Dear Rome,

Why have you fallen so far from what I remember as an eleven year old kid?
I remember you being spectacular, wonderful, exciting and bigger than life. I came to see you again recently and noticed how little you care about yourself anymore. I remember being able to walk around without hordes of people coming up to me trying to sell me selfie sticks, umbrellas and light up toys you throw in the air. Not to mention the massive amount of other tourists, many more than when I was there last. I remember being at the Colosseum courtyard and actually having to walk up to vendors to purchase things and having to haggle with them and enjoying the experience. When did you get so expensive? Was it the Euro that did this to you? Nearly thirty Euros for two bowls of soup, bread and water? This is ridiculous to me! Also, we should talk about the rampant commercialism of places like the Vatican. I realize that there has always been money involved but do you really have to shove two thousand people at once into the Sistine Chapel? We used to have to be silent and respectful in there, now it’s pretty much a farce. The one thing I still found amazing was your Colosseum. It is one of the most impressive structures I’ve ever been in. This is the image of you that I will keep, the one where I still remember you as wonderful and awe inspiring.

How did you fall so far? Maybe it’s because of a wider spread ability to travel globally, perhaps it’s just that you no longer care about anything but the almighty dollar. I found you dirty, rude, obnoxious and disappointing overall. Definitely not the way I remember you. I’m sorry Rome, you and I can no longer be friends. I won’t be coming around again, unless it is during a layover at your airport. I can’t see you the way I used to. Don’t get me wrong, I know you have had a long life and have an impressive history, but you’ve lost my respect. I enjoyed our time together twenty years ago and will always cherish those memories. Take care of yourself, I hope you can remember who you used to be and get back to that point.

Best wishes for the future,

Terry