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Home » Destinations » Europe » Italy

Remembering Rome by Moonlight

Modified: Mar 4, 2020 · Published: Mar 21, 2007 by Dave Lee |

Pantheon in Rome, Italy

I continued to read "On the Road" while everyone returned to the room. Above me was a beautiful brunette from NYC. To my right was a beautiful blonde from New Zealand, and there was a girl from Australia. The other four beds were filled by two couples. I slept by the window, periodically turning to see the crescent moon over Rome. -- Journal excerpt, July 31, 1998 (my first day in Rome, Italy)

I remember that evening almost 9 years ago like it was yesterday. It's funny how such moments can later feel etched in your mind, while seemingly inconsequential at the time. I definitely remember making a mental note of the fact that I could lie on my lower bunk, surrounded by several young, attractive fellow travelers in a pension in the Italian capital, and simply turn my head to the left to see a bright white moon watching over the city.

I'm reminded of my first night in Rome every time I take notice of the moon. Full moons, half moons, crescent moons - they all take me back to that moment in time when I felt as though I was the luckiest guy ever. Backpacking around Europe on my own, a newly minted college graduate, beaming with confidence and newfound independence!

Every now and then I even spy the moon from my current apartment, while lying in bed, with the shades slightly open (I like a few shadows cast on the walls as I doze off). It's calling out to me to see it from all angles and latitudes...and I'm going to answer that call in December.

Sunsets are a dime a dozen. Who out there has a memorable moon moment?

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About Dave Lee

Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 68 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.

Dave at Ahu Ko Te Riku on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile.

Hi, I'm Dave

Editor in Chief

I've been writing about adventure travel on Go Backpacking since 2007. I've visited 68 countries.

Read more about Dave.

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