Because the last time I was there I was heavily pregnant, and every single person smiled at me, and wished me tanti aguri (best wishes). Everywhere else in the world I felt large, to say the least, and a strain on everyone but in Rome I was a welcome addition to society. In restaurants I was sent delicious dishes by chefs (that I didn’t order) and whenever I think of my midnight munchies- the pizza! Lordie lord the pizza! I became a regular at the Pizzeria da Baffetto (via del Governo Vechio 11), a roman institution and the queues that snake outside are testament to this. The large pizzas would feed a small village – all this for as little at 7 Euros for a meal.

Oh and then there was the ice-cream! I should probably admit at this point that the chestnut ice-cream (a favourite of the late John Paul II I was told) is a memory that I will carry with me into my old age. Most Romans consider Giolitti (via Uffici del Vicario 40) to make the best gelato in Rome but I found it delicious wherever I bought it.

What more can I say other than about food? The fragrances in the lovely Campo di Fiori of freshly cut flowers (this square’s name actually means ‘field of flowers), the colours of fresh fruit from the market stalls and the endless smiling faces of other pregnant mothers all worked magic on my senses. The architecture is breathtaking and there is a visual surprise around every corner. I recommend Rome to everyone, pregnant or not!

**This short Travel Story was submitted as part of the Holiday Travel Writing Competition. All short-listed entries such as this one are published in our online Travel Guide**

Photo Credit: SjWilliams82 | Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers Rome apartments.