Glowing While Traveling: My Caribbean Radiance in Rome, Italy
- Emi La
- Sep 20
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Leaving the Nest: From Haiti to the World
Port-au-Prince, Haiti 2000 - Most nights were quiet. Here and there I’d hear the neighbor’s babel or faint gunshots, celebratory or nefarious, I never knew. Either way, leaving my city was welcomed with innocent arms. It wasn’t long before those arms spread into wings that sent me drifting in a hot air balloon in Luxor, Egypt, scuba diving the Florida reefs, admiring the Grampians in Melbourne, Australia and eating my way through Rome, Italy. Alright, that last one was more gluttonous than adventurous but, roll with me here…
First Impressions: Rome’s Chaos & Charm
Rome, Italy 2022 - Exiting Roma Termini train station, I felt the city’s pulse: vibrant, messy, alive.
In general, when I arrive to a new destination, my excitement, however bursting, doesn’t render me oblivious. I remain alert to residents and visitors alike, tracking glances, tones, and that fidgety guy who’s always in the back. But Rome wrapped its essence all around me like an unexpected warm embrace from the stranger you’ve been eyeing at the local coffee shop. Under the polluted air, I strolled to Hotel Della Conciliazione, dragging my luggage and carry-on onto uneven cobble stone.
The cobblestone streets felt like a never-ending maze. I hated every second of dragging that luggage; the 16.5 minutes felt like hours. Sweaty, exhausted and ready to just drop that load, I kept dragging forward. I observed the varieties of Roman litter and the different colorations of urine on the streets, missing cobblestones, and almost getting hit by multiple cars as I didn’t realize where the sidewalks ended and streets began. You’ll hear similar tales of me almost getting hit by cars when I visited London, England and Bangkok, Thailand. All that, and yet Rome disarmed me. I didn’t resist either...
Glowing while traveling and bringing that black girl magic Rome truly deserved
Finally, I made it to my hotel feeling relieved and determined to make the most of my time in this incredible city. After quickly freshening up, I grabbed my camera and stepped out the door. The streets were alive as locals and tourists all blended together in a harmonious fashion, but there was one thing that stood out — me. With my brown skin, big hair, bold lips and colorful clothes, it was hard to not draw attention no matter where I went. It was exhilarating. I strutted down the streets like they were runways, proud of my unique beauty and unapologetic for allowing the world to see it. Despite being tired from lugging around that luggage, I felt exuberant!
In truth, I journeyed to Rome, expecting nothing other than pasta but I was determined to create opportunities for my own becoming. Everywhere I went, I met people and exchanged stories with them. Some were locals and some were tourists like me, but we all shared an underlying sense of gratefulness in our connection.
It's no secret that this ancient city is renowned for its breathtaking sights and sounds, boasting some of the most impressive architecture and monuments from thousands of years of history. But let’s keep it simple: the Trevi Fountain is… well, a fountain. Yes, it’s unique, yes, it’s beautiful, but at the end of the day, it’s a fountain. I couldn’t get a perfect shot through the bustling crowd, but I chose to set aside my frustration with typical tourist chaos and instead appreciate the incredible diversity of people it draws in.
Every visitor was there to capture their own special moment. It felt good to be reminded that you don’t need permission to take up space.
You are the moment.
Museum Stop: Leonardo Da Vinci Experience
While exploring, I stumbled upon the Leonardo Da Vinci Experience Museum. Small but mighty. For 12 euros, I touched history. I recommend it. Just a note: no bathrooms inside (yes, that was tragic as I badly needed one)!
Letting Rome reflect me back
Rome wasn’t just a stop on the map. It was a mirror. A place that stirred something in me no itinerary could predict. I can’t quite explain why I felt so alive there. Maybe it was the curious, lingering gazes from strangers, not filled with confusion, but recognition. Maybe it was the unspoken affirmation I didn’t realize I was craving. Whatever it was, something settled into place: I am more than I imagined. I matter -- to myself.
Side note: I did not stay in the long lines to go in the Colosseum. Nerp! Instead, I strolled outside, gelato in hand, embracing the importance of ancient history and my own quiet evolution. It wasn’t about checking landmarks off a list. It was about letting Rome show me to myself.
Where rest found me
I wandered to Campo Marzio, and found what I didn’t even know I needed: rest. There’s magic in letting your body relax in a place that honors leisure. And the locals live that magic effortlessly, unbothered and unhurried. So I let go too.
Leaving Rome, But Not My Glow
Let's be thankful for the beauty and diversity that surrounds us wherever we go. Whether it's the people we meet, the cultures we encounter, or the landscapes we explore, there's always something to marvel at. Even the air, crisp and sun-warmed, reminds us we’re alive, glowing while traveling through a world that’s as extraordinary as we are.
I wondered as I watched tourists snapped pictures with their phones making different silly faces. Are they ever going to print those pictures? Will they ever go up on a gallery wall to be admired? As the sun began to set, I observed an elderly couple quietly waiting to capture the perfect shot of the sunset without rushing the tourists. I admired their patience and kindness. They weren’t rushing. They weren’t performing. Just being. Present. That reminded me of the value of forming travel memories over content.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, my heart swelled with joy, knowing that these moments will be forever etched as some of my most cherished experiences. I walked through those streets feeling a sense of belonging that I hadn't felt anywhere else before.
FIN
BOUNCING CURLS
To achieve bouncing curls, I use:
Shea Moisture 100% VIRGIN COCONUT OIL DAILY HYDRATION SHAMPOO w/ coconut milk & Acacia Senegal
Shea Moisture MANUKA HONEY & MAFURA OIL INTENSIVE HYDRATION CONDITIONER w/ Fig Extract & Baobab Oil
Kinky - Curly KNOT TODAY™ Natural Leave in / Detangler
Kinky - Curly ORIGINAL CURLING CUSTARD™ Natural Styling Gel
Hair Style
My hair was shaped by Anthony Dickey, Owner of Hair Rules.
Hair Rules Salon NY
828 9th Avenue, Suite 1, New York, New York, 10019
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