The Mid-Lifers

Two years later, we went back.

Italy had lingered in our conversations long after that first trip — in the wine we tried to replicate, in the meals we attempted to recreate, and in the quiet moments when one of us would say, “Remember Tuscany?”

We were not finished with it.

The second visit felt different from the start.  We weren’t trying to see everything.  We weren’t rushing to check off landmarks.  We returned to Rome — but with calmer expectations and a deeper appreciation.

Returning to a city begins to feel less like visiting and more like going home. It feels more intimate. You notice more. You linger longer.

We revisited old favourites — wine in Piazza Navona, pizza with a view of the Pantheon. But we also discovered new ones: the vibrant energy of Campo de’ Fiori, and afternoon picnics in the gardens of Villa Borghese.

I did book a guided tour of the Colosseum that was specifically designed for children. While it was well organized and engaging, it’s important to note that it’s best suited for very young kids. Andrew was 10 years and was almost too old. Ben was now 15 and definitely too old for this tour.  The storytelling and pacing were geared toward keeping little ones entertained, which will likely not appeal to teens or adults looking for deeper historical context.

It’s also worth mentioning that this particular tour did not include access to the lower level (the arena floor and underground areas), which I would strongly recommend if it’s your first visit. Seeing the base of the Colosseum adds an entirely different perspective and helps to better understand the scale and engineering of the structure.

After several nights in Rome, we bid farewell to our first love and boarded the high-speed train north to Florence — a city that had quietly stayed with us since our first, far-too-short visit. 

We spent three days wandering the streets around the Duomo and further afield, searching for a deeper flavour of life in this beautiful city. Florence felt like a more refined, more intimate version of Rome.

And then, once again, we packed up and took the train — this time to Venice.

Venice was magic in an entirely different way.

We stayed in an Airbnb tucked in amongst the Venetians, surrounded by the quiet rhythm of daily life beyond the main squares.  We wandered aimlessly through narrow streets — some so tight you could reach out and touch both sides at once. Wherever we went, we were aimlessly lost — and loved every moment.

And of course, we took a gondola ride through the great canals.  Yes, it’s quintessentially Venetian. Yes, it’s something every visitor considers. And yet, gliding quietly through the canals, beneath centuries-old balconies and past doorways that open directly onto the water, felt unexpectedly intimate. Seeing the city from water level — the way it was meant to be seen — was unforgettable.

This trip felt different from the first.  We weren’t trying to see it all. We were simply enjoying being there again. And, still, we don't feel done!