Two Thousand Years and a Gelato: A Stroll Around the Pantheon

 As you walk through Rome, you’re always expecting something — and yet you’re still caught off guard.

You step out of a narrow cobblestone street… and suddenly, there it is: the Pantheon.

That dome.

Those columns.

That weight.

It feels as if the city pulls back a curtain and says, “Look, I’ve been here for two thousand years.”

Rebuilt during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, its great dome opens to the sky through the oculus at its center. Once inside, it’s impossible not to look up. You feel small — but not in a diminishing way. More like you’ve stepped into something vast, something that has been unfolding long before you arrived.

And then there’s the legend: it’s said that the opening in the dome was the gateway through which the pagan gods departed Rome. Is it true? Who knows. But in Rome, stories have a way of outshining facts.

From the outside, it looks like a classical temple:

Massive granite columns, a triangular pediment, a solemn presence. It’s as if Rome is explaining the word “discipline” through architecture.

But the moment you step inside, everything changes.

You move from square to circle in an instant.

From rigid lines to flawless geometric harmony.

The dome is so perfectly proportioned that its diameter and height are exactly the same. Imagine an invisible sphere placed inside it. Ancient Roman engineering achieved this without the concrete technology we rely on today. It’s almost impossible to comprehend.

And then, the oculus.

Nine meters wide, the only window open to the sky.

When it rains, the water falls directly inside. Yet the floor is subtly sloped and the drainage system hidden; the water simply disappears. Rome is not only aesthetic — it is practical.

The light moves throughout the day. In the morning, it illuminates one column; at noon, it washes over the dome; in the evening, it leaves a soft golden hue on the walls.

The Pantheon tells time with the sun.

It was first commissioned in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, but was later destroyed by fire. The structure we see today was rebuilt in the 2nd century AD during the reign of Emperor Hadrian.

But the real reason it survived is this:

In the 7th century, it was converted into a church.

Its new name: Santa Maria ad Martyres.

So the Pantheon transformed from a pagan temple into a Christian church.

In Rome, nothing ever truly disappears. It simply changes identity.

Inside, you’ll also find the tomb of Raphael. The great master of the Renaissance rests at the heart of ancient Rome.

This city is layered — history resting gently upon history

Inside the Pantheon, your voice changes.

Even whispers echo — but never in a disturbing way.

When you stand there, you feel this:

For two thousand years, humanity has been looking up.

At the same dome.

At the same sky.

And perhaps the most striking thing is this:

The Pantheon does not feel like a museum. It is still alive. Still visited. Still filled with light.

Stone — but not heavy.

Ancient — but not old.

Silent — yet somehow speaking

Restaurants Around the Pantheon

The area immediately surrounding the Pantheon feels like a living stage.
Tables spill out onto the cobblestones, waiters move quickly but with a hint of theater. Even as they hand you the menu, there’s a sense of Roman confidence.

Touristy? Yes.
But when you’re seated with a view of the Pantheon, it hardly matters.

Armando al Pantheon has a more local, intimate vibe. Carbonara is taken seriously here.

Nazzareno offers classic Roman cuisine; white tablecloths, orderly service, and a touch of old-world charm.

Ristorante Pancrazio stands out with its historic atmosphere.

But the main thing is this:
Eating pasta while gazing at the Pantheon transforms an ordinary meal into a little performance. Your fork pauses mid-air for a second, because your eyes keep drifting back to the dome.

The Gelato Matter

And then… gelato.

In Rome, gelato isn’t just for cooling off. It’s a ritual.
Especially the real pistachio flavor.

Not salty.
No artificial sweetness.

Intense. Deep. Delightfully rich on the palate.
Its color is slightly muted — not that bright, neon green. The serious tone of real pistachio.

For example, Giolitti is a classic, grand option.
Or Venchi – Pantheon offers a more modern take with rich, complex flavors.

From the very first spoonful, you notice something:
This flavor doesn’t rush. You have to eat it slowly. Its intensity lingers on your tongue, almost creamy in texture.

In the shadow of the Pantheon, gelato in hand, surrounded by clinking plates and the scent of coffee…
Rome teaches you this:

History may be grand.
But sometimes, happiness fits perfectly in a cone

From Morning Madness to Evening Gelato: Experiencing Rome

It’s seven in the morning. At that hour, even under extreme pressure, I wouldn’t put on makeup. But Rome is already fully operational.

As I was walking toward Trevi Fountain, I confidently thought, “We came early, it’ll be quiet.”
Level of naivety: maximum.

Apparently, 7 a.m. is the official start of the professional photo production shift.

Evening gowns are flowing everywhere. Satin, chiffon, sequins… It feels as if a red carpet is about to be rolled out or someone is moments away from delivering an acceptance speech. High heels are fighting for survival on Rome’s uneven stone pavement. Meanwhile, photographers are issuing instructions with military precision:

“A little to the left… No, no, turn toward the fountain… Smile — but naturally!”

Naturally. At seven in the morning. In an evening gown. In front of the Trevi.

The dramatic exuberance of the Baroque era has become the backdrop for an entirely different kind of theatre. The statues of the fountain seem unfazed, as though they’ve been witnessing scenes like this for centuries. Meanwhile, I haven’t even had my coffee and I’m trying to process what’s happening.

At some point I realized: perhaps Rome hasn’t changed at all. Only the form of spectacle has. Once it was a display of power; now it’s a display of filters. There were crowds then, there are crowds now. The only difference is that everyone is searching for a slightly better angle.

A few streets away, the Spanish Steps appear to be doing their morning workout. But by workout, I don’t mean climbing stairs — I mean posing and retaking. The same step is taken three times. The same hair flip is repeated five times. Rome is patient. I am not.

That’s when I understood: in Rome, the day starts early. Especially for photos that are meant to look like they were taken early in Rome.

And me? Still makeup-free, caffeine-deprived — and thoroughly entertained.

While the entire early-morning production continues in front of the fountain, you inevitably remember the real story behind it. Trevi Fountain isn’t just a dramatic backdrop; it’s the epicenter of a romantic ritual. Everyone who turns their back to it and tosses a coin shares the same wish: to return to Rome. If love had geographical coordinates, one of them would definitely be here.

The coins at the bottom of the fountain shimmer like tiny stars in the morning light. Some are thrown with romance, some with hope, and some clearly with a “just to be safe” second coin. Rome graciously accepts all emotional investments.

Right in the middle of this sentimental atmosphere, I discover what might be the most strategically positioned gelato shop in human history. Just beside the fountain, placed with what feels like a deep understanding of human sugar psychology. It’s 7:30 a.m., and I am seriously contemplating pistachio. Italy does this to you. Here, gelato is not dessert — it’s a lifestyle.

And then there’s the Polaroid front.

Circling the fountain are individuals with cameras slung over their shoulders, equipped with an almost supernatural ability to detect tourists. The moment you make eye contact, it’s over.
“Photo? Very nice photo. One minute.”

One minute. Of course. Because in Rome, apparently, everything happens in one minute.

They lure you in with the nostalgic charm of instant photography. There’s something undeniably romantic about watching the image slowly appear on the paper, the fountain’s Baroque drama perfectly framed behind you. And suddenly you realize that the very system of spectacle you were gently critiquing five minutes ago — you have now willingly joined.

Rome doesn’t force you into anything. It simply sets the stage exceptionally well. There’s love, there are wishes, there’s sugar, there’s nostalgia. At some point you just shrug and think, “Well… since we’re here.”

And me? Still makeup-free, still under-caffeinated… but now holding a gelato in one hand and a freshly printed Polaroid in the other.

Rome 1 — Me 0.

By this point, I thought I had fully understood Rome’s strategy: seduce, entertain, repeat. And then I met dessert.

Near the Spanish Steps sits a place that doesn’t whisper temptation — it announces it. Pompi.

If Trevi handles emotional investments, Pompi manages sugar-based ones.

The display window alone is a commitment issue waiting to happen. Tiramisu in every possible variation. Classic. Pistachio. Strawberry. Chocolate. Variations I didn’t even know tiramisu was emotionally prepared to become. At this point, choice feels less like freedom and more like responsibility.

And then — plot twist.

The girl behind the counter doesn’t speak English. Not a word. We attempt that universal tourist language made of gestures and hopeful facial expressions. Nothing. And just as we are about to surrender to the power of pointing randomly, she switches to Turkish.

Perfect Turkish.

In Rome.

At Pompi.

I experienced about three seconds of existential confusion. I had mentally prepared for broken Italian, maybe dramatic hand gestures. Not this. Rome, once again, refuses to behave predictably.

Desserts secured, we make our way back to the Spanish Steps — this time in the evening. Because apparently, the true flavor of Rome requires proper timing.

Sitting on the steps at night is an entirely different experience. During the morning, they’re a runway. By evening, they become a living room. People sit close, conversations overlap, someone is laughing too loudly, someone else is whispering secrets. There’s the soft hum of multilingual gossip floating in the air.

And that’s when it hits you: the Spanish Steps don’t taste the same standing up.

You have to sit.
You have to linger.
You have to participate in the gentle art of doing absolutely nothing...

The city softens at night. The light turns golden, the marble cools down, and the drama shifts from performance to presence. No one is chasing angles anymore. They’re just… there.

Rome in the morning performs.
Rome in the evening confides.

And somewhere between tiramisu diplomacy, unexpected Turkish conversations, and steps that only make sense when you sit on them, I realized something:

Rome doesn’t just show itself to you.
It waits for you to slow down enough to notice.

You take a spoonful of tiramisu, chocolate melts on your tongue, and the pistachio pieces crunch ever so lightly. A sweet silence seems to settle around you. Everything slows down just a little. Cameras and phones are set aside — all that exists is the moment.

Rome in the morning pushes you to run, to pose, to perform. In the evening, it teaches you to sit back and savor everything, one sweet spoonful at a time. And that’s why the tiramisu at Pompi is more than just a dessert; it’s a little lesson, a small reward, a tiny piece of happiness.

To fully experience Rome, perhaps all you need is a bit of patience, a bit of appetite, and a little bit of sweetness.

And me? Still makeup-free, still caffeine-free… but now ending the day with a spoonful of tiramisu and a huge smile.

Everyone Can Knit in Norway – No Matter Your Job or Status!

 When I came to Norway, I realized that knitting here is practically a way of life! 🧶🇳🇴 Even when you’re sitting in a park, you can spot people with needles and colorful yarns in their hands. Students knit, office workers knit, even grandmothers… everyone is doing something with yarn!

And the best part? Norwegian wool is famous! Warm, soft, and durable… From sweaters to scarves, even gloves, so many things are made from it. The Norwegians are so talented that they take traditional patterns and mix them with modern colors, creating beautiful, vibrant designs.

Knitting here isn’t just a hobby—it’s also a social activity. People meet in cafes and parks, knit while chatting, and inspire each other. Sometimes, you even find someone at the next table showing you a new technique!

The sheep here are raised to withstand the cold climate, which makes their wool incredibly warm, soft, and durable. Even in freezing winter temperatures, your sweater keeps you toasty and cozy.

Wool isn’t just about warmth—it’s also high-quality and long-lasting. Norwegians have spent generations improving sheep breeds and wool processing techniques, creating both traditional patterns and modern designs. Setesdal, Marius, and other classic motifs… these patterns are not only beautiful but also make the wool stronger and more practical.

On top of that, wool production in Norway is environmentally conscious! Sheep graze on natural pastures, chemical treatments are kept to a minimum, and the yarns are often dyed with natural colors. So it’s not only beautiful—it’s a production process that respects nature.

In short, the reason Norwegian wool is so high-quality is simple: the climate, carefully raised sheep, and generations of refined processing techniques. That’s why Norwegian sweaters and scarves are world-famous and can be found in almost every home!

When it comes to knitting, Setesdal, Marius, and Selbu are the stars. And let me tell you, they’re not just pretty—they make sweaters last for years!

• Setesdal: Tiny diamond shapes, usually in black and white. Super classic—you’ll see it everywhere!

• Marius: Red, white, and blue combos that are pure energy! Modern meets traditional, and it instantly lifts your mood. 

• Selbu: Flowers and stars, mostly on gloves and scarves. Some designs are so gorgeous you’d almost want to display them instead of wearing them!

Sitting in a cafe in Norway, you can’t help but admire these motifs. Each has a story, sometimes passed down through generations, and sometimes reflecting local culture. It’s like knitting is a tiny window into Norwegian life and history.

Selbu Motif and Its Legend

The Selbu motif is especially famous for gloves.

According to legend, in the 1800s, a young girl in the town of Selbu knitted the first gloves with a star pattern. The design was so admired that it quickly spread to every corner of Norway.

The star motif was said to symbolize “guiding light during the dark winter days.” 

Even today, Selbu motif gloves have become an iconic part of Norwegian culture.

Marius Motif

The Marius motif emerged in the 1950s. Designer Marius Larsen created a more modern and colorful sweater inspired by traditional Setesdal patterns.

According to legend, the sweater designed by Marius was first worn at a major ski competition, and its photos quickly spread throughout Norway.

Today, its red, white, and blue color combination has gained even more popularity, as it also matches Norway’s national colors.

Imagine the cold Norwegian winters…  That’s why wool has been a lifesaver for centuries! Warm, durable, and super soft—Norwegian sweaters and scarves aren’t world-famous for nothing.

From the 1700s onward, knitting in Norway became more than just a household chore—it turned into a social activity. Women would gather in town squares and markets, showing each other new techniques, teaching patterns, and chatting while knitting. Sometimes, you’d even find the woman next to you giving a quick tip on a tricky stitch.

Wool was also an important trade prodect. By the 1800s, Norwegian wool was being sold all over Europe, and Norwegian sweaters were almost like a brand on their own. So it kept people warm, brought communities together, and even helped the economy!

It seems that in Norway, knitting is about so much more than just finishing a sweater; it’s about keeping history alive, building community against the cold, and telling a story with every stitch. If you ever find yourself in Norway, don’t just pick up a souvenir; take home the centuries of life woven into those famous motifs. Who knows, maybe on the next cold winter night, what keeps you warm won’t just be the wool, but the enduring glow of these ancient traditions

Munch’s World: Emotions, Mysteries & One Big Scream

 Imagine walking through Oslo and suddenly finding yourself face to face with a massive building by the sea, slightly leaning as if it has its own attitude… That’s exactly what arriving at the Munch Museum feels like!  This building wasn’t placed there randomly. This is Bjørvika — Oslo’s old harbor area, now transformed into the city’s “cultural stage.” It’s as if Norway said, “We’re not hiding our art — we’re putting it right where everyone can see it!” 

What used to be a place where ships docked is now a full-on art hub, together with the Opera House, the modern library, and the Munch Museum. And the museum is definitely not trying to be modest; it faces the sea, stretches toward the sky, and practically tells the city, “Hey, I’m right here!”  Edvard Munch isn’t just a painter — for Norway, he represents emotion, art, and identity. That’s why the museum isn’t tucked away in some quiet corner, but placed somewhere everyone walks past, notices, and gets curious about.

On one side, the fjord view; on the other, striking modern architecture… Nature + art + city feel like they’ve literally shaken hands. This isn’t just a place to look at paintings; it’s Norway’s way of saying, “We take art seriously — but in a cool way.”

As soon as you step inside, you realize something: this museum isn’t just displaying paintings — you’re literally walking into a person’s soul. Because Munch’s life… a little drama, a lot of emotion, a touch of darkness, but incredibly powerful. 

Edvard Munch was born in Norway in 1863, but his childhood was far from a fairy tale. He lost his mother and his sister to illness at a young age. So you could say sadness didn’t arrive in his life as a guest — it moved in as the owner.  These losses show up again and again in his art, through themes of fear, loneliness, and illness.

That’s why when you look at his paintings, you don’t just see colors; you see anxiety, love, fear, passion, and loneliness — all laid out on canvas. His most famous work, “The Scream,” isn’t really about a figure screaming outward, but about the silent scream inside a human being. You know that feeling we all have sometimes, that inner “AAAAAAAA” moment? Yeah… that’s the artistic version of it.                                    

                                         

Throughout his life, his love life was a bit turbulent, and his mental state had its ups and downs. At one point, he even went through a serious nervous breakdown and received treatment. But here’s the fascinating part: even those dark periods didn’t stop his art — they deepened it. Munch never stopped painting, because for him, art was literally a way of surviving.

For Norway, Munch isn’t just a painter; he’s the man who said, “Emotions are art, too.” That’s why today he almost feels alive, standing in a giant museum facing the sea, right in one of Oslo’s most visible spots. 

Once you learn about Munch’s life, the way you look at his paintings completely changes. But here’s the most surprising part: these works were not hanging on museum walls for years!  In the later years of his life, Edvard Munch kept producing art nonstop in the house where he lived near Oslo. Paintings, sketches, prints… They weren’t neatly archived or perfectly stored. Some were on the walls, some in storage spaces, some upstairs, even in attic-like areas. So instead of today’s “white walls, spotlight lighting, museum silence” atmosphere, it was more like a living, breathing artistic chaos! 

When he died in 1944, he left thousands of his works to the Municipality of Oslo. When officials entered the house, what they found was basically an art treasure. But not like a luxurious collection room — the paintings emerged from the middle of the artist’s real, lived-in, creative, slightly messy world. Most of the famous works we see today in the Munch Museum were once simply part of his everyday life.

Just imagine… The paintings we now see carefully protected, standing in front of for minutes inside museum halls, were once leaning in corners, stacked on top of each other in the artist’s own home. This detail makes Munch feel less like an “untouchable genius” and more like a real person. Someone who lived through emotions, worked in a bit of chaos, kept creating, and carried art into every corner of his life… just like his paintings. 

As you wander through the museum, it suddenly appears in front of you, and your first reaction is:

“This is peaceful… yet weird… and a little intense?” 

Welcome to the world of Munch.

When you hear the name Madonna, you might expect a classic, religious, serene scene, right? But Munch says, “Nope, not that simple,” and flips the script entirely. The female figure in this painting stands like a sacred icon, yet at the same time she’s deeply human, incredibly real, and even a little mysterious. Her face carries a hint of serenity, but her body language, the surroundings, and the colors whisper something entirely different… 

Here, Munch isn’t just presenting the woman as a symbol of “innocence.” He’s combining love, desire, life, and even death. Looking at the painting, your brain says:

“Is this… romantic?”

Your heart says:

“A bit dark, isn’t it?”

And your soul sits in the corner, doing its emotional analysis 

And here’s the most Munch-y part: this painting is part of his so-called “Frieze of Life” series. The man basically turned human life into an emotional Netflix series — love, jealousy, fear, death… and Madonna stands out as one of the most intense episodes 

Some versions even have small figures and symbols tucked into the frame — basically, Munch saying:

“One emotion isn’t enough, so I packed them all in here, enjoy.” 

Standing in front of it, you realize this is not just a portrait of a woman. It’s a visual tug-of-war with love, body, soul, and life’s fragility. And it’s not heavy-handed — more like those 3 a.m. existential thoughts 

In short, Madonna isn’t a painting you glance at and move on. You pause, you feel a little embarrassed, a little curious, and a little unsure why it affects you so much. And that’s exactly where Munch wins.

Now, here’s a little secret: Madonna was not Munch’s lover!  But you’re probably wondering why he gave the painting that name, right? Here comes the fun part…

The word “Madonna” sounds classic, religious, and innocent, but Munch didn’t create the painting as a simple icon. On the contrary, he brings together femininity, life, love, desire, and the fine line of death. So when you look at the painting, you’re facing a sacred figure, yet there’s this feeling like, “This woman is hiding a secret, almost like she’s avoiding your gaze.”

In other words, by naming it Madonna, he took the classic “Virgin Mary” expectation and turned it into a Munch surprise full of color, emotion, and mystery. That’s why when you stand in front of it, you feel curious, moved, and just a little bit stunned — exactly the effect Munch wanted.

And then… you take one step forward, and there it is: The Scream. 
Suddenly your heart starts racing like, “Wait, is this real?” After the slow, mysterious emotions of Madonna, The Scream hits like a full-on emotional roller coaster! 

This painting is the peak moment when Munch poured his inner world onto canvas. The screaming figure isn’t just yelling; it’s expressing the fear, anxiety, loneliness, and all the inner storms building up inside. One moment, the sky is blood-red, the next, the figure itself seems to scream — and suddenly, you’re pulled right into that storm. 

Here, Munch seems to be saying:
“Sometimes you can’t let your feelings out, so I threw them onto the canvas for you!” 

Everyone in the museum is taking photos, but you reAn interesting note: Art historian Peter Selz says about The Scream: “The Scream represents not only the fears of a single individual but also the anxieties and alienation of society.” So, that scream isn’t just Munch’s—it’s the storm inside all of us!alize this painting doesn’t just grab your eyes — it grabs your soul. For a brief moment, it feels like Munch himself is there in 1893, whispering:

“You’re feeling it, aren’t you? This is art!” 

In short, the journey that started with curiosity and mystery in Madonna reaches its emotional peak in The Scream. If you want to get lost in Munch’s world, this is exactly where the emotional storm sweeps you away.

Munch drew direct inspiration from his surroundings when creating The Scream! While watching the sunset from Ekeberg Hill in Oslo, he noticed the sky turning a deep blood-red, and that very moment inspired the famous colors of the sky in the painting.So, the artwork isn’t just a product of imagination—it’s also the result of a real landscape observation

Little Munch Notes

• Obsessive Productivity:
  Munch was incredibly prolific—at times, he was known to work on up to 20 paintings a day! 😅 His stress, anxiety, and passion drove the speed and intensity of his work.

• Neglecting His Health:
  He experienced illnesses and personal traumas at a young age, yet smoking, drinking, and sleepless nights were part of his daily life. Unsurprisingly, this only amplified the intense emotions in his artwork.

Lost in Norway: Snow, Art, and a Bit of Chaos

When life takes you somewhere unexpected, a strange mix of fear and excitement rises inside you. You keep going, living with it, until you finally realize it’s there—a little uninvited guest. Life handed me both a touch of fear and plenty of wonder on this journey… and I had no idea where it would take me.

This adventure brought me to what I like to call a “giant Santa Claus village” in Norway, right in the middle of winter, where temperatures dropped to -20°C. Snow reached up to my knees in some places, making me feel like a child returning to the warmth of my desk and books. For locals, the conditions were challenging, but for someone like me, who rarely sees so much snow, it was magical. Hidden ice patches made every step a little risky, yet trudging through the snow while snapping photos of colorful houses and glittering lights felt like stepping into a storybook.

House layouts in these villages are a little unconventional. If you dream of living alone on a large plot of land, with neighbors far away, Norwegian villages are a perfect alternative. And the sweetest part? Hearing neighbors compete over who decorated their house the best for Christmas. In fact, one house even received a newspaper mention when the police congratulated them on their festive display! Imagine living in such a peaceful village, where your only concern is which house will shine brightest under the starry sky. 

Of course, having a car is essential if you want to settle in a place like this. While you need it to reach the town center, trains are a convenient option afterward.

Another thing that caught my attention was that during weekdays, cafes, restaurants, and shopping centers were mostly filled with elderly people. I later learned the reason: tourists, retirees, or those unable to work visit these spots during the day, while everyone else is at work. At first, it felt unusual, but it made perfect sense after a while.

Being surrounded by snow-covered nature was breathtaking. Shoveling snow added its own drama—I tried to act like a pro, but let’s be honest, I failed spectacularly. Yet everything melted away with a hot cup of Turkish tea in hand; when you sip it, all your worries simply disappear. 

This trip reminded me that the small things—the crunch of snow under your boots, twinkling lights on quiet streets, and even a simple cup of tea—can turn a cold winter day into a magical adventure.

I got completely lost, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of the colorful galleries and massive sculptures.  But the real surprise was hidden in the local markets… As I wandered among knitted sweaters, handmade scarves, and vibrant yarns, I realized that everyone here had their own little secrets. 

And the most fun part? The women were knitting with such joy that I suddenly found myself lost in a yarn shop, diving headfirst into a colorful sweater-making adventure. And yes… want me to let you in on a secret? I actually learned how! This small but delightful experience made me truly feel the warm and welcoming spirit of the village.

Still, I didn’t see the Northern Lights—not even a glimpse. Everyone kept messaging me, saying, “We saw them here and there—you’re in Norway, you have to see them!” But no matter what, not a single hint of the aurora. I had these silly little dreams of watching the Northern Lights from the tiny cabin window where I was staying… and yet, it never happened.

As you can see in the photo, the only thing I actually saw was that light… but it’s okay, the rest was still fun. When we woke up in the morning, we even collected eggs from the chickens for breakfast—it was nature within nature!

Even though the journey story ends here, don’t forget—if the darkness won’t let you go, take a little pause.