Ostia Antica was a great way to get out of the bustling Eternal City and step back to the Roman days. The ruins were far more extensive than I had expected and presented an evocative display of how upper middle-class Romans lived. The transport connections were far more straightforward than the rats nest of buses connecting Rome’s sprawling neighborhoods.

Mosaic floor of Roman baths in Ostia Antica

Every day was spa day in ancient Rome. Why don’t we have public baths? Why are we relegated to lonely showers? Bathing should be an enjoyable public ritual.

Amphitheater in Ostia Antica.

Decorative masks outside the theater.

Free baths, free public entertainment: life could be good in ancient Rome.

Mithras slaying a bull in underground shrine

Altar of the Twins Romulus and Remus. Relief depicting
Cupid carrying the chariot of Mars (left); Romulus and Remus suckled by wolf.

Temples, tombs, shops, villas, warehouses–and very few tourists.

I poked around most of the day and then headed to the trendy Monti neighborhood, northeast of the Forum for a Prosecco and–more shopping! This time it was fun. Monti is the hipster neighborhood with vintage and used-clothing shops lining the cobblestone streets. It was the perfect place to round out my little wardrobe.