Toward the end of a long city day under the Roman sun, we treat ourselves to
gelato—mine topped with whimsical Mickey Mouse ears. Gelato is Italy’s iconic
frozen delight: smoother, denser, and more intensely flavoured than ordinary ice
cream, thanks to slow churning that incorporates less air. Made from fresh milk,
cream, fruit, or nuts, every scoop bursts with taste. With cones in hand, we
wander Rome’s cobbled streets, savouring the cool sweetness as the anticipation
builds with each step toward the Trevi Fountain. The sound of rushing water
leads us to the Baroque masterpiece, completed in 1762. Here, the tradition
continues: standing with our backs to the fountain, we toss a coin over the left
shoulder. Legend promises that one coin ensures a return to Rome, two bring new
romance, and three foretell marriage. Popularised in the 20th century and
immortalised in films, this ritual has become an essential part of the Roman
experience. Today, the coins are gathered daily and donated to charity — turning
a simple wish into both a personal hope and an act of kindness.
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