My first impression of Rome may be described as scizofrenic as it seemed as if the "now" had been poured into frozen history of some 2000 years. With such an overwhelming amount of monuments I lost my sense of time and belonging and could only stand there in awe. It was hard to comprehend that the cars were allowed to drive just a few metres from the Colosseo itself! But this is Rome: No matter where you walk - stretch out your hand and you touch the past, no matter if you are exploring it on foot or by car or you are just to pick up your kids from school.
Water has played an important role in shaping the city and its history. Not only impressive fountains abound in Rome but also drinking fountains which are freely accessible on the streets to everyone. What may slip someones notice is that the water in Rome is a living link to its already impressive history with the present.
There are two main aqueducts' - Acqua Vergine Antica (constructed by Agrippa's engineers) and Acqua Vergine Nuova, both fed from natural reservoirs, its waters travelling from the hills East of Rome.
Imagine you sip the most wonderful espresso possible here in Rome. You ask the barista what beans they've been using and maybe you're so lucky you're in one of those bars where they have their own 'torrefazione' so you bring a package home and excitedly describe the divine brew your friends will soon experience while the promising aroma from the grounded beans goes into your expensive top-of-the-range espresso machine, only to find that it quite doesn't taste the same as you recall it. You try to find an explanation but one of the most important reasons are simply: the water.
There is a maze of facts about water and I would probably confuse you if I tried to present them all but one worth to mention is the question if the calcium is important or not. Accordinig to some experts it is said to add body to your espresso. Roy Forster, a Quality Assurance Manager in the USA claims: "You need four to six grains per gallon" but the ideal espresso water, all experts agree, can be found in Naples and maybe Mount Vesuvius and the volcanic soil has something to do with it.
The fountains in Rome however, are said to furnish the city with not only the purest drinking-water but also to have restorative qualities. On its way to Rome the water percolates through volcanic tuff, laden with calcium and magnesium. Since an Espresso consists of 95% water, you can imagine the impact the water quality must have on your coffee.
So then, what to do? Bring back water home in a bottle?
No.. just take a break while you are visiting this fascinating city, enter a bar and order your coffee and enjoy it for what it is, close your eyes and get dizzy as your mind transport you back in time to 19 BCE and while you are yet there make sure to send Agrippa a 'Thank You' or 'Grazie!'
Where to get lost in time? Try the Bar and Pasticceria 'Gran Caffè Borgo' hidden behind Borgo Pio and the passetto. The pastries and cappuccino was thoroughly approved by me and my friend Nisha.
Address: Via degli Ombrellari, Roma
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