The rain never did end up stopping in Rome (no seriously, you see all the drops in the photo?), and I could’ve cared less because I had a most wonderful day with Luisa & Tine who are both so fantastic as they responded to all my extreme traveler questions coming from someone who has never bought a city guide in her life and always ends up at the Zara just down the street instead of visiting any museums (shame) and who isn’t at all afraid of using intro sentences that are entirely too long (shame number 2).

Luckily, this time, I came across the two best guides you could ask for and we spent the day laughing and zipping in between raindrops eating mouthfuls of Nutella (shame number 3).

READ MORE

I’m in Rome and it’s been raining here for two days now, but who cares? I just met the coolest girls ever.

Everyone, meet Tine and Luisa, the two designers of the brand TL180. I contacted them because I love their bags and a friend told me just how fantastic they are. I also got a hold of them because last time I was in Rome, I confess I felt slightly adrift among the hoards of tourists and I didn’t really get a good feel for the city.

And then in just one tiny afternoon, not only did I totally fall for them and their lifestyle, but they totally changed my point of view on the city. We met up for coffee, and then never left each other’s side.

But I’m not going to say too much now as there’s a good chance you’ll hear more about Luisa and Tine tomorrow. They’re on their way to pick me up in a bit and give me a complete tour of the city… vintage shops, restaurants, karaoke (?), and they are even bringing on some rain boots for me. Now that’s southern welcoming !!!

So I will be back soon, and in the mean time, go take a look at their site, send them all your love (those girls are real angels) and, please, do something about this torrential rain. Make it stopppppp!!!!!

Translation : Tim Sullivan

PS : Oh and please enjoy my first “image carousel” !!! Well, at least that’s how we call it in France ! Baci !