"The Lights that Stole Christmas." That's the line a Roman friend used to describe the tiny, bright, halogen lights that have recently become a feature of the Rome cityscape.
The lights are especially common on the facades of restaurants—perhaps, to the owners, signifying a festive atmosphere, or just drawing attention to an establishment. These lit-up places were found in the historic center, where tourists are plentiful.
One wonders if some diners, especially those who aren't Italian, might be irritated. Having eaten our share of dinners at Rome restaurants and trattorias, we understand that Romans generally prefer to dine under light much brighter than the average American would think desirable. The shadowed intimacy that's common in American venues is hard to find in Rome. The photos are of two restaurants in the non-tourist, Re di Roma area, one on via Taranto, the other on via Aosta.
A proprietor on artsy, upscale via Margutta lined the shop windows with lights.
Because they're inexpensive to purchase and install, and especially to operate, some businesses have them on day and night. The 24-hour Todis grocery store on via Tuscolana is lit up around the clock.
The following photos were all taken on a 40-minute walk from Piazza della Repubblica to Piazza dei Re di Roma.
Have dinner. While being illuminated. Voremmo un tavolo dentro, per favore.
Bill
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