This is what a traffic jam looks like an hour outside of Rome.

Passing couple on the sidewalk:

Husband says: ‘Amore, vuoi una goccia d’acqua?’ (Honey, do you want a sip of water?)

And the wife (totally seriously) replies: ‘Ma noooo – ho ancora il sapore del gelato in bocca!’ (No way – I still have the taste of gelato in my mouth!)

Yep, it’s that good.

Villa Borghese in full bloom.

Travel highlight: Giardino di Ninfa

Travel Highlight: Giardino di Ninfa

*click photos to enlarge

These beautiful gardens were the perfect Saturday afternoon getaway with friends. Classified as a natural historic monument, they’re located about an hour and half from Rome in the province of Latina. An oasis of exotic plant life, these English-style gardens are home to the remains of the ancient city of Ninfa, which was a rich community on the Appian Way during the Middle Ages.

The nearby town of Sermoneta is the definition of classic medieval charm and well worth a walk-through, regardless of whether a visit the gardens is on the agenda. We’ll certainly be back when we have more time than just for a quick lunch. And apparently it’s not all that well kept of a secret, judging from the generous amount of fancy Nikons snapping away… As usual in Italy, there’s always another unique town around the corner worth discovering.