We wanted to make the way back home, along Via di Ripetta. The street, which starts from Piazza del Popolo, is the westernmost tip of the so-called "trident" which is also made up of via del Corso and via del Babuino. It is the street that once showed perhaps the most authentic charm, avoiding the siege of big international brands and mass tourism. It has changed a lot in recent times. Historic and famous restaurants and shops are now closed, the small bistrots and the wine bars have disappeared, churches and buildings are bolted and locked by large rusty padlocks. You can't see a living soul around. The times of the Dolce Vita are a faded memory. What strikes and hurts is the general neglect, the dirt and the sense of great abandonment in which this street, its scraped buildings and once pretty side streets have fallen. We hope that the city council will soon do something that can change the post-war look that now distinguishes this lifeless street.

This street leading up to Piazza del Popolo is known for its good eating places-as for instance Buca DI Ripetta and Gran Sasso- both of which as nice places for lunch