Rome

I could have been mistaken for being a pilgrim this weekend  as I headed to the focal point of the European Easter celebrations, the city of Rome. I didn't realise how early Easter fell this year when I booked a mini break to the Italian capital city over the bank holiday weekend. Surprisingly the flights were not too extortionate so I had no forewarning until I started to search for accommodation. I had failed to factor in the school break or the bank holiday.

I began to panic when the accommodation I had been recommended was full and could not think of any other B&Bs or hotels they would suggest; that was until a friend mentioned airbnb.com. I had heard of the service although for some reason had not considered it. Now as I sit in my airy, centrally located apartment I can safely say I've been missing a trick. I was welcomed by the friendly owner who gave me a thorough tour of her beloved apartment, talked me through a detailed itinerary she had compiled and then presented me with some homemade heart shaped brownies.

When I was younger, as a family we would attend the Easter service at our local church but sadly those days have long gone. Spending Sunday in Rome, it was hard not to reflect on the religious reasons behind a celebration that now seems more about eating a lot of chocolate than the resurrection of Christ. I avoided the Vatican for fear of the enormous crowds but visited a couple of smaller churches where I enjoyed the opportunity to reflect. You'll be relieved to hear I didn't miss out on the chocolate either. When I returned to the apartment, tired from a day of walking, I discovered an Easter egg had been generously left by my host.