Michelle Ciani is an Italo-American writer and teacher living in Rome. For the past 25 years her career has blended journalism, teaching and public diplomacy while living in seven countries. Raised in Chile, she’s spent her life bridging cultures. Currently writing memoir, her blog explores subjects of home, place and belonging shaped by a lifetime of movement… and a love of letter writing. You can read more of her writing here.
I moved to Rome in 2018 and am still in awe of this ancient city. As I wander through ruins and monuments, uncovering my Italian roots, I settle into the rhythm of Rome, her rules, rituals and routines. It’s not always easy but it is always fascinating. When I’m not writing I’m out wandering the city. I can’t do one without the other. This photo is a self-portrait of me and my favorite monument of all, the Pantheon. I took it in 2020 after the first Lockdown in Italy when the city was empty and we were just reemerging. That’s when I picked up my camera again and started writing letters to you Dear Reader.
You can read more of my writing here.