We, my husband and I, stepped from bus #52 near the Piazza del Popolo and quickly blended into the mass of tourists heading along Via del Corso toward the Fontana di Trevi. I’d heard the oft-told tale that if one tosses coins over their shoulder into Trevi fountain, they will one-day return. Therefore, I had set out on a mission to throw my coins. Our stay here in Rome was fast drawing to an end and I was determined to return.

Originally built by Agrippa in the first century, Trevi was reconstructed from 1732 to 1751 by the master crafter Nicolo Salvi for Pope Clement XII. The Fontana di Trevi stands 85 feet high and 65 feet wide, and is the largest fountain in Rome. Located at the rear of the Palace of the Dukes of Poli, the sea god ‘Oceanus’ is depicted standing among two horses (one wild and one tame), shells and tritons. Its waters swirl downward among the figures and artificial rocks and collect in the basin at the base of the fountain where hopeful tourists have tossed coins.

I stepped up to the fountain to take a photo and suddenly realized that THERE WAS NO WATER IN THE FOUNTAIN! There, in the basin was a work crew; four Italian men with dark curly hair picking up coins from the basin. Using the very best of my broken Italian, I turned to a nearby workmen and asked," Why is there was no water?" He looked at me for a moment and answered, "But, how did you think we got the coins out?" It took me a minute, but then we both laughed. He said, "Take a photo sensa aqua (without water) - your photo will be unique."

And so, here is my photo of Trevi Fountain -- sensa aqua. He was right, I‘ve never seen another photo like it! Later that day, when my husband and I returned, the waters once again flowed and I was able to toss my coins. That was my first trip to Rome in 1997 and I am happy to say that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy four return visits. Before you say "arevaderchi a Roma" be sure to toss three Coins into Trevi Fountain!