Why Rome is building a barrier in front of one of its most iconic sights

As a California native who now lives in New York City (okay, technically across the river in Hoboken, New Jersey), I started my career chasing celebrities as a magazine editor (CosmoGIRL! entertainment editor, J-14 editor in chief, Us Weekly senior editor), before also becoming obsessed with chasing passport stamps. Now I cover both as a travel and pop culture journalist and editor, contributing to publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, and Lonely Planet. I’m also a solo t…