Sunday, May 8th, 2010 - Rome

Rome is incredible. It's strange how stepping out of the airport into Rome, I really didn't feel like I was in Italy. Until I attempted to cross the street to get to our bus, and these little smart cars and literally miniature Mercedes and Nissans come flying by. And travelers lesson number two. traffic and travel is so different, just because a car may see you, doesn't mean they're gonna stop, or even care. And their least concern is the damage you may cause their car. absolutely could care less.

We took a bus from the Rome airport to our hotel, Torre Rossa Park Hotel, just outside the Vatican. The streets of Rome really are not that different than what you would see in downtown of any major city, there was graffiti and trash everywhere, which I really wasn't expecting. But the houses are so adorable. They basically line the streets, in very simple square buildings with their painted window blinds and potted plants sitting right outside the window.

Once we got to the hotel, a group of 12 of us decided to make our way into Rome. Somehow with everyone changing and getting ready to leave, I became the only one to talk to our translator about directions with a map. How ironic that literally the most directionally challenged person becomes the Rome guide...bad choice group, if only you knew. But getting into Rome by bus was not too terribly difficult, and we literally hopped off the bus at our stop, wondered a few feet, and were standing in St. Peter's Square.

The Basilica Saint Pietro was beyond describable in words. I really wasn't sure where we were at first and then in taking it all in, we were standing right in the middle of Saint Peter's square near the Vatican. It was crazy how I could point out where the Pope would had been, and the chimney for the smoke during voting, and the holy water fountains.

I had the hardest time following Angels and Demons when I watched it not too long ago this semester, but what I do remember, our group started picking up on all the different clues that we had seen in the movie. The marble stones in St. Peter's square with the cardinal directions and a man blowing wind, really exists. So that became more of an adventure, to find the statues that pointed in the right direction, and remembering the wind, water, and fire elements... definitely going to need to watch that one again.

I think lunch was one of the best parts of our day. We walked almost a hundred yards from the square and sat outside at this pizzeria. It was so nice to have our little group all sitting outside in Rome. So when in Rome, do as the Romans do right...so Caroline and I ordered our first bottle of wine. And for the record, you can order small bottles, and wine is pretty much the cheapest thing you can get on any menu. And Italians drink wine every day, twice a day, at lunch and dinner. So we had our cheese pizza and wine right outside the Vatican. Weird. Our waiter spoke English and was very entertaining. He claimed he was quite impressed with all the Italian that I knew and spoke when I said Gracie...and then laughed. It's a work in progress.

So we got on a bus and rode across the Fumie Tevere, the river that runs through Run, and got off at the Paiazzo Venezia. This building is absolutely incredible. It was built for the First King of Italy after his death in recognition, and I really don't think that the building really even served much other purpose, and it is huge. The architecture is of this gorgeous white building with steps and columns everywhere. On top are this huge bronze gladiator and chariot statues. The Venezia has these great white stairs at the very front - but all the old architecture in Rome is gated off to tourists and visitors for the most part, so you really get some good use out of your camera zoom - and at the top you could see an ever burning flame. Come to find out, this is where the "unknown solider" is buried. Awesome building. Also referred to as the "wedding cake" for its over decoration. Perfect name.

Our last real adventure for the day was the Fontana di Trevi. And we basically walked through the cobble stone alleys, through the little streets and past the Guinness pub, and found the Trevi fountain. There were so many people there, it was so hard to really get a good look at first, but once you make your way down, the fountain itself is absolutely gorgeous. And it's also the place to wish on your "lover". So a penny over the shoulder toss later - could not have felt more in a chick flick movie - we decided to head back. I seriously got spooked by this gypsy laying on the ground, almost shaking, with her collection cup out in front of her. In my head I kinda laughed because any one right near the fountain with extra change is not gonna be dropping it in her cup, but tossing it over their shoulder into the fountain. O well.

Getting back to the hotel was the hardest part of the day. It was so hard trying to understand how the buses rotate and what direction they go. You thought Athens bus system was hard, yea right. There are so many different bus numbers, stops, directions, and ways to pay. Honestly took us maybe an hour and half to make a twenty five minute car drive back. If only I had found my "trevi lover" who would have taken me back on his scooter...which I have yet to ride. The vespa ride will happen.

Dinner at the hotel was a new experience. Italians and their food. For dinner you start with pasta and bread. And then you get some kinda of protein, maybe a salad, and a vegetable. And then you get dessert. Seriously food selection and portions are so hard. Any guy would love Rome, just for the amazing amount and quality of food.

So after way too many hours without sleep, Caroline and I slept like rocks Sunday night. And had to be up at 7 am the next morning....