When in Rome
Buongiorno a tutti! I am so excited to tell you all about my weekend in Rome. (I have never walked so much in my entire life) It's a lot bigger than I remembered and I definitely appreciate everything I saw more now than I did when I was little. So let's begin:
Saturday morning we all met at the train station bright and early. (8:10 is really pushing it for me) So naturally Francesca and I (most bomb roommate ever) grabbed a McCafe in the station, which is MUCH nicer than any McDonald's in the US. Anyways, we took the fast train, so the ride into Rome took under two hours! (I know, technology and it's modern day wonders) When we got to our hotel, we had about 40 minutes to grab a quick snack (yes, all pictures of food will be provided) and then our tours began.
To get to the other side of the city, we all took the Met, which I am all for, however, in large groups some people tend to get lost and/or left behind. (I'm guessing you can imagine which people I'm referring to...) BUT NONETHELESS, I made it with the group to our first stop, the Vatican City State! This was absolutely amazing. Words really can't describe the views, paintings, or architectural detail.
The last stop here was the Sistine Chapel. This was by far my favorite part of Rome. The detail in the paintings is just mesmerizing. I couldn't help but just stare up in awe at Michelangelo's masterpiece. I can't imagine being suspended 60 feet in the air for 4 years while painting the most famous chapel in history. (I can barely walk to the fridge when I'm hungry...you get the idea) And I know that pictures are forbidden (trust me I got yelled at) but of course I had to snag some for everyone reading from home :). Just keep in mind that the pictures can, in no way, do the chapel justice for it's beauty that one experiences firsthand. (Sorry for the quality...I had to be subtle, which is NOT my forte..)
After the Sistine Chapel, we made our way to Saint Peter's Basilica; another church that made my jaw drop in awe. The intricate detail that went into all aspects of this church are absolutely astonishing. I could definitely say that Rome makes me proud to be a Catholic!
After walking ALL OVER the city, we had a 45 minute break for lunch. (So naturally I found the cheapest and most delicious place I could) We all found a pasta place that made all pasta in house and served it in a paper box for FOUR EUROS. (best meal ever)
After stuffing my face, we walked to the Trevi Fountain where I snagged some #artsy pictures. Disclaimer: getting to the front of the fountain is like going into battle; cannot be afraid to throw some elbows (not saying I did...) I have never felt so much like Lizzie McGuire!
Anyways, after that we walked to the Pantheon and then the Spanish Steps. Unfortunately, I was so wiped out by the end of the day, that I didn't even remember to take any pictures of the Spanish Steps! (trust me you would be too...we walked 8.6 miles on Saturday and 16 floors...yes my legs look amazing)
On Sunday, we only walked 6.7 miles, (still dead) and didn't visit nearly as many sites. We saved the big ones for last; the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Walking through the Colosseum was fascinating. We learned all about the different types of fights and productions put on in the theatre. I think the most amazing part of it all is that a structure built in 70AD is still standing. The architectural genius of the time is unmatched. Going off that, the forum was like walking through a living museum. It was all ruins of the Roman city center, some arches dating back to 70AD as well. (in other words...HELLA old)
Some amazing Pizza!!!
Saturday morning we all met at the train station bright and early. (8:10 is really pushing it for me) So naturally Francesca and I (most bomb roommate ever) grabbed a McCafe in the station, which is MUCH nicer than any McDonald's in the US. Anyways, we took the fast train, so the ride into Rome took under two hours! (I know, technology and it's modern day wonders) When we got to our hotel, we had about 40 minutes to grab a quick snack (yes, all pictures of food will be provided) and then our tours began.
Panino before tours started!
After the Sistine Chapel, we made our way to Saint Peter's Basilica; another church that made my jaw drop in awe. The intricate detail that went into all aspects of this church are absolutely astonishing. I could definitely say that Rome makes me proud to be a Catholic!
After stuffing my face, we walked to the Trevi Fountain where I snagged some #artsy pictures. Disclaimer: getting to the front of the fountain is like going into battle; cannot be afraid to throw some elbows (not saying I did...) I have never felt so much like Lizzie McGuire!
Anyways, after that we walked to the Pantheon and then the Spanish Steps. Unfortunately, I was so wiped out by the end of the day, that I didn't even remember to take any pictures of the Spanish Steps! (trust me you would be too...we walked 8.6 miles on Saturday and 16 floors...yes my legs look amazing)
The Pantheon
On Sunday, we only walked 6.7 miles, (still dead) and didn't visit nearly as many sites. We saved the big ones for last; the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. Walking through the Colosseum was fascinating. We learned all about the different types of fights and productions put on in the theatre. I think the most amazing part of it all is that a structure built in 70AD is still standing. The architectural genius of the time is unmatched. Going off that, the forum was like walking through a living museum. It was all ruins of the Roman city center, some arches dating back to 70AD as well. (in other words...HELLA old)
After walking through the ruins and the Colosseum, we had a few hours of free time. Fran, Pat and I decided to enjoy the beautiful day and just wander around the city. We stopped for some awesome pizza and arancini (rice balls...because when in Rome!) And headed back to the hotel ready to take a much needed nap before heading back to Florence.
Some amazing Pizza!!!
Although Rome was an amazing city, I found myself getting homesick, not for New York, but for Florence! It was at that moment I realized that Florence is really becoming my home. Of course I took a million more pictures than what I have uploaded on this blog, so I will put them all in my Study Abroad album on Facebook. I hope you enjoyed my journey through Rome with me!
P.S. There is a super special guest (they told me to add the super) coming to visit me today and staying until Sunday!!! It was all a last minute trip, but I CANNOT wait. Catch up with me after the weekend is over to see who it is, what we did, and how we avoided burning down the city! ;)
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