Written about events that took place 3/18/11-3/20/11
Rome was definitely very high up on my list of favorite places. I spent a weekend there and only haven’t written about it because I’ve been so busy. But, I have to mention it before I forget it forever. I was used to flying by this point so there was nothing really exciting about the flight except that I got to sit behind Scott and we were playing for a little while. It was a really short flight. Only an hour and I slept through part of it. When I woke up I looked out my window and saw brown water and The Colloseum.
We touched down. I love Ryanair. Trumpets herald the landings and everyone cheers. I think that should be something that is done everywhere but, alas. Anyway, then we waited for and eventually got in the 8 person taxis and headed for the hotel.
Bianca and Douglas spent most of Rome in the hotel so that Scott and Finlay could sleep. The rest of Bianca’s family (5 other adults and 5 other kids) went exploring and I joined them. We walked past the American Embassy and a couple of other government buildings.
We were really making our way towards the fountain. Trevi fountain. The most famous and arguably the most beautiful Fountain in Rome. You have to toss in a coin and then you’ll be sure to come back. In order to get down to it, we had to hop over 3 rows of people. It was crazy but, I tossed in a coin and anticipate a return visit.
Then we walked away from the crowd, and it’s really amazing how in Rome you can be in a place that is completely packed and an empty road within minutes. We walked towards another Government building. It was up several –like 100 stairs. We watched a changing of a guard but, didn’t go in.
We then walked towards the famous shopping area. It’s the kind of designer places that you wouldn’t even go into because they’re so expensive and I’ve known people in Italy to buy shirts for 300+ euros. So, when I say these shops are expensive, I do mean, you wouldn’t even take your credit card in.
We waited for Bianca and Douglas to join us. I entertained the kids by teaching them English and Hi-Five. I couldn’t believe they’d never played before but, everyone but, Andrea (Andre-uh) joined in, in the end. We walked down the street and I was so shocked by how many people there were.
We didn’t go in the shops, just looked at the cool things. Then we saw guys breakdancing in the streets. That was sweet. Douglas wasn’t impressed but, everyone else, including me, thought it was cool. The weather was fantastic for most of this time but, then it started to rain. Because it had been so warm, I hadn’ttaken a jacket which proved to be a mistake.
We waited, trying to stay out of the rain. Of course I love the rain so I had an urge to dance in it. unfortunately Valentina had an urge to do everything I did so, that couldn’t last long. At last we got walking again. We walked to Piazza del Popolo. It was really beautiful. The kids entertained themselves with chasing plastic bags.
Then we went to dinner at Jiminy Cricket restaurant. I don’t know the real name but, this is what everyone calls it. I had some really good pasta and a chocolate desert. Scott and Finlay were jealous of all the attention I was giving their cousins, so they came and sat by me J
The next day was a long day too. We all waited forever to get on a double decker tour bus. We eventually got on and I guess it was worth it because I was on a double decker bus. Sweet. It took us around to important sites. Everywhere you look in Rome, there is something to look at. I mean, a common balcony could have so much history behind it. I was staring at one and Paolo told me that was where Mussolini gave his speeches. So, there is way way too much to remember everything but, I was drinking it in.
The bus dropped us off by the colloseum. We didn’t go in because apparently there is a 2hr line and with kids… But, I was close to it. We actually went to a hill above it and overlooked an area that you can tell used to be used for Chariot Races.
We then walked down to Bocca della Verita. You put your hand inside the mouth of a sun statue and if you tell a lie it bites off your hand. While waiting in this line I taught the girls heads and tails.
After this we went to lunch and then Bianca and Douglas once again took the boys home. We went to the Pantheon and the Vatican. Both were really cool but, I like the Pantheon best. The pillars were larger than life and it was so cool going inside. That’s one building I remember from 6th grade. Which was great because I dind’t know the significance of most things. The Vatican was really cool. I love the clown-dressed guards and the perfection of the columns. Inside St. Peters Basilica I saw famous statues and appreciated that even though the ceiling was too high to really see, Michelangelo painted them. It’s the richest church in the world and while part of me was thinking ‘this is it?’ most of me really enjoyed it. I just couldn’t help wondering why Michelangelo would put so much effort into something we aren’t even going to really see.
After Vatican we went to dinner. The kids were completely ‘nackered’ as Douglas would say. I had delicious food again but, it was a long long day and my bed was welcoming.
Sunday all we did was go see the Pope. We walked back to the Vatican but, we didn’t even get to see him. We saw him on a screen, which we can do anywhere in Italy. Oh well, I can say I was within 200yrds of the pope.
After the pope we packed up and went home.
Top 3 favorite places in Rome
Pantheon
Colloseum
Trevi Fountain.
Top 3 favorite memories of Rome
Walking down the streets talking and eating Gelato. Maybe it sounds lame but, it was so much fun just to be there
Riding on the Dbl decker
Walking through and around the Pantheon
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