Whoa. 14 days already?!? Where has the time gone? Next up on my trip was Rome (also the last stop in Italy). The "Eternal City" is known for the large amount of historical sites and for its really good food. After an incredible stay in Florence, Rome was going to have to up its game to get onto my "to return to" list.
Site Highlights:
The Vatican (Museum/Experience): I was really really really lucky to get tickets to a service at the Vatican. As our tour guide on our first night said, "You have to know someone to get tickets to that" (my mom's high school friend's son actually). So we woke up at 5:30 am (on my birthday which was not ideal) to get to the Vatican by 6:30 for the 9:30 am chrism mass. For those of you who aren't catholic, the holy chrism is used during baptism, confirmation, and at the anointing of the sick. It is blessed at the Vatican annually and sent out across the world. The mass was packed but we got there early enough to get decent seats on the aisle and were less than 3 feet away from the pope when he entered the basilica. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience. We also toured the Vatican museum and the Sistine chapel.
The ticket!
Trevi Fountain: Under construction. Which meant that I didn't get my Lizzy McGuire moment :(
Pantheon: Originally a temple for the pagan gods, the Pantheon is now home to the tombs of both the first and second kings of Italy, the first queen and namesake for margarita pizza, and Raphael. The ceiling was one of the coolest architectural things that I've seen so far. It has square cutouts and an oculus in the center which actually allows rain to fall in when the weather isn't lovely.
Oculus and cool geometric ceiling
Colosseum: One of the most iconic structures in the world. The colosseum was used by the ancient Romans for gladiator games. My favorite fact about the gladiators is that their average life expectancy was 30 years, and they were burned by an iron stake to make sure they were actually dead if they were killed during the games. We did an audio guide tour at the stadium, which also overlooks the Roman Forum (civic center of Ancient Rome), and the arch of Constantine.
Emily and I at the colosseum
(I took pics of the forum and arch on my regular camera so those will have to be posted later)
Spanish steps: Not actually related to the Spanish (built by the French and named after the Spanish embassy near their base), they are a common hang out for Roman youth and have a sinking boat fountain at the bottom. All of the water in the fountain is safe to drink, as long as you get it right when it is being poured out. There are tons of water fountains around the city that serve some of the best free water in the world!
Food Highlights:
After Florence excelled I knew Rome would probably be a let down. And it kind of was.
Eleanora d'Arborea: Recomended by our hotel concierge for my birthday dinner. We had AMAZING risotto and almond dessert (my favorite).
Antico Arco: Really really good with unique flavors. My family loves to share our food and they brought out a little sample of everyone else's dishes for us! The desserts were great and overall the meal was an incredible way to end Rome.
Italy was great! I have to say that Florence was my favorite city while Rome and Venice didn't quite meet my expectations. My parents left early this morning and now Aspen and I (and eventually Cristina) will be continuing our journey....to Athens, Greece!
Tchaio for now.
miss your beautiful face. I think I have to bump Florence up to the top of my list now...
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