Rome

Roma. A city of love, destruction, ruins and churches.


My friend Becky and I had 4 wonderful days in Rome where we visited the Colosseum, The Vatican (well I did...), went on a quest for Bernini's David, saw the Forma Roma, where Julius Caesar was murdered, and so much more.

Rome

Our first day was a journey to find the bed and breakfast, Ottimista - Furio Camillio and after a frustrating hour and the nicest Italian in Rome, we found it. It was in a somewhat sketchy area but the man who owned it was incredibly nice and told us how to get to different areas and what to watch out for!


From there we wandered around Rome with a map and tried to find the Trevi Fountain. Must to our delight and dismay we ended up at the Vatican (which we were not properly dressed for). We eventually found it after a few hours and had gelato to celebrate.

Me at the Trevi Fountain with Gelato 

The next day we traveled back to the Vatican. A strict country inside of Rome, where the Pope resides. In order to gain entrance, you must have your shoulders and knees covered (guys and gals!) due to it being a Holy Place. While we were bother wearing tights and cardigans, Becky's tights were deemed too see through and was denied entrance so she waited outside while I popped my head in and it was beautiful! I saw Michelangelo's Pieta and so many more works. We then left for the Vatican Museums (which she could get into) and saw the Sistine Chapel along with other famous works of art. We were also told that Bernini did not do a David... We then took CitySightSeeing Bus around Rome. It was a nice break to get off of our feet and have a nice breeze on us. It was fairly cheap too! 15 euros for 2 bus lines that took us all over and we had the ability to get on and off to see sights!

Colosseum!

Day 3 led us to the Colosseum, Constantine's Arch, the Forma Roma and Palatine Hill. All beautiful giant ruins. We didn't grab a tour or a guide and we made out pretty well. The only problem was this day was excruciatingly hot and we were unfortunate to have run into the Roman Troops! The Roman Troops were just people dressed up like Romans near the Colosseum. We thought they were there from the Colosseum  but after we got our picture they asked for money and reluctantly we gave them some.

Our final day led us to the Pantheon and it was gorgeous (and free)! Becky swooned over the building more than I did but I still loved it. This is also were Raphael has his tomb. We then decided to search for Bernini's David. This took us from the Colosseum (bottom of Rome) to the tiny upper corner of it (I would say a good 2-3 mile walk...). after being told that the museum he was supposed to be in did not exist, we found it!The Galleria Borghese. Excited as I was, I went up to get my ticket with a credit card, the guy shook his head, "okay, cash" I thought and went to get my cash out. Then he pointed to a sign. Sold out until June 12. We were going to be in Florence that day. I'm sorry but how does a MUSEUM sell out of TICKETS!? I was so angry but I didn't let it ruin my trip.

Me at the Pantheon

I loved visiting Rome. Living there would not be my style though. First off, I can't speak Italian which was strike one on my part. Thankfully enough people did speak English or at least a little bit of it.


What to take away:
Pigeons suck
Galleries are jerks
Directions and signs don't matter
Vespas will run you over
Learn Italian

Meeting the Queen

Well... Not exactly...

As you may know I came into England last Thursday and this weekend was the Queen's Diamond Jubilee aka the Queen has been on the throne for the past 60 years. It's not her birthday as Grace Jones at the concert proclaimed... as my cousins said "stupid woman."

This past week has been crazy! You may not think it but England has their own language! A lot of the time I have to ask my crazy cousins what certain things mean or just what they are talking about. When I first got here I asked for lemonade. Well. Lemonade here is actually Sierra Mist (well the taste at least) and I didn't know that it was soda. The kind I wanted was apparently cloudy lemonade. It's really the little differences that get you!

Longest Pier in the UK at the Southend in the Pier

The food is excellent! Most of it is prepared with more care than stuff in America, making it taste much better. So far, I have had candy floss (cotton candy), Cadbury chocolate (so good), Chinese, Italian and of course fish and chips. All of it tastes different in comparison to America. My cousins really have spoiled me to ensure that I have had a great experience.

At Chinese restaurant

Right. Back to the Queen. Because of the Jubilee, Monday and Tuesday are bank holidays (same as what the 4th of July would be). The two events that I have watched were the Queen's Jubilee Boat Spectacular and the Queen's Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Place (which I am watching now).

See the white dot!? THAT'S HER!

Yesterday in the pouring rain, I waited 4 hours standing in London to watch the Queen sail by on her boat, I tried to sight see afterwards but the rain beat me out. I had to remind myself that I would be coming back! My cousin and I took the train in from Chelmsford, Essax to London and then we took the tube (subway) to London Tower! Tonight, I am watching the concert from the comfort of my cousin's home (and glad to be warm!). So when I said I met the Queen I meant that I was within half a mile of her.

Making a call with my "Union Jack"

Tomorrow we are headed to Stratford to do some shopping in the big mall. Stratford will actually be home to the Olympics this summer. Wednesday begins the Italy journey, next Thursday to see Sweeny Todd and next Saturday begins Castle!

IT'S NOT HER BIRTHDAY!