When in Rome...

Aawww Roma! The place I love. From the moment off the train and looked around at the Termini Train Station I knew I was someplace great. The train station is basically 25 binarios (platforms) connected to a mall. I took some pictures, it was really cool. I could have easily spent all day there. There were 3 levels to the shopping area of the station, and 3 exits to different main streets of Rome. It was a bit overwhelming at first, I found myself roaming around, but once I took a breath and got my Barings, I was good to go.

The hotel / apartment was kind of in a cute little area. Kind of hidden from things but close to Piazza’s and cafes, and only about a 25 minute walk to any major areas of Roma. We walked to the Colosseum, Vatican and everywhere in between.

My first evening we went to the Trevi Fountain which was a lot bigger than I thought it was going to be. It was gorgeous at night, all lit up with the water shimmering crystal blue. There were hundreds of people crowded around, it’s a busy place at night! We threw in our coins for luck and took quite a few pictures. I was very impressed by the fountain at night and was glad it was the first thing I saw. We walked down Via Del Corso which is the main shopping street, and even though the stores were closed it was a nice walk. We had dinner together and took our time walking back. I tried very hard to orient myself with where I was and where I wanted to go so I wouldn’t get lost in the morning. By the end of the day I was exhausted from all the traveling, so I passed right out.

Wednesday morning I was up nice and early at 8 am! Showered, and got ready for my fun filled Roman day! I had breakfast and was on my way to the Roman Forum. By 10am I was already sweating, but that made me happy, it was a nice contrast to the cold in Liverpool. Once I got my ticket and stepped foot on Forum ground I was elated with joy! I had to call mom, even though it was 5am for her. I was just so excited to be among the Caesar’s that I had to tell someone! The forum was really cool. A lot of it is in ruins, but even the ruins were amazing. The details that went into every pillar were amazing. Words, and designs made it all so marvelous. The main arch way is still intact which was a great sight to see!!! I loved it. I made my way up Palatine Hill which provided a great view of the Forum and Rome. I thought of the many Ancient Eyes that looked over the Forum before mine, and the things they would have seen. Invasions coming, horses and chariots, people going for strolls along the walkway… I let my imagination run wild for a few minutes. On Palatine Hill are the remains of Remus’ home and Augusts’ . They don’t look like much, mostly blocks of where the walls would be, but it was still interesting to see where they would have lived and how. The ceilings were not high by any means which leads me to believe the men were not very tall. As well, the walkways are all cobblestone and I understand why their calve muscles were sooo defined. I was in so much pain after all the walking and for the rest of my time there. Def. think I got shin splints from it. Every time we left the app to walk I died! If I wasn’t going at a snail pace then I was in trouble.

The next day the three of us went to the Vatican, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel. The Vatican was gorgeous on the inside. All the different methods of architecture, Marble, Stone, paintings, gold… it was beautiful. The outside however was not as impressive to me. It looked more like a municipal building than a church to me. I am not sure what I was expecting, but that def wasn’t it! It was really cool in the front, it’s like a major piazza just open space for people to walk in or do whatever. I’m sure the purpose was for masses and such, but it was nice to walk in there, dance, do whatever we wanted ya know!!?? The Vatican museum was fun too, the only thing is nothing is marked. They want you to pay for a guided tour so we just had to figure things out on our own and guess as to what things were and what age they were from. We walked through and took some pictures, enjoyed some things, but the main thing we wanted to see was the “Creation of Man” in the Sistine Chapel. It was a long and windy walk, but we made it. The room was covered from floor to ceiling in paintings and although it was cool, I turned to Alyssa and said “I don’t really care about this, I want to see the Creation of Man” and she said “It’s here” ! we laughed but at the same time I was expecting it to be it’s own entity, the center point of the room and very ornate. Instead, it was amongst other paintings and nothing really special. I looked at it and began to appreciate the room more because I realized Michael Angelo painted everything, the amount of time and sweat that went into it were mind boggling. So I did end up enjoying the Sistine Chapel very much for that reason.

My last day (Friday) I went to a museum in search of the Romulous and Remus statue. On my way through the museum I almost pooped my pants when I saw … wait for it … The Dying Gaul! It was incredible. I felt like my Humanities text book was coming to life before my very eyes. The detail put into his face was incredible and I got goosebumbs as I sat there looking at his facial expression while he looked down at his shield. I took a moment to really take a step back and enjoy where I was. I can’t allow myself to become desensitized to where I am at the present time. I am among Ancient stories, and architecture and things that people read about more than they experience. So I soaked in my surroundings and continued on my journey towards my two Roman friends. Eventually after 2 wrong turns, Egyptian pottery and ancient grave tablets I found my statue! It was perfect! The myth of the birth of Rome was before my eyes and I couldn’t help myself… I touched it! I know you’re not supposed to but no one was around and I felt I would truly know I was there if I could feel the marble under my skin. It was amazing! I must have stood in the room for 15 minutes, walking around the statue, looking at it, and appreciating it for what it was. I took some pictures, not the best because I couldn’t use flash, but that’s ok. At least I have proof I was there! On my way out I walked by an Ancient Roman Chariot intact!!!!! It was encased in glass and my pictures are extremely blurry of it. It was incredible to see! The platform was worn where they used to stand, but the rest was jewels (some missing) and ivory lace. Stunning.

I ended my trip at a restaurant next to the Trevi with two great friends! It was a wonderful “Roman Holiday” and I am so thankful I was fortunate enough to be in Rome and experience the culture.