We arrived got to the airport on Wednesday around 5pm for our 7pm flight. After waiting forever in lines, our flight left about 40 minutes after our scheduled departure time. However, we landed in Rome on time. We were a little confused that there was no passport check, but found out it was because we were flying from a country in the EU to another country in the EU. So no stamp in my passport from Italy. Sad day. Oh well, we took the airport bus to the train station near our hotel and walked the rest of the way to the hotel (about 5 mins). Our hotel was pretty nice and conveniently located right next to a metro stop. We headed to dinner at a restaurant near the hotel. I wasn't very hungry so I just got a Sprite and shared a couple of slices of pizza from what the other girls had ordered. It was delicious! After dinner we headed back to the hotel and planned for the next day.
We woke up pretty early on Thursday and had breakfast at the hotel. It was included in our stay and compared to most European breakfasts, it was pretty substantial. Since the weather was nice, we headed to the Colosseum, stopping first to buy our Roma Pass. It was a 3 day pass that give us free access of the metro and the bus system as well as free entrance into the first two archeological sites we visited and discounts on other sites. It was a great deal and saved us a considerable amount of money and time (because we didn't have to wait in long lines). The only problem was that mine refused to swipe for the metro. It was annoying, but I just used one of the other girls after they had already used it.
The Colosseum was swarming with people, of course. Tourist groups kept harassing us trying to get us to join their guided tours, but we kept turning them down. It was quite annoying, but we took a few good shots from the outside and then headed into the Colosseum. Here's one of my favorite pictures of the outside.
When we went inside the Colosseum, Shannon decided to get an audio guide to help explain everything inside without having to wait around for a tour group. It was a guy with an awesome British accent so we got to walk around imitating his accent and the ridiculous amount of times he said "ferocious beast" and "50 bearsss." Our favorite quote of the audio guide: "When a whale conveniently washed up on an Italian shore the Romans would make a wooden replica of it and place it in the center of the Colosseum. When the mouth of the wooden whale opened, out poured 50 bears." Now not only does the quote itself sound ridiculous, but the British accent added a whole other level. Absolutely hilarious. Here are a couple of my favorite pictures from the Colosseum.
After we left the Colosseum we met up with another group from our program that came to Rome for the vacation as well. While waiting to meet up with them we had lunch in Piazza di Popolo and I had my first Italian pizza. It was delicious! Here's a picture of it.
After lunch we went to Plaza Republica. We explored around the Plaza and saw some sort of exhibition where some soccer players where. Possibly a charity or something of the sort. Afterward, Shannon and I headed to a church - Santa Maria Maggiore. Absolutely beautiful. One of my favorite churches we've seen all semester. Here are a few pictures.
After the church we met up with everyone and got gelato. I had lemon and it was delicious! Then we made stops at the Trevi fountain, a church by the fountain, and the Spanish steps. It started raining at the fountain, but luckily most of us had umbrellas so we were able to share. After the Spanish steps we walked down "expensive street" and saw stores like Gucci, Prada, Dior, etc. Here are more pictures.
We metroed back to the Colosseum to see it at night. By the time we got there it was pouring down rain so we took a quick look and then headed to the nearest restaurant. Shannon and I shared a delicious pizza. Then we headed back to the hotel to play cards and to plan for the next day.
On Friday we literally spent the entire day at the Vatican/St. Peter's. Again, it was weird actually being there and knowing how famous it is. We were there from 10 am to 6 pm with only an hour break for lunch. The Vatican museum was hugeeee. It took us forever to go through it and we skipped some of it and went really fast through other parts. I loved every bit of it though.
Seeing the Sistine Chapel was surreal. You're not supposed to take pictures in there, but I did snag one (only because it was my once and a lifetime chance of being there). I saw one lady take a picture (very obviously, not even trying to hide it from the guards) and when the guard tried to stop her she swatted his arm away. She was quickly escorted out. Emotionally, I was very moved by every scene in the room. Most were Biblical stores (David and Goliath, creation, etc.) and I couldn't help but sit and admire every little part.
Afterward, we headed to St Peter's Basilica. Again, absolutely amazing. It was more than just a famous tourist site for me. It was very intimate and I was able to spend some quiet time reflecting and praying in one of the most beautiful churches in the world. Here are a few pictures of Friday's adventures.
Afterward, we saw a castle and walked down by the river. It was getting pretty chilly so we headed back to the hotel. I wasn't feeling very well so I stayed in while the rest of the group got dinner.
I'll finish with the rest of the trip tomorrow! :)
LOVE the title of the blog (we have the movie!) anddd all your pictures! I'm so jealous you've been to Rome AND Morocco AND Spain. 11 more days til you're homeeee! Love you and miss you!!
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