Now that we're getting to know one another a little better (slash, you're getting to know more about me than you could have ever dreamed...), I feel it's about time I profess a confession.I have 4 slightly obscure fears in life. Small, not nearing phobias, but in the back of my mind at times none the less.
1.) Clowns.
2.) Rooms with an excessive amount of dolls.
3.) Driving off bridges in extremely icey or
windy conditions.
4.) Karma.
All completely legit, I think.
Unfortunately, this trip thus far (here's where this list becomes relevent) has solidified the fourth.
So at this time, I would like to publicly apologize to the city of Rome for...
-Pretending to be Catholic so I could see special rooms in the churches
-Considering buying a Rosary because I thought it was pretty...
-Purchasing a blessed Saint charm instead
-Sneaking pictures of the Sistine Chapel
-Taking pills in the Vatican
-Eating all of your gelato
And in return Rome, I expect next time you...
-Don't snow.
-Don't shut down because of snow.
-Don't charge me to sit down.
-Don't introduce me to strange men who like to lead me in the completely wrong direction.
-Don't mess up my knees.
Now that we've come to this new arrangement, I feel I'm ready to talk about my trip...
(are you intrigued yet?)
-Pretending to be Catholic so I could see special rooms in the churches
-Considering buying a Rosary because I thought it was pretty...
-Purchasing a blessed Saint charm instead
-Sneaking pictures of the Sistine Chapel
-Taking pills in the Vatican
-Eating all of your gelato
And in return Rome, I expect next time you...
-Don't snow.
-Don't shut down because of snow.
-Don't charge me to sit down.
-Don't introduce me to strange men who like to lead me in the completely wrong direction.
-Don't mess up my knees.
Now that we've come to this new arrangement, I feel I'm ready to talk about my trip...
(are you intrigued yet?)
So Courtney and I left for Rome around 4am Thursday morning. We were told to arrive (quite unneccesarily) an hour and a half before our flight because there were problems with our "American" credit cards. What I love about the airport: everyone gets in line to board the plane about half an hour before boarding is called. As if they don't call you by rows or as if the airplane would leave without you should you sit until your row is called. After boarding, I legitimately sat down, buckled my seat belt, and passed out using my coat for a blanket before the plane even took off. 
Getting from the airport to the hostel was quite an ordeal. I have never appreciated Madrid's public transportation system more. I have also never appreciated being able to speak a country's language more. While many do speak English in Rome, you first have to find them, and then attempt to understand them.
We checked into our hostel, and went to a relatively cheap *but delicious* restaurant. Another strike for Europe: you have to pay to sit down (don't you dare try to trick me Europe... you may not have 'tipping' but I'm still paying for it!) in many restaurants. Additionally, bread and water will probably be brought to your table (how kind!), and you will then be charged for it (jerks!).
Anyway, after dinner, we headed to the Colloseum, where I proceeded to take approximately 100 pictures. I will say that surprisenly *to me* Europe has made me actually grow much more appreciative of many aspects of my life in America. On that note however, I will also say that Europe's history and architecture is wayyy cooler. (Sorry America). My entire trip consisted of me reminding myself that "No Breanne, you are not on a movie set."
The Colloseum (top picture, while the one to the left is the Fountain of Trevi) is virtually across the street from the Roman Forum (picture above to right), which we attempted to visit, but were led astray by some Italian man on the street. (Let me preface that while the Forum was virtually across the street, the entrance, as per usual, involves a maze and scavanger hunt.)
By the time we made it through the labyrinth, the forum was closed. We opted instead to go to the Capitoline Museum which had a ton of statues, paintings and artifacts from well, the beginning of time? Dinner consisted of free pasta provided by the hostel.
We then determined it necessary to find gelato. Here's where Europe tricks you, yet again...
You can find Gelato in approximately every third stand slash store slash restaurant, and it really seems like a great deal... ¿¡2 euros!? You then must ask the waiter ¨How much to eat it inside¨ (because mind you, it's like 30 degrees outside), and are told that for the fantastic price of 17 euros, you may eat it inside in a glass cup. But don't worry, it's bigger than the to go size.
Needless to say, it took us 17 gelaterías to find 1 that allowed it's customers to sit inside for less than a sixth of the plane ticket. Post gelato activities included... tiramisu (you're only in Rome once?) and heading to bed around 10pm.
Because our tickets for the Forum were only good for 2 days, we attempted to head back Friday morning. Unfortunately, Rome had other plans in store for us... We woke up to a mixture of snow and rain in the morning that seemed to let up by our departure... WRONG.
In an attempt to defeat the weather, Courtney bought the most beautiful fuzzy blue mittens (perhaps beautiful is not quite the right word;)?) and I bought an umbrella that broke within 5 minutes. Of course, the Rome won, and by the time we reached the Forum I was a) drenched from the initial rain and lack of umbrella and b) freezing from rain that had decided to turn into a blizzard and my lack of warm clothes (so much for the 50 and sunny prediction... I could be a better forecaster than weather.com!)
Apparently for Italy, this was AWESOME though. It hadn't snowed in 25 years, and a blizzard was unheard of in many Italians' lifetimes. Everyone was running out of their offices and stores to take pictures. Drivers were putting chains on their tires. Ambulances were everywhere. And, ¡que suerte!, they closed the Forum approximately 5 minutes after our entry.
As you may or may not be aware of, dryers are virtually non existent in this continent. After unsuccessfully attempting to dry our clothes with blow dryers, we made the adventerous decision to grab a delicious pasta lunch and head to the Spanish steps. Thankfully Europe began to forgive us our many trespasses, and the weather let up (for real this time). The day also emcompassed the Iglesia de Santa María, Pantheon, Parliament building (still not entirely sure what this building was, to be honest... it had an exhibit of salvaged art from all around the city as well as an exhibit of artifacts from Auschwitz...), Piazza Navona, and explorations of the many various streets and surrounding neighborhoods.
Saturday, we made the trek to the Vatican. The entire outskirt was incredible, but I did wish I had had a little bit more historical insight into Catholicism before I visited.
Regardless, the area, including but not limited to St. Peters and the Vatican Museum (which houses rooms upon rooms of artwork and artifacts) was absolutely amazing.
I will say, that it was a really interesting experience to see such a touristy monument also used (at the same time) as a spiritual monument. There were people confessing, attending mass, praying, and there were also people snapping silly photos in front of statues, buying souveniers at gift shops, etc. Some traveled thousands of miles for the Vatican's religious significance, others for it's historical significance, others for it's tourist appeal...
Speaking of tourist appeal... Courtney and I must have made quite an impression on the Chinese tourist group, because 15 of them asked to take a picture with us.
After the hike through the Vatican, we grabbed lunch at another cute sy family Italian Restaurant. We eventually forced ourselves (ha!) to grab gelato at Gioletti, which promised 70 flavors... We explored the Fountain of Trevi, and opted, for one last time in Rome, to throw ourselves into another scavanger hunt.
Courtney's ¨Guide to Europe on Budget¨ book recommended this bar that offered a free buffet with drink purchase. Finding the bus stop that we were supposed to get off at was an obstacle course in and of itself. We were on the bus, going the wrong way, being told 3 different things by 19 different people.
Finding the bar from the bus stop proved even more treacherous. After walking around for an hour, asking 13 people about this mysterious street, attempting to read maps without names, and walking past the goal at least twice, we finally found it. Upon walking in, realizing drinks were 10 euros and the buffet was lukewarm rice and salad, we opted for a different restaurant.
All in all, I had an absolutely amazing time. While I feel like I could have spent another year in Rome, and not be done with it, I feel like after walking and exploring over 16 hours each day, we did everything we possibly could have for the time we were there.
We shared a dorm style hostel with five guys and a girl from various parts of the world (Finland, Mexico, Turkey, Poland, Portugal, Chile, Taiwan, etc.) (Some of the people switched some nights, in case you were a math major and were counting countries). We were complimented on our accent (and this time, I know it wasn't my English!) and the boys thought it was so adorable that we said ¨Good night¨ to everyone before we went to bed (you're welcome Wisconsin, we're making a great impression!)
By the time of our departure I must say, I was ready to return to my new home away from home: Madrid.
I'll share more about this past week (move in to the new apartment, adventures in the Complutense and dance parties in the kitchen) in the next entry...
Until then... (Leaving you yet again at the altar Alex...)
Getting from the airport to the hostel was quite an ordeal. I have never appreciated Madrid's public transportation system more. I have also never appreciated being able to speak a country's language more. While many do speak English in Rome, you first have to find them, and then attempt to understand them.
We checked into our hostel, and went to a relatively cheap *but delicious* restaurant. Another strike for Europe: you have to pay to sit down (don't you dare try to trick me Europe... you may not have 'tipping' but I'm still paying for it!) in many restaurants. Additionally, bread and water will probably be brought to your table (how kind!), and you will then be charged for it (jerks!).
Anyway, after dinner, we headed to the Colloseum, where I proceeded to take approximately 100 pictures. I will say that surprisenly *to me* Europe has made me actually grow much more appreciative of many aspects of my life in America. On that note however, I will also say that Europe's history and architecture is wayyy cooler. (Sorry America). My entire trip consisted of me reminding myself that "No Breanne, you are not on a movie set."
The Colloseum (top picture, while the one to the left is the Fountain of Trevi) is virtually across the street from the Roman Forum (picture above to right), which we attempted to visit, but were led astray by some Italian man on the street. (Let me preface that while the Forum was virtually across the street, the entrance, as per usual, involves a maze and scavanger hunt.)
By the time we made it through the labyrinth, the forum was closed. We opted instead to go to the Capitoline Museum which had a ton of statues, paintings and artifacts from well, the beginning of time? Dinner consisted of free pasta provided by the hostel.
We then determined it necessary to find gelato. Here's where Europe tricks you, yet again...
You can find Gelato in approximately every third stand slash store slash restaurant, and it really seems like a great deal... ¿¡2 euros!? You then must ask the waiter ¨How much to eat it inside¨ (because mind you, it's like 30 degrees outside), and are told that for the fantastic price of 17 euros, you may eat it inside in a glass cup. But don't worry, it's bigger than the to go size.
Needless to say, it took us 17 gelaterías to find 1 that allowed it's customers to sit inside for less than a sixth of the plane ticket. Post gelato activities included... tiramisu (you're only in Rome once?) and heading to bed around 10pm.
Because our tickets for the Forum were only good for 2 days, we attempted to head back Friday morning. Unfortunately, Rome had other plans in store for us... We woke up to a mixture of snow and rain in the morning that seemed to let up by our departure... WRONG.
In an attempt to defeat the weather, Courtney bought the most beautiful fuzzy blue mittens (perhaps beautiful is not quite the right word;)?) and I bought an umbrella that broke within 5 minutes. Of course, the Rome won, and by the time we reached the Forum I was a) drenched from the initial rain and lack of umbrella and b) freezing from rain that had decided to turn into a blizzard and my lack of warm clothes (so much for the 50 and sunny prediction... I could be a better forecaster than weather.com!)Apparently for Italy, this was AWESOME though. It hadn't snowed in 25 years, and a blizzard was unheard of in many Italians' lifetimes. Everyone was running out of their offices and stores to take pictures. Drivers were putting chains on their tires. Ambulances were everywhere. And, ¡que suerte!, they closed the Forum approximately 5 minutes after our entry.
As you may or may not be aware of, dryers are virtually non existent in this continent. After unsuccessfully attempting to dry our clothes with blow dryers, we made the adventerous decision to grab a delicious pasta lunch and head to the Spanish steps. Thankfully Europe began to forgive us our many trespasses, and the weather let up (for real this time). The day also emcompassed the Iglesia de Santa María, Pantheon, Parliament building (still not entirely sure what this building was, to be honest... it had an exhibit of salvaged art from all around the city as well as an exhibit of artifacts from Auschwitz...), Piazza Navona, and explorations of the many various streets and surrounding neighborhoods.
Saturday, we made the trek to the Vatican. The entire outskirt was incredible, but I did wish I had had a little bit more historical insight into Catholicism before I visited.
Regardless, the area, including but not limited to St. Peters and the Vatican Museum (which houses rooms upon rooms of artwork and artifacts) was absolutely amazing.I will say, that it was a really interesting experience to see such a touristy monument also used (at the same time) as a spiritual monument. There were people confessing, attending mass, praying, and there were also people snapping silly photos in front of statues, buying souveniers at gift shops, etc. Some traveled thousands of miles for the Vatican's religious significance, others for it's historical significance, others for it's tourist appeal...
Speaking of tourist appeal... Courtney and I must have made quite an impression on the Chinese tourist group, because 15 of them asked to take a picture with us.
After the hike through the Vatican, we grabbed lunch at another cute sy family Italian Restaurant. We eventually forced ourselves (ha!) to grab gelato at Gioletti, which promised 70 flavors... We explored the Fountain of Trevi, and opted, for one last time in Rome, to throw ourselves into another scavanger hunt.
Courtney's ¨Guide to Europe on Budget¨ book recommended this bar that offered a free buffet with drink purchase. Finding the bus stop that we were supposed to get off at was an obstacle course in and of itself. We were on the bus, going the wrong way, being told 3 different things by 19 different people.Finding the bar from the bus stop proved even more treacherous. After walking around for an hour, asking 13 people about this mysterious street, attempting to read maps without names, and walking past the goal at least twice, we finally found it. Upon walking in, realizing drinks were 10 euros and the buffet was lukewarm rice and salad, we opted for a different restaurant.
All in all, I had an absolutely amazing time. While I feel like I could have spent another year in Rome, and not be done with it, I feel like after walking and exploring over 16 hours each day, we did everything we possibly could have for the time we were there.
We shared a dorm style hostel with five guys and a girl from various parts of the world (Finland, Mexico, Turkey, Poland, Portugal, Chile, Taiwan, etc.) (Some of the people switched some nights, in case you were a math major and were counting countries). We were complimented on our accent (and this time, I know it wasn't my English!) and the boys thought it was so adorable that we said ¨Good night¨ to everyone before we went to bed (you're welcome Wisconsin, we're making a great impression!)
By the time of our departure I must say, I was ready to return to my new home away from home: Madrid.
I'll share more about this past week (move in to the new apartment, adventures in the Complutense and dance parties in the kitchen) in the next entry...
Until then... (Leaving you yet again at the altar Alex...)
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