I've left Italy and am on my way to Athens. I'm really hoping for a week of relaxation and continuous chill-out sessions in Santorini!
I nearly left on a bad note trying to get some Caprese for breakfast. Having had copious amounts of the most delicious fresh buffalo mozzarella in Naples, I wanted more before I left. The supermarket was extremely busy and a pain to deal with. I left feeling disheartened and annoyed. Luckily I stumbled upon a cute traditional deli where a handsome Italian guy saved the day, making me a box of Caprese salad and my favourite spicy salami and cheese sandwich for lunch on the plane. My only regret was that I didn't discover it sooner. It would have saved me money and spared me the experience of having to eat mediocre food you so often find in Rome.
I visited the Vatican to pay my Catholic respects. Although the museum is usually closed on Sundays, it is open every last Sunday of the month for free. I anticipated the long queue but it was worth it. Although cliché, the Sistine Chapel was my favourite. Its extravagant magnificence really set me in awe and immense admiration for Michelangelo.
Although the Sistine Chapel definitely had the spotlight, I really enjoy walking through the rest of the museum, square and basilica. When I came out of the museum, I got to see Pope Francisco do his Sunday talk on his famous balcony. I returned later in the evening to go into St Peter's Basilica when the line was more manageable and the area was quieter. I didn't get to climb the dome but spent most of my time in peaceful contemplation in Catholicism's most famous building.
Italy has been a cool place to visit. It's truly a country of great food, good looking and friendly people, style and real class . I am going to miss my daily doses of gelato and comedic encounters with flirty men. I won't miss the excess of tourists, especially the notable increase in the annoying variety, which left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth for Italy. Next time I visit I'll be sure to hide in the country!
