Ciao!
oh, I am very impressed with Rome! beautiful, fascinating, eclectic! I can't wait to hit the streets and explore. I am blown away by the amazing architecture on every street - just makes me want to touch every wall to see if it is real. I had to go to the Vatican first and was pleasantly surprised to find that entrance to St Peter's was FREE!!!! who would have thought? Surely the Catholic church is letting a valuable revenue opportunity slip through its fingers! St Peter's square was remarkable, both in scale and design composition, such a stark contrast to the ridiculous opulence of the church itself. I spotted a rather good looking priest and wicked thoughts of corrupption filled my head. Am I a bad person? Maybe, but if I am going to hell, at least I'll go with a smile on my face! The museum also incredible, so much to look at, and yes, the Sistine chapel was incredible, but I also loved an amazing little Van Gogh in the contemporary gallery. After so many pictures of Martyred saints, I felt i deserved something more rewarding and headed to the Spanish steps. Munching on hot roasted chestnuts as the damp creeps through my skirt, I am tempted to photo bomb a couple posing for romantic pictures in front of me. I feel a great sense of nobility as I restrain myself and make my way to the shopping district. Missoni, Gucci, Fendi, Maria Ricci- swamped for choice! I am already regretting my poor choice of boots as while they look fantaastic, they are killing me!
My luggage decided not to join me and is now having a lovely time in Bangkok. My biggest mistake was leaving my camera and netbook in said luggage so sadly no photos! :( As it is unlikely to join me for 4 days, I have now decided to buy some clothes and a hairbrush. Rome is not a place to be without makeup and clean clothes. Aaahhh Saldi (SALE), a sweeter word was never uttered! see? every cloud does have a silver lining!
Food sucks on a budget at any time, but I don't think Rome restaurants help themselves by offering packet gnocci with frozen vegetable sauce #gag# luckily casa vino bianchi is bene at €6 for half a liter which makes this dish almost palatable. I steal the delicious chewey sourdough rolls from breakfast which I snack on when I remember I am hungry.
I return to the Colliseum for a second visit to tour inside, you can almost imagine the grim sights and sounds of the gladiatorial fights of ancient Roman times. The Roman ruins offer sweet little surprises like an orange grove bursting with fruit and a mysterious grotto with stalagtites dripping from the roof. It all smells a bit catty and my train to Florence leaves soon. I head to the train station past a market stall selling tourist tshirts and suitcases. The guy glances at my mini case containing all I my few possessions and hrumphs, muttering under his breath 'made in China'. Yes, that may be the situation, but it is filled with Rome!
Hotel: Freedom traveler. about €20/night for 4bed with private ensuite, breakfast and full on carb loading pasta dinner (Simple, cheap but really tasty). Room was very clean, large and staff very friendly and helpful. I also loved the high ceiling with frescoes in the room. Great location close to the metro for getting there and around. Cons- mattress a bit lumpy.
http://www.freedom-traveller.it
