"Rome"ing for a Weekend

The fit four headed out for another adventure. ROME! We planned it for only two days- which was so not enough time, but let me tell you something- worth every second. We arrived through AlItalia, which you will learn is the best airline to use here unless (you’re feeling thrifty and a bit daring to go on Ryanair).  Our airbnb was amazing, but getting there wasn’t so amazing.

We all knew about the pick-pocketing situation in Rome so we were holding on to our bags like our lives depended on it. After getting to the airport we had no directions to the apartment, which I must admit was my fault….but we can usually figure this sort of stuff out. We searched for the metro station and finally hoped on a train after asking half a dozen people. The plane then went from train to bus. So the bus station in Rome, how should I say it….doesn’t feel very safe. I had to cautiously hand my phone over to an assistant at a side shop to show him the address. He sent us to a bus that would drop us off near our airbnb. The bus ride was packed so we got off early. One man was a little too close to Lindsey and she had to continuously shift her bags to the other side. We survived with no losses- in case you were unsure. After dropping our luggage off at what was paradise, we had a 10 or so minute walk to the Vatican.

 

I’m not kidding, the location was that great. The line was wrapped in front of it, but it moved very quickly. Once our bags were checked we explored the beautiful chapel. Taylor and I bought who knows how many rosaries; to this day I think I should have gotten 3x more.

 

Taylor, Lindsey, Sam, and I bought our tickets to climb to the dome. So if you remember Taylor and I climbed the tower of the Duomo in Florence. Those stairs were made for young children in single file, of course it was used for adults traveling both ways. The Vatican’s were so much roomier. Who knew stairs could be a luxury!

The view was breathtaking. It would have been amazing to see it at night.

Well…it was from down below:

After the Vatican, we got some delicious gelato and then headed over to shop. Taylor found some beautiful saint charms. The Sistine Chapel was next on the list……and it was closed. That I have to say is motivation enough for me to return to Rome. Hey, I guess it was a good thing.

At around dinner time we ventured out in the rain for an Italian Meal- you know, when in Rome. I ordered this seafood pasta. Delicious and a bit of effort needed to eat!  A chin-chin for Rome! (Chin-chin is cheers in Italian.)

 

Taylor had asked if the Pope was at the Vatican this weekend. Guess what, he was! The next morning after playing cards we went to the Vatican and heard Angelus done by Pope Francis. I don’t think that anything could top this. To see the Pope! Whoa! Yeah, it was in Italian but I was just in awe.

After doing what can never be topped, we made our way to the Colosseum. Sam did what all of us were internally desiring but too ashamed to admit to do. She bought a selfie stick. If you don’t know what a selfie stick is, I’m happy to explain. A selfie stick is a phone or camera accessory that holds your device on the end of a pole that allows you to take photos of yourself with whatever background you please. I think everyone makes fun of them. They look a bit…hmmmmmmm lonely I guess. I mean, you never have to risk getting your phone stolen so it’s a great idea. I must admit, we got some pretty cool photos because of her. She also gave us an excuse to tell the other salesmen we don’t want to buy anything! They are especially aggressive with selling umbrellas there by the way.

We walked around the Colosseum and saw the Arch of Constantine

And as simple as that, Rome was over. It was the quickest weekend by far. Nothing was stolen, and much was gained!

Cannot wait to return. I’ll find a road that leads there.