At the Colosseum! |
One of the most visited, well-known cities in the world. It's reputation dates back farther than most places in the world and its stories are told again and again.
In a city that holds more history than all of the United States, you would think that my friends and I would have spent a considerable amount of time there. Well, if we were simply travelers and not students as well, then you would be right.
My six friends and I set out for Rome after our whimsical and relaxing couple of days in Florence were over. Because we spent a few days in Maastricht for Carnival, and because we enjoyed taking our time in Florence, we had only one day to see Rome, and we were DETERMINED to make the best of it!
We arrived at the train station around 8p.m. on a Thursday night and bought Roma passes, which covers the costs of all of the public transportation systems and multiple museums, so we would be prepared for the following day. Friday, we woke up, left our hostel early and grabbed a quick breakfast, and then set off for the metro to go to our first stop: the Colosseum.
When we got to the metro, we heard loads of angry rumbles and grumbles in Italian, and saw people all walking away from the metro with frustrated expressions.
Well, that's not a good sign, I thought.
We soon learned that the entire city of Rome conveniently decided to go on transportation strike on the ONE day that we would be there. Perfect. Therefore, we knew would all be getting a good share of exercise that day!
We walked 45 minutes to the Colosseum, and when we got there, it was worth it. I don't think I have ever seen an architectural structure that dates back that far in history! It was amazing. After we took some pictures and stared obnoxiously for a while, we signed up for a tour. The little Italian tour guide was great, in fact, she gave us so many facts that I couldn't tell you a single thing she said. (Sorry to disappoint, but it was early, and her accent was pretty thick).
But prior to going, I had just finished a book that was written about early Roman history and the Colosseum, so I was really enjoying myself. We took loads of pictures, and then moved on to the Roman Forum.
At the Roman Forum |
At the conclusion of the tour, two and a half hours later, my friends and I made the quick decision to split a taxi and race to Vatican city, hoping we could get inside before it closed at 2 p.m. Because of the transportation strike, everyone was using taxis, and it took us a while to get there, but to our surprise, we got there just in time for the last tour and got a great deal on a group tour to the Vatican and the Sistine chapel!
We hadn't had time to eat lunch after our Colosseum tour, so we were pretty drained even from the beginning of the tour. However, our guide was really interesting and had lots of good things to tell us, so we pulled ourselves together and tried to focus as best we could despite empty stomachs.
Our tour guide, explaining in full the Sistine Chapel history! |
When we were inside, we were shocked! I couldn't take my eyes off the ceiling! Every, intricate detail was fascinating and beautiful in its own way. Every Biblical depiction was so reverent. My favorite was the depiction of God reaching out to touch Adam's limp finger. I had seen it in pictures and smaller copies, but seeing the real version in person was amazing.
I had a serious crick in my neck for the rest of the day, and it was SO worth it!
St. Peter's Basilica |
Inside the Basilica: breath-taking! |
After we left the church, it was beginning to get dark. My friends and I were absolutely exhausted, and we hadn't eaten since breakfast. We jumped in another taxi and headed for Trevi fountain, despite our fatigue.
Trevi Fountain! |
Carissa, throwing her penny in! |
After our little sentimental moment, we decided we should find dinner before trying to do anything else. We talked one restuarant into giving us free appetizers for such a large group, and then we enjoyed a nice Italian food dinner just a few minutes away from the sites.
After dinner, we walked to our final site: the Spanish steps. We took some pictures, hung out, chilled a bit, and then walked over an hour and a half to our hostel.
The Spanish Steps |
So, for a recap: we did--a tour of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, a tour of Vatican City and the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, the Trevi fountain, and the Spanish steps. And we did it ALL in ONE day!
It was a long, successful adventure.
Although I don't recommend you trying to see all of these places in one day, I will say that Rome was unlike any city I have ever seen, and it's definitely worth a visit if you love history and beauty!
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