We were needing to pay for our hostel in cash, so we set out for an ATM. When we went to get some money out, we were informed that we had "Insufficient Funds." Cue: Panic Attack! We were in Rome,
We immediately set out to find an internet cafe. Hannah and I scrounged up enough change and each sent out multiple SOS's using every form of communication we could think of: Facebooked my little brother, my sister, my mom, Skype messaged my mom, and tried calling her at a pay phone while Hannah explained our dire situation to her parents.
We finally got ahold of our saving grace's, and we were back up and running.
We wasted little time getting on with our sight seeing. That day we were able to see the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, the Moro Fountain, the Fountain of Neptune and portions of the Roman Ruins. It was amazing! [Minus the fact that I totally forgot to throw change into the fountain of love...I now realize that I am doomed.]
Since Rome is such a walkable city, we worked up quite the appetite. Jannah was thrilled to find a pizza place that advertised a 45 cm pizza for €6!!! Due to our earlier bankruptcy, we hadn't eaten since France. We proudly hoisted the pizza as we marched through the train station.
Man 1: "Wow, you girls must be hungry!"
Man 2: "That sure is a lot of pizza you have there..."
Duh, we ate it all. I'm convinced it was the best pizza I had ever eaten.
Tuesday, we set off to see the rest of this historical city! We went to the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, more of the Roman Forum, and visited St. Peter's Square which is home to St. Peter's Basilica. (The Pope had actually held mass and given a speech about 2 hours earlier.) The dome on the church was designed by Michelangelo.
This church is one of the largest in the world and the interior is filled with the most beautiful works from the Renaissance time.
My favorite part was the famous statue, Pieta, by Michelangelo. It was absolutely brilliant. The central focal point of the church would be the Pope's Altar, built by Bernini. The bronze used to build the alter, was actually the bronze that was removed to create the hole in the ceiling in the Pantheon.
The church was beautiful, it was the prettiest church I had seen yet...until Wednesday when I would visit Vatican City =)
After our second day of gallivanting around Roma, we celebrated our accomplishments by visiting a small cafe down the street from our hostel. While sitting there, a man came up to us with pamphlets advertising a Pub Crawl. He was a huge fan of us once he found out we were American, and he cut Jannah a deal and discounted the price. Obviously it was a sign from the gods...
We went back to our hostel and got ready then headed out to the starting location of the pub crawl, this bar that was right down the street. We got there and received our free t-shirt and then made our way to the dance floor to meet the other people who were joining in on the night's festivities. Hannah and I were just having a good time, doin' our thang on the flo. (we were dancing).
After about 30 minutes, it became apparent that Jannah would, in fact, be the coolest person on this pub crawl. (not that we always aren't, but usually we have competition) We would be accompanied to 3 of Rome's pubs by the 25 most strange people I have ever met while being abroad. It was like watching Elaine from Seinfeld dance when they busted a move. It wasn't a pretty sight.
Later on at the second pub, we lost about 1/2 of the crowd due to the fact that they were 17. COOL! They were throwing up in the streets and walking like they had noodles for legs.
After separating the men from the boys, we carried on to pub #3! Upon entry, I heard some Justin Bieber blaring through the speakers, so I knew that this next stop was going to be awesome!! umm....WRONG!!!
It was minor night.....16 to enter. I felt like I was back at a middle school dance being a chaperon, except the kiddos thought that it was okay to hit on us. This kid, Chachi, kept on coming up to me and grabbing my arm to dance. He came up to below my shoulders and looked like a mini-Pauly D off of the Jersey Shore. Not kidding.
At this point, Hannah and I bailed ship (along with 1/2 of the party downstairs since their mommy's had come to pick them up) We called it a night and headed back to the Hostel, reviewing and laughing hysterically about the night of the 'Worst Pub Crawl of All Time.'
On our last day in Rome, we woke up and headed to the Vatican. On our way to the front door to the city, we were approached by this guy selling tours for it. He informed us that the tour would be €35 which would include entrance to the Vatican, a guided tour, a head set, and ability to jump the line.
Sales guy: "It was the best deal around!"
Sounded good to us, so we bought the tour.
Well upon entrance into the Vatican, we realized it would have only been €8 for us to enter the Vatican, head sets were free for students, and there was no line. SCAMMED!
Well we went on with the tour, and gained a lot of wonderful information. The Vatican was absolutely amazing. We saw Nero's bath, statues of Apollo and Hercules, works of Michelangelo and Raphael, "The Thinker" and much more. It was absolutely amazing.
The Sistene Chapel was magnificent. The colors were so vibrant and the details were exquisite. I could have stayed in there for hours and hours. It was my favorite church of my travels here. I was in awe over how talented these artists were and their dedication to such perfect work.
Sadly, Jannah had to cut the museum an bit short to head out and catch our flight. Rome was one of my favorite cities though. I loved how easy it was to walk everywhere and see all of the sights. It was filled with so much history, brilliant architecture, and so many beautiful things to see.
Well on to Venice!
cheers!
Janie
cool pictures jane
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