Roma
Monday, November 6th, 2006Well Pete and I have determined that if we don’t take short vacations – we don’t end up with any vacations. So with the vouchers we received when we got bumped on our return flight from Paris last year, we went to Rome this year. The extra flight connection meant that Pete and I were a bit tired for the whole vacation – but luckily, that did not detract from the fabulous vacation (that coincided with our 4th anniversary).
We arrived in Rome via the red eye flight on Thursday. Since we had slept on the plane, we arrived (just a bit sleepy) ready to see the sites. Since it was not the most restful sleeping in the plane, we took it easy the first day and tried not to put too much into it. We made our first stop (after checking in) at the Trevi Fountain. With some of the change from the chocolate and hazelnut ice-cream (some of the best I’ve ever had – very rich), we tossed some coins into the fountain over our shoulder. So if the legend is correct, we’ll eventually make it back to Rome.
Our next stop (as we were heading back to the hotel) was at the Spanish Steps. As with the Trevi Fountain, there were many merchants selling their wares. The traveling sunglasses sellers were probably not selling authentic Gucci sunglasses. J.
After going to bed early (ok like really early at 6 pm) we started out on our adventures for day 2 (Friday). Since the Vatican has soo many sights we decided to make Basicila di San Pietro our first stop. Inside we got to see the final resting place for Saint Peter, as well as Pope John Paul II.
Upon leaving, we got in line for the Vatican Museum, which also contains the Sistine Chapel. However, this closes especially early (12:20 pm). So we wondered off the local market place for some apples (upon seeing the fresh meat and vegetables – I’d wished our hotel had a kitchenette) and scarves, before heading off to the Coliseum. It was really amazing to see the Coliseum. When we exited the metro – it was right there, and was very impressive. Upon looking at the Coliseum, we started to determine which parts were original, and which parts where part of various restoration efforts (since there have been many over time). Definitely very fascinating.
We managed to see the Forum from the outside, but the gates closed before we could venture inside. It never occurred to me (although after the morning’s experience with the Vatican Museum) that the Forum would close. So we wondered around Circus Maximus before heading out to dinner.
Before going to Rome, everyone who we knew who had been there, mentioned that dinner was a 5 course event. They’d also mentioned that the courses were small – so it was no problem eating them all. Well we discovered that dinner was indeed a delicious 5 course event. However, I would not call the courses small. Each one was about the same size as my regular dinner. However, I’d love to have some of that Tomato soup right now.
On our third day in Rome (Saturday) we got in line for the Vatican Museum at 8:20 when the line was only 2 city blocks long. We had learned from the previous day’s experience that we needed to get in line early.
The highlight of the Vatican Meuseum was definitely the Sistine Chapel (I tend to like Michaelangelo’s work much more than Rafael’s). I didn’t even recognize the ceiling at first. This is the first time I’d seen the whole thing at once. It is definitely a different experience than seeing all the small close-ups from books.
However, it was only 11 am after leaving the Vatican. So we headed off to the Pantheon via the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. The dome is very impressive. And this was one of the few places that we didn’t have to stand in a line to get into.
Since our time was limited we only had time for one more site before our trip was over. We stopped off at the Capuchin Crypt (which Pete had been searching for information on before our trip started - he only knew it as “The Bone Church”). The site was somewhat macabre. There were several scenes depicted from over 4000 human’s bones. Definitely an awesome experience. Since pictures were not allowed - we had to get the post cards. J
Our flight home was only slightly adventurous. Our flight leaving Rome was 2 hours late in leaving. We would not have made our connection in Paris, except that the flight leaving for the US was 30 minutes delayed in leaving. I’m sure I looked like a dork - running through the airport with my passport and ticket in my mouth, with my shoes in one hand, and my belt in another. Security was slightly delayed because this was the first weekend that the EU required folks to take their laptops out of the lap top containers. Needless to say, everytime a new change occurs with airport security, things take longer.
Sadly, we also lost out with the airport security restrictions. After entering the airport in Rome, we’d purchased some lemon liquour. However, since our baggage was already checked, we could not check this liquid. So in Paris, it had to be handed over at the security checkpoint when going into the international portion of the airport. Oh well - live and learn. I’ll just assume that the security guy will get to enjoy it.
Amazingly, eventhough we only made the plane by running through the airport, our luggage also made it. I was defintiely expecting to have to report lost luggage and attempt to retrieve it a day or so later. So a pleasant supprise at the end of a wonderful trip.