Buongiorno Roma!

DAYS 6 & 7: THE ETERNAL CITY – ROME, ITALY

          After a long bus ride from Florence to Rome, we had finally arrived in the Eternal City. The ride was once again very scenic, unlike the ones in Canada where all you see is yellow grass and cattle. The bus rides in Europe are actually very exciting with all the cliffs, bridges, tunnels, small towns and a diverse selection of nature. As it was evening when we arrived in Rome, we had no time to spare, the well being of peoples stomachs were at hand.

On our way to a very popular Italian restaurant, we were able to begin admiring this city filled with history and beauty. Unlike the two last cities we had been, everything was massive here. The number of cars that horded the narrow streets was ridiculous. We passed several little shops, all once again closed in the evening. Since the group was running late, we decided to take the city bus to reduce time. When the bright red bus pulled up and the doors open, we waited for the signal and hopped on, one at a time. Of course, being fifty we took up half of the space, but that was the fun part. As more people boarded, the space became more limited and by the time we were about to get off, we were so close together that the warm breath of others slithered along my neck. To keep my mind off the heat and overwhelming amount of people, I simply looked out the large tinted windows at the massive, gorgeous monuments that not only had value, however such stories behind them. I also looked out at the people; at the old Italian men eating a Panini on the public benches and at the nurturing Italian mothers, who were constantly keeping eye on their little children in the carriage.

When we got to the restaurant, the places were all perfectly set up, as usual. Our first dish consisted of a typical “antipasto”, bread with tomato and olive oil, delicious! Of course, it was bad for the heart; however my taste buds simply went wild. When the pizza came out, that’s when everyone’s stomach was probably jumping for joy. The eyes of many widened and I could see the envy in the eyes of the pedestrians, staring at the large pizza in front of me. Once again, the meal was amazing. From the first crunchy bite, to the soft center filled with fresh Italian cheeses and toppings, this pizza warmed me on the inside and out, as if the sun were piercing my body with its rays.

Later that evening, we walked over to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most popular hot spots in all of Italy. Upon our arrival, we all went to eat some ice cream, called Gelato, at the nearby Gelateria.

There was an abundance of flavors, some colorful, some chunky and others just plain delicious, it was hard to pick only one. From the little uniquely shaped cup that the store gave to the colorful miniature spoons to the flavor of Ferrero Rocher gelato, that was a 3₤ well spent. When we had arrived, we all made our way through the large crowds hovering around the edge of the Trevi Fountain. I made way for a picture and then simply backed off to admire this work of art. Now, what people need to understand is that the Trevi fountain is not just a random mere of sculpture, however so much more. Just the presence of this work of art gives off an extra hint of amazing atmosphere to the city of Rome. The sound of gushing water can be heard for miles and gets much louder as you near the centerpiece. When the wind blows hard enough, splashes of water float up in the air and can even sometimes is felt. I approached the edge and placed my hand in, what a delight. Many may say it’s just water, which it is, however the feel of touching sacred Roman water is just breathtaking and fun to know. As sun now receded and the black sky rolled in, I threw my last coin into the water and made my ultimate wish, hoping it would someday come true. As soon as I heard my coin splash into the water and fall to the white, detailed concrete surface beneath the layer of water, I ran to catch up with my group to make it back t our hotel.

The city, at night, is very different from Florence; it is much more active. Although night-time fell, people were still eating diner, walking together as families along the Via Caesarini and continuing to admire what Rome had to offer. Like usual, the Gelaterias were oh so packed, with lines extending along the side of other buildings. The laughs and joyful atmosphere lifted my spirit and although I was quite tired because of a long day the contagious joy of others put me in better, happier spirits. 

The next morning was an early one as we were off to the Vatican. Everyone was drowsy and tired since they probably hardly got any sleep, that’s what it’s like rooming with friends, but I got a great one. After taking my shower in the lightly small, but manageable shower of the room, I was well awake and ready to embrace Rome in the sunlight.

We took the metro a few stops to Fermata San Pietro, which is where Vatican City was located. The underground metro’s in Rome are actually one of the most sophisticated systems I have ever seen. The newly furnished inside seemed to be well maintained and even had electronic screens, something I wasn’t used to. The amount of people was once again, the only problem. Being able to talk Italian, I had an advantage over everyone else, even the Italians, as I could ease drop on their conversations without them knowing I understand the lovely and unique language. On our way to the Vatican Museum, we past several little shops, bakeries and Italian tailors, however we had no time to go inside.

The Vatican wall could be seen from miles away, however, what really distinguished it from anything else, was the extensive line of people that surrounded it, waiting to enter the city. To be completely honest, the line was so long and filled with families that I didn’t know where it ended. Luckily, as we were a big group and reserved in advance, we had a reserved entrance. The jealousy and desire of others to be in our spot was easily shown by their facial expressions, shocked to see a group of fifty enter before them. When we entered, we went through a little bit of security and we were on our way to the museum. As we had limited time, I only visited the important sections, such as the famous monuments and the Sistine Chapel, which was truly amazing. When I first entered the Chapel I was tempted to take a picture, although it was a little dark. So, I took out the camera and before pressing the flash button, I was startled by a loud Italian security guard yelling “No Photo!”, so I resisted and put my camera back into my pocket. The beauty of the chapel was not the walls, however the meaning that went with them. When I stared up, the bright pure gold glowing with the light, the famous painting of David and God touching fingers and the magnificent colors and materials used all made this chapel one of the most amazing ones I had ever seen. The flow of people kept the Chapel a little more quiet, however there was that occasional laugh or two by people simply trying to have a good time. The statues were also quite striking. Every time I went near one I was tempted to touch the rough-looking surface, however didn’t. There was a distinct smell in the Vatican museum; it resembled candles and a type of smoke usually only used at Easter, making the museum that much more distinct and memorable.

After taking a long look at some of the famous sculptures, the time in the museum was up and we had just been informed of disappointing news; the San Pietro Basilica had been closed for a reserved mass, therefore, we would not be able to go. The fact that we were so close to seeing the famous Vatican and possibly even seeing the pope was unreal, and so being told me couldn’t go was a real let down. Instead of going to the Vatican, we were given a half hour to walk around, eat lunch and meet back at the square in time for a guided tour of Rome.

After fighting through the crowds of the Vatican and being up on our feet the entire time, we were hungry and ready to eat lunch. Nearby, we saw several people going into a small, narrow, however bright alley way, so, we decided to follow them, most likely locals, and see if they would lead us to somewhere interesting. I can’t really recall the name of the Calle, however it was lined with many small, home-runned lunch restaurants with a varied menu. Guess what I ordered? Lasagna. This was the first time I had lasagne in Europe and it was one of the best meals I had so far. The melted cheese that stringed around my fork when I pulled a piece away from the dish made the lasagna much more appetizing. I sat on the curb of the alley and people watched, like usual. I watched the people walk by, some in a hurry and others, not so much. Many of them had sometime of food in their hand, but who could resist; we were in one of the food capitals of the world.

Later that day we went to the Colosseo. I must admit, the line was, again, filled with tourists from across the world, coming to enjoy and admire this piece of history. Some people in the group looked like they were ready to bail for a cappuccino at the local coffee shop, however I didn’t mind embracing the line to step foot into a monument that was standing for thousands of years. Upon our entry, we went to the second floor. There wasn’t much of a flow, however just clumps of people that we had to dodge when walking. Getting to the top was the exciting part because, although I’m no history buff, I did recognize that this was thousands of years old. I went to the edge and took some pictures, overlooking the inside of the coliseum. To think, there were fights with gladiators and lions upon the very surface that I walked on – I got goosebumps and shivers just thinking about it. Of course, after surviving seven earthquakes, this monument was pretty destroyed, however the thought of walking where a king and queen stood, the thought of sitting where peasants sat, the thought of looking at the same view as people thousands of years ago did, I was just in amazement. Before leaving I took a few last pictures, walked around once more and gazed at the tip of the structure that glowed under the lukewarm sun, thinking to myself.

On our free time, after another great Italian meal, my friends and I decided to take the time and visit some places that we hadn’t stopped such as the location where Julius Caesar got assassinated. What amazed me is the fact that these things were still standing. To think that where poor old Julius Caesar shed blood was the place where I stood, it’s simply unreal. The amount of people that surrounded the area was also unreal, as it was a moment to cherish; one day I’m reading about Caesar in class and the next I’m standing in the very spot where he yelled, shed blood and died. In addition to this, we made our way to Piazza Venezia, where one tall, white and jaw opening monument dominates the view: the Monumento Vitorio Emanuele II. From a distance we simply sat on the moist and humid grass and admired the large, palace-looking monument. While sitting, my friends and I spoke about our love for Italy, especially Rome, and that is when I realized that traveling is on my to-do list. Seeing and appreciating the wonders of the world standing tall in the distance is not only a privilege but a passion, and let me admit, that I loved it. Watching the tiny, ant-like people climb up the hundred stairs to the top of the monument and gazing at the Italian flags blowing swiftly in the tepid Italian air, I’ve realized that traveling is not only seeing, but traveling is caring.

That night, we all made our way slowly back to the hotel, appreciating the nightlife of the city once more. It was hard to see anything at night; however the city does keep everything very well lit. From watching the cars go round and round in the Piazza’s to the smell of tomato pizza floating in the moving air current, this city holds some of the oldest and greatest treasures, which is why it is known as the Eternal City.