I have to admit, I have been avoiding writing about this trip because we did so much and there is so much I want to write about. The great thing about writing this down is that I can always look back on it and remember the little things about our adventure that made it so special.
I was so excited to meet my handsome man in Rome and see the Mediterranean. Think of an all out romantic trip thrown in with wild adventure and that sums up our time.
My flight to Rome was beautiful. Of course the cramped Ryan-air plane sucks, but the view from my window seat was completely worth it. When landing, we flew right over the city as I gained my first glimpse of the Colosseum and The Vatican. It brought tears to my eyes to think I was about to see one amazing city with the love of my life!
Getting into the city was not hard but when we hit traffic I just want to bust out of the bus and make a run for the station. I was overwhelmed with excitement to meet Jason who had been in Rome all day. We finally tracked each other down and I'll never forget the feeling I had hugging him for the first time in months. You know when something just fits? How you just have that peace that comes over you and you know that's where you belong.
He showed me to our hostel, and boy did I pick a winner... kind of. See, the guy who owned Maison de Julie et Terry was so nice but you could tell this hostel was brand spanking new. Like someone transformed their piso into a hotel overnight. Our walls were very freshly painted and the electricity went out so we had the "romantic" lamp light through the place.
We walked the streets hand-in-hand looking for dinner. I was so hungry! We found a little bistro and ate outside. I sipped my Italian red wine and we caught up on our journeys to meet one another. Jason ordered Lobster Fettuccine and I had Balsamic Steak. We were shocked when basically a whole lobster came out on top of a bed of fettuccine but both dishes were great!
We stumbled across The Monument Vittorio Emanuel II and amazingly enough the Colosseum. I thought our bed and breakfast was far from everything but Rome is really packed in. Everything is very close to one another! I loved walking down the small spaces between buildings and snaking a kiss or two when we were alone. Rome is beautiful at night. We both were so ready to get up the next morning and explore.
We woke the next morning and took turns showering in the ONE bathroom of the entire hostel. Yes, one toilet, one shower. Thank goodness everything was brand new so I felt better about it. We ate a nice breakfast in the kitchen. Cereal, toast, juice.. the basics.
Our hostel was close to the bus station so we walked over and bought a ticket to head towards the Vatican. We were beyond lost when trying to figure out which bus to take and whether or not we bought a bus or metro ticket... friggin' Americans.
We rode the bus through the bustling city until we came upon the last stop of the bus. Okay, we assumed, we're here. Where's here? Jason immediately opened his map and stuck his nose in to find where we were. I of course, just started wandering around until I got a glimpse of St. Peter's Square. We may be a mess, but we get around just fine!
The place was covered in people and the line to get into the museum and basilica was hours long. We decided to go with a tour group named "Happy Tours". We had a wonderful British Lady that led our group. We enjoyed seeing the square and learning the history of it. Inside the museum, there were so many brilliant pieces of art and architecture. Every inch is ornate and has purpose. I was in awe of everything around me.
I of course, love to take pictures and could not figure out why down one hall everyone was "mean-mugging" me. At this point in the museum you were not allow to take pictures. Oops!! I got some great shots at least.
The Sistine Chapel was overwhelming You build up your expectancy and the chapel still knocks you back on your heels. It is the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen. As you guessed it, I got in trouble for taking pictures. I feel sorry for the security in there because everyone is shoulder to shoulder trying to take pictures.
After leaving, Jason and I whipped out our PBJ's that I packed earlier. And of course, we once again were not permitted to sit where we were. We had a good laugh and walked a little further away to relax.
Another thing was amazing was how the guards were dressed. They are dressed in bright colors and protect Vatican City at all times. It was so fascinating to know that it is its own country and people devote their lives to protect it.
We then started walking towards the rest of Rome and passed St. Angelo Castle. It sits on the river and seems overpowering. There were a lot of little tents set up to buy souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. I bought my postcards and we continued walking.
Jason got advice from David, the guy who runs our hostel, about which places to see. The next place on our list was Piazza Del Popolo. By the time we walked all the way there we were very disappointed. There was a beautiful fountain off the side but from exhaustion, we didn't think it was worth it.
I was so excited to meet my handsome man in Rome and see the Mediterranean. Think of an all out romantic trip thrown in with wild adventure and that sums up our time.
My flight to Rome was beautiful. Of course the cramped Ryan-air plane sucks, but the view from my window seat was completely worth it. When landing, we flew right over the city as I gained my first glimpse of the Colosseum and The Vatican. It brought tears to my eyes to think I was about to see one amazing city with the love of my life!
Getting into the city was not hard but when we hit traffic I just want to bust out of the bus and make a run for the station. I was overwhelmed with excitement to meet Jason who had been in Rome all day. We finally tracked each other down and I'll never forget the feeling I had hugging him for the first time in months. You know when something just fits? How you just have that peace that comes over you and you know that's where you belong.
He showed me to our hostel, and boy did I pick a winner... kind of. See, the guy who owned Maison de Julie et Terry was so nice but you could tell this hostel was brand spanking new. Like someone transformed their piso into a hotel overnight. Our walls were very freshly painted and the electricity went out so we had the "romantic" lamp light through the place.
We walked the streets hand-in-hand looking for dinner. I was so hungry! We found a little bistro and ate outside. I sipped my Italian red wine and we caught up on our journeys to meet one another. Jason ordered Lobster Fettuccine and I had Balsamic Steak. We were shocked when basically a whole lobster came out on top of a bed of fettuccine but both dishes were great!
We stumbled across The Monument Vittorio Emanuel II and amazingly enough the Colosseum. I thought our bed and breakfast was far from everything but Rome is really packed in. Everything is very close to one another! I loved walking down the small spaces between buildings and snaking a kiss or two when we were alone. Rome is beautiful at night. We both were so ready to get up the next morning and explore.
We woke the next morning and took turns showering in the ONE bathroom of the entire hostel. Yes, one toilet, one shower. Thank goodness everything was brand new so I felt better about it. We ate a nice breakfast in the kitchen. Cereal, toast, juice.. the basics.
Our hostel was close to the bus station so we walked over and bought a ticket to head towards the Vatican. We were beyond lost when trying to figure out which bus to take and whether or not we bought a bus or metro ticket... friggin' Americans.
We rode the bus through the bustling city until we came upon the last stop of the bus. Okay, we assumed, we're here. Where's here? Jason immediately opened his map and stuck his nose in to find where we were. I of course, just started wandering around until I got a glimpse of St. Peter's Square. We may be a mess, but we get around just fine!
The place was covered in people and the line to get into the museum and basilica was hours long. We decided to go with a tour group named "Happy Tours". We had a wonderful British Lady that led our group. We enjoyed seeing the square and learning the history of it. Inside the museum, there were so many brilliant pieces of art and architecture. Every inch is ornate and has purpose. I was in awe of everything around me.
I of course, love to take pictures and could not figure out why down one hall everyone was "mean-mugging" me. At this point in the museum you were not allow to take pictures. Oops!! I got some great shots at least.
The Sistine Chapel was overwhelming You build up your expectancy and the chapel still knocks you back on your heels. It is the most beautiful piece of art I have ever seen. As you guessed it, I got in trouble for taking pictures. I feel sorry for the security in there because everyone is shoulder to shoulder trying to take pictures.
After leaving, Jason and I whipped out our PBJ's that I packed earlier. And of course, we once again were not permitted to sit where we were. We had a good laugh and walked a little further away to relax.
Another thing was amazing was how the guards were dressed. They are dressed in bright colors and protect Vatican City at all times. It was so fascinating to know that it is its own country and people devote their lives to protect it.
We then started walking towards the rest of Rome and passed St. Angelo Castle. It sits on the river and seems overpowering. There were a lot of little tents set up to buy souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry. I bought my postcards and we continued walking.
Jason got advice from David, the guy who runs our hostel, about which places to see. The next place on our list was Piazza Del Popolo. By the time we walked all the way there we were very disappointed. There was a beautiful fountain off the side but from exhaustion, we didn't think it was worth it.
Close to that was the Spanish Steps. We walked up the steps and sat for quite awhile and people-watched. People were drinking from the Fontana della Barcaccia... I don't know that ritual but more power to them!! Hundreds of azaleas surround the steps and are so bright purple/pink. It was so beautiful.
We then found our way to the Trevi Fountain. It was GORGEOUS! Hundreds of people were surrounding the fountain but we made our way to the front so we could throw our coin in. One must face away from the fountain and toss a coin over their shoulder into the fountain to ensure that they will one day return to Rome. A bride dressed in her gown and veil walked to the fountain with her bridesmaids to make a wish. She was beautiful and it was so sweet.
While wandering the city later stumbled across a church that was small but so breath-taking. I can't even tell you the name of it. I loved getting lost in Rome. People should never take the tour buses and just walk around.
We then found the Pantheon and the square it is in. I can't believe how old the Pantheon is and how in tact everything is. For goodness sake, everything in Rome is older than America! A LOT older!! We enjoyed street performers and shared a snack in the center of the square.
Our last stop was Piazza Navona. This is a large and beautiful square. Street performers and artist attract so many people until you are standing shoulder to shoulder. The flower boxes on the windows facing the square held so many vines and flowers they were overflowing. In the middle of the square is a beautiful fountain. We spent a lot of time there enjoying each other's company and revisiting our day.
On the way back to the hostel we stopped at a small pizza place named V.I.P Pizza. We gulped down a beer and satisfied our hunger after such a long day.
Being able to experience such a beautiful and timeless city with Jason was so perfect. We still talk about it often and laugh about all of our little experiences together.
