Buses, Planes, and Trains... Oh my!

ROMA! As previously mentioned, this week my mother and I took off for a week long spring through Europe. My poor mother, she was forced to travel at a twenty-something speed and optimism, but she hung in there like a champ and we had a great time.

Without any linguistic or geographical knowledge of Rome, we set out to meet each other at our bed and breakfast in the middle of the city - without any possible way of communication. It was a good lesson for each of us, I met a friendly professor from Boston who helped me navigate my way through the metro, and Mom managed to make it there with a special route of transportation with the airline cabin crew (I'm not surprised, that woman has more charm than anyone). After a month of being separated, it was great to see her again and to embark on this journey.

In the Vatican Square outside of the Basilica.

Rome was filled with tiny streets, lots of pasta and wine, and a rich history of vast buildings and paths that have been walked for centuries. I have never been in a city quite so historic, everywhere you looked had a different piece of Roman sculpture that represented an important figure or Biblical meaning.

It would be impossible to describe the beauty of the Vatican museums, with the hand painted ceilings by Michael Angelo, Raphael, and other famous artists. In each of their own glories, they were rich in color and well preserved in the museums. The most famous work of art in the Sistine Chapel was stunning (sadly, we couldn't take photos, so leave it up to your imagination!)

Sculptures on Sculptures on Sculptures

The ceiling artwork!

As two people that were raised Catholic, it was very special to be in the center of our beliefs around the Vatican, where it was all created, and where it still remains alive in history and tradition. The Basilica of St. Peter literally brought tears to our eyes as we were inspecting the tombs of Popes past (RIP, guys), and silently gazing at the impressive depictions of Mary and Jesus. We never really could comprehend the fact that we were in the home of the Catholic Church - the ultimate holy space where others have come before us and changed the way the religion has developed.

Inside St. Peter's Basilica

And of course, you can't visit Rome without a trip to the Colosseum. Don't get me wrong, I knew it would be old. But the building was stripped of its marble and glamour over the years, and has had multiple uses that has given it a worn, rustic feel. Obviously it was an area for entertainment at one time, such as bull fighting and humans fighting each other to the death.

Being a Roman.

Italy had wonderful food, nice people, and lots to explore for a few days. The only unusual things that happened on our journey all occurred around the metro, our source of transportation around the city. It gave us many funny and scary stories during our time there. For example, one day when boarding the metro and carefully watching my things, I caught a 14 year old gypsy grabbing my pursing and trying to discreetly unzip my bag. As shocked as I was, I gave her a surprised look, held back my desire to slap her silly, and boarded the metro without saying a word. On another occasion, a man tried to jump the metro too late and almost made it successfully, except his arm got stuck in the door. As he stood there half in the train and one arm dangling outside, I somehow (adrenaline rush, maybe?) grabbed the handle of the door, opened it, and he recovered his arm from being blown away as the train reached 70 miles/hour. I did my good deed of the day for that stranger.


Roman To Do's and Cultural Things:

• Learn basic Italian - it will obviously help you with signage and to communicate with the locals/your bed and breakfast owners.
• Margherita Pizzas are heaven.
• Your map of Rome will be your Bible, but if you get lost, walk about 50 feet and you will find another historic monument and more tourists to help you find your way.
• Beware of pickpockets, always. Even if it means wearing your backpack in front of you, like I did. (See embarrassing picture below). 
• Italian gelato is just as wonderful as you would expect it to be! WOW. The Italians love their ice cream and know how to make it fresh.
• As expected, Italy captured my heart and I will definitely be back. The beauty, fun culture, and historic evidence in the country is mind blowing, to put it lightly.

• 

  Pickpocketers, I dare you.

My post about Paris is coming soon! Thanks for reading, as always.