When in Rome
Italy was the top destination on my personal “bucket list” and I just recently was able to cross it off!
Rome was everything I hoped it would be – from the history and sights to the food and wine. Before even making it to any of the sights, I could understand where it got its nickname the “Eternal City.” The cobblestone streets and impressive architecture emit the city’s antiquity.
My main concern about traveling to Italy was the language barrier – I don’t know a single Italian word. However, I found myself able to navigate through the city well and because it is such a major city, many of the locals understand English. I was so anxious to begin my trip once I got out of the airport into the hustle and bustle of the city, and here is the account of my trip:
A taxi takes me about a half hour from the airport to my hotel and I’m already overwhelmed trying to take everything in. I am so excited to explore a country that is foreign to me. I arrive at my hotel, which is right across the street from the American Embassy, and after I check in, I decide to grab some lunch to give me the energy I need to fight jetlag.
Personally inviting
I walk down the street from my hotel and come across a proud Italian restaurant owner standing on the street inviting people to stop in; who could argue with that. I can’t decipher the Italian menu so I decide to be adventurous and let the waiter decide for me. He brings out the most delicious plate of homemade ravioli and a glass of fresh, local wine. The owner actually sits with me and talks to me about his beloved city and the places that I “have to go”. I am already impressed with Rome, simply by my first meal but decide it is time to sightsee!
All roads lead to Rome
I grab a map and about a mile down the street I find the Trevi Fountain. I am amazed at its beauty; I never would have imagined a fountain to be remarkable. The site is swarming with tourists, but I maneuver my way to the fountain to throw a penny in and make a wish! As I continue on my journey I am fascinated by all of the ruins of Rome surrounding me and it seems as if every building could be a tourist attraction because of the amazing architecture.
I walk through the middle of the city and discover the Colosseum right before my eyes. Nothing can prepare you for your first look at the enormous, ancient amphitheater. Being as massive as it is, it looks as if it was just dropped in the middle of the city. The structure is incredible and it is mindboggling to think that it was built around 70-80 AD – before machinery was even invented! I feel like I went back in time with men dressed as gladiators walking around the Colosseum and taking pictures with tourists. I get in a picture with a gladiator and continue my way through the city.
I follow the crowds down a narrow road lined with designer clothing stores, and find myself at the bottom of the Spanish Steps. After some shopping (you have to be able to say, “I got this in Rome,” right?) I climb the steps and am rewarded with a beautiful view of the city at sunset. If you ever go to the Spanish Steps, be sure to walk to the top, the view of Rome is incomparable. At the top of the steps, many tourists are posing to get their portraits done by Italian artists while enjoying the scenery.
What else is Italy famous for? Of course, the pasta. I stop by a restaurant for dinner on the way back to my hotel and indulge in a delectable piece of lasagna. I was told before I went to Rome that I had to try a glass of the famous limoncello, the local lemon liquor. I made sure to stick to this promise and order some with dinner. It isn’t terrible, but very sweet and I decide to stick to a glass of wine instead.
A site to remember
The next morning, I wake up bright and early and grab a taxi to head to Vatican City. It is pouring out, and I did not pack well for rain but luckily we will be inside most of the day. The taxi drops me off in front of the Vatican and I cannot believe I am actually here. I remember learning about the Vatican in my high school history class and my teacher said it was too large for them to fit a picture of the whole thing in our textbook, and now I can see why. I wait about an hour to get into the Vatican and try not to laugh as I pass the Swiss guards in their multicolored uniforms. Once inside, the intricate carvings and paintings on all of the ceilings, walls, and floors of the building astouond me. No matter where I look, there is something to see.
About an hour later is my appointment for the Scavi Tour, which is a tour underneath the Vatican and St. Peter’s Basilica to the tomb of Saint Peter. This hour-long tour is very informative about the history of the Vatican and St. Peter and was the highlight of my trip to Rome. But, you don’t need to be super religious or a history buff to enjoy this tour – it truly is fascinating. It’s a little claustrophobic inside the Scavi, the walkway of the tour is very narrow, the lighting is dim and the air is humid and warm. The tour must be booked months in advance since there are only 120 visitors allowed each day, but it is worth seeing! It is incredible that there actually used to be a functioning city underneath where the Vatican lays and the houses, roadways and buildings remain intact to this day.
After a long, exciting day in Vatican City I head back toward my hotel and stop at a local restaurant for dinner. Have you heard that everyone eats dinner very late in Italy? I hadn’t. It is about 7:00 PM and I make my way to a restaurant but when I walk in there is just one family – the owners of the restaurant – eating together. I apologize and say I will come back later but they ask me to stay and eat with them instead. So I enjoy my last Italian meal with a local Italian family.
My trip to Italy is one I will not soon forget and I plan to return very soon to explore other parts of the country such as Florence, Capri, Sicily, and Venice.
posted by Shelbee
Shelby Doherty, Marketing Intern
Collette Vacations
Tags: Collette, Collette Vacations, Italy, Rome
