First, here is a little background on everything before we start with Rome. Starting October 23, I had a midterm break where typically midterm tests are taken anytime during this two week period. Most exchange students do not have too many midterms (typical it is only 1) and therefore are able to travel extensively around this time. I did have an optional midterm, but like any good senior studying abroad would do, I chose not to take it. Not taking it does not have a negative effect on my final grade. Plus, this was a pass/fail class for me and I would be gaining much better knowledge through my travels than that test. Anyways, my entire family (mom; dad; brother, John; sister-in-law, Debbie; + baby besch, "It" or "Fatty" because it isn't born yet), as well as John and Debbie's friend Mark (who I also know), came over to see me. Well, maybe more to see Italy. I can't be sure. I was going to meet them at the apartment we were renting which is like renting a condo.
Before leaving, I made sure that I had all the addresses and maps I needed. That way I could find where I needed to be without too much trouble. At least that is always the hope. Upon getting to Rome, I wandered the streets a bit and deviated from the map (only because there was some random protest go on!). But, eventually I found the correct street. This is where things got tricky. The address and the map didn't quite match up. This confused me. I didn't know which one was right. Further, I realized I wouldn't have a clue on which button to buzz assuming I found the right building. Fail. This led to me walking up and down and around this silly little street (that was actually quite cute) for a lengthy amount of time. I was beginning to hate my backpack for being ridiculously heavy and found myself conveniently standing right byside an Irish pub. This was perfect because I had to go to the bathroom pretty bad and I could rest my legs (and back) for a little bit. Somehow I found myself sitting there with 4 Austrians talking about the most random things possible. How I love Europe's ability to surprise me. Eventually, Debbie got a hold of me and they came and got me.I was so grateful. I am not quite sure what I would have done if I never found them.
The next few days were jam packed full of things to see. We saw the standard roman attractions: Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Vatican (and everything inside it...more on that in a later post), Pantheon, Spanish Steps, and probably a ton more churches than I can remember.
One of the days, mom, dad, and I went on a walking tour my mom found in her Lonely Planet book. This was probably one of my favorite days in Rome. It followed the movie "Roman Holiday". You know the one with Audrey Hepburn? This is such a good movie. We realized that Romans love that woman. You could by pictures of her everywhere. I, of course, fell for it and purchased a cute "Roman Holiday" poster because it seemed appropriate for what we were doing and because I wanted to. During this walking tour, we self-taught ourselves all the history of the different things we were seeing. Usually, I have less than a good idea about the various things I am looking at. Ancient history was not one of my favorite subjects in school.
I have some pictures from the trip to show you how jealous you should be that you weren't there. They took me forever to sort through because I took my dad and brother's too. Do you know how many pictures my father takes? SO MANY. The captions are underneath.
Bascilia di San Pietro from afar
Forum of Peace ( or Foro della Pace)
There are ruins like this randomly all over the city (see below as well).
My mom, John and Debbie in front of the Colosseum (Notice Mark on the right...Haha.)
I added this mostly because it amuses me. And, it is my blog which means I can do whatever I want.
Of course, my mom and I found the super expensive shopping street (Via Condotti). It is perpendicular to the Spanish Steps and you can find a bunch of top name designers there (like Prada, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo, Gucci, Valentino, etc). Basically, one could easily break their bank account with one fell swoop of a hammer which comes in the form of a checkout register.
The Spanish Steps (or Scalinatella di Spagna)
There is an interesting story that goes along with this one. Apparently, the French were the ones that funded the construction of the stairs (the church at the top is a French church) but they were unable to have the steps named after them for some reason. Oh, France. This seemed to be a popular place for people to hang out and meet up. As you can tell, it was quite the happening place when we were there. And who said we didn't know where the party was at?
Trevi Fountain (or Fontana di Trevi)
Even though I didn't like all the people that were standing around (similar to what I was doing), this is one of my favorite things. I realize how cliche that might sound, but I don't care. I think it is because of all the statues and what they are supposed to represent. (Maybe it also has something to do with the portrayal of this fountain in all those random old movies I have seen.) Here is a brief (or not-so brief) outline of the fountain: in the middle is Neptune riding a chariot being pulled by two sea horses (one is wild and one is tame) and on each side of him are two statues; to the right is Salubrity (God of Health) and the left is Abundance (God of Wealth). And yes, I did throw a coin into the fountain (you just have to...its an unwritten rule), so it is likely I will be back! (I read somewhere that the money is given to different charities. For instance, a supermarket was opened for Rome's needy. It just keeps getting better and better!)
Are you having fun yet? I hope so. See you at my next post. :)
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