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Sunday, August 29, 2010

Roma

After seven and a half years away (a fact I've been continually doubting, recalculating, and regretting) I am back in Italy!


David and I flew out of Hahn at 6:10 yesterday morning on RyanAir, which I think is pretty much the Greyhound of the skies, but which got us into Rome-Ciampino by about 8:00 and into Rome proper a short bus ride later.

We experienced mild Italian Hotel Disaster upon arrival, but decided to stow our bags at the train station and explore the city before trying again. We toured the Colosseum and then headed over to the Basilica San Pietro (stopping beforehand for pizza--I had potato!), where we decided to go up to the Cupola. Despite having been to St. Peter's a few times, I'd never climbed to the top. It was AMAZING. Amazing! We took all stairs instead of getting the elevator part way, and it was a serious workout; we passed a few people who had to stop and wheeze on the steep stairs beyond the elevator.
But the top was so, so worth it, with incredible views of the interior of the dome, and then, from the lantern, 360° cool and breezy views of the city.

We returned to Termini, figured out our hotel, rested a bit, and then headed out for dinner and what I called the moonlight fountain tour, hitting several baroque water features on our way to the main attraction, Fontana Trevi and San Crispino gelato! Amazing.

I'm finishing up breakfast in our hotel at the moment, and in a short while we'll catch our train to my beloved Firenze. Being back feels good.

8 comments:

Carissa said...

I'm so thrilled for you guys! What a fun trip! I can't wait to see your photos from Firenze. I visited for just a couple of days about 5 years ago and I loved it so much!

Nothing said...

Nice! I envy you guys. By the way: what do you plan on buying me whilst in Europe? I really need a new fedora. ;)

Mumsie said...

Love the pictures. It looks like you're having a fabulous time and packing as much as possible into every minute. Happy birthday eve.

chelsey said...

Jealous! And you better write a blow-by-blow account of the Hotel Disaster because that's what traveling and blogs were made for. :) Enjoy your trip.

strovska said...

oh, the moonlight fountain tour! i actually thought rome was prettiest at night. all those lit-up fountains.

Teri and Paul said...

Yea!! San Crispino. Just thinking of it makes my mouth water. What flavors did you get?

Hathor said...

You're making me nostalgic for our too-long-ago Italian tour. Hope you're having tons of fun, eating more delicious gelato, and avoiding too many hotel disasters.

Larissa said...

I know I can't believe it's been 7 years!!!!!!!!!!! How is your Italian? Picking up right where you left off? Have an awesome time!