Spring Break '05 | Day 8

This next morning in Rome started out at a relaxing pace. We took our time getting ready and set out for a breakfast/lunch. Already running low on currency we decided on McDonald’s—I guess it’s a little piece of home. Like home the food fills you up well at the same time making you feel uneasy about what just ate.

The first task for today was to make our way to the great Roman Colosseum that almost all modern day stadiums are based on. There was such a long line there that we elected to just walk around it. Just a short distance over was the Arch of Constantine. While walking up to the old Roman Forum, two young girls engaged me in talking and then tried to rob me. They did a bad job and got nothing from me. By noon, the Forum was already packed with tourists and we did some lounging around before moving on.

Next we decided to check out the Pantheon. On route we took a series of few wrong turns and found ourselves a little lost, however, this gave us a good visit to another part of the city where we got samples of cheese and wines. Once we found the Pantheon I had to take a moment to behold the splendor of such a sight. Inside I paid a visit to Raphael and the Maestro's tomb. The rain from the night before had let rain into the center from the oculus above.

From the Pantheon it was only a short walk to the Spanish Steps, which took its name from the grand set of stairs leading up to the Spanish Embassy. Along with hundreds of other visitors we sat down on the stairs facing the fountain below. Rested, we walked around to find the nearest metro station on route to the Christian Catacombs. The trip would take us on a metro train with a connection on a bus route to just outside the city. In all the time commuting we made it in time for the last tour of the day. At first, we were put in a large group for English speakers until I suggested that we switch to another smaller group that had a well-spoken tour guide. She took us into the dark crevasses of the catacombs and let us explore the paintings on the wall.

Rested, we walked around to find the nearest metro station on route to the catacombs. The trip would take us on a metro train with a connection on a bus route to just outside the city. In all the time commuting we made it in time for the last tour of the day. At first, we were put in a large group for English speakers until I suggested that we switch to another smaller group that had a well-spoken tour guide. She took us into the dark crevasses of the catacombs and let us explore the paintings on the wall.

At the end of our tour, we left the place to find our tour guide leaving as well and as such serendipity would supply us directions to the nearest bus stop back for Rome. The return bus took us all the way back to the train station where we decided our dinner nearby. The place we chose had all types of foods in a glass case but Shana would not let me chose anything from it so instead, we all elected for some pizza. Each of us had our own personal pizza and I chose for myself the tuna pizza. We were seated next to two Americans, one white and the other Asian. There was a mix-up with their food order and the waiter had asked Shana to translate something to them.

Making efficient use of our time we ate quickly and found our train back for Firenze. After a long day behind us, getting home meant for an easy uneventful night. Shana had to work the next morning so I planned on visiting Siena of all of tomorrow.

Trip-O-Meter
Activity: 3 | Energy: 3 | Friends: 3