Rome

They say first impressions count. We already knew we liked Italy, but when we arrived in Rome we didn't expect so many crowds and so much graffiti. Graffiti was already apparent in Milan and Marseille, but Rome was on another level. the trains were so covered in graffiti it looked almost intentional. Admittedly when we first got on the metro to find our hostel we were scared. The trains were busy and covered in graffiti, and when we arrived at our stop, so were all the buildings in the area. Eventually we came to realise that unlike home, graffiti didn't necessarily equate to crime, but it's still a hard judgement to shake. 

That night we got pizza (bought by the kg) and gelato just like Megan had hoped. We had an early night after a long day of travelling ready for the long day ahead. 

Day 8

We had a lot planned for our day in Rome and so we were up at 8am. We got breakfast in a local cafe, and headed to the Colosseum on the metro. It's hard to miss as you exit the station, and we were pleased we'd got up early as there were no crowds yet. At 8:30am the doors opened and in we went, so excited to see inside the great stadium. 

We tried to read as much about the history as we could before we gave in and went to take a first look of the inner circle. It truly was amazing, imagining the kind of events they would have held so long ago. 

We then left the Colosseum to explore the ruins of the Forum next door. We didn't expect there to be so much still remaining. Pillars and walls of where politicians would have worked. Even as you exit the ticketed areas, walls that were built BC are just dotted around the streets as if no one cares. 

Nearby was the Piazza Venizia, one of the most impressive buildings we've ever seen. We don't have a photo on a phone to share with you, but google it, it was so impressive. 

After a lot of walking we jumped on a tour bus. It was a really perfect way to have a rest without feeling like we were wasting time. We stayed on for the full loop before getting off at the Mouth of Truth. A famous wall sculpture where tourists put their hand in the mouth of the face. 

We then headed over to Saint Peters Square and The Vatican (where the Pope lives). We found it strange to see such a famous place in real life. I feel like I've seen it a hundred times on the news, so standing in the square felt very strange, like it shouldn't be a real place. 

Our next stop on the bus was the Trevi Fountain. We were very excited for this stop too, but were disappointed to find it drained and covered in scaffolding. We felt robbed. So many tourists surrounded the pathetic empty sculpture and cursing the person responsible. It was a sad thing when I put my especially saved 5 pence coin back in my bag. 

Nearby was the Pantheon and Piazza Navona, so we walked through small windy streets to find them. We also walked to the Spanish Steps, and sat there as we decided what to do for dinner. 

We walked through some highly fashionable shops and beautiful Italian restaurants to find a small pizza place. I had my first ever calzone, in Rome. I felt very cultured. 

We jumped on our tour bus and headed for the metro and our hostel. On the walk from the station we grabbed more gelato, and were ready to crash. We'd done Rome in a day, and were ready for the next stop, Venice. 

-Evie

1)  I am so glad Evie and I are able to get up early. We are usually the first ones up every morning, and it is so great to be able to explore without the touristy crowds. We were probably one of the first hundred people into the Colosseum, which was absolutely perfect. To be honest, I'm not sure I could handle being in the large crowds, which is why going into the Vatican in the afternoon wasn't really an option. 

2) The amount of people who simply take photos of things, without ever really stopping to appreciate them is kind of sad. Evie and I make it a priority to just enjoy being in a place, which is why there are limited pictures on this blog (don't worry mom, I am taking plenty of pictures).

3) Gelato is good.

4) If you forget to ask for a caffe latte, and instead just order a latte, they will give you just steamed milk.

5) It is pretty fun playing roulette at a bakery every morning, just picking a pastry that looks pretty.

6)The people trying to sell stuff on the streets are driving us insane. We know you're selling water for a euro, we still don't want it, please go away. We don't want hats, sunglasses, or stupid toys of the major tourist attractions. There's just as many street sellers as tourists in the big cities, and Rome has been by far the worst.

7) Bus tours can be a great way to get around, and they provide fun facts, so it's really perfect for me. 

8)It is strange that some structures of Ancient Rome still stand, but others have been completely destroyed, and there's really no reason for either. Places were lucky if the Church adopted them, such as the Pantheon or the Arch of Constantine, but other than that, there was really no justification of why some places were spared. Once again, oblivion in inevitable.

8) It's funny how other counties are selling the Union Jack and Stars and Stripes as fashion. I've seen more flags on T-shirts, bags, and shoes than I have in my entire life. It's a very easy way to spot who is definitely not from the UK or USA.

9) I should have definitely rewatched the Lizzie McGuire movie before heading to Rome. 

-Megs