Roma, Roma, Roma! Yes, I spent two of my three weekend days running around this remarkable city, trying desperately to soak it all in. I feel like my exhaustion yesterday meant that I was successful. Even though Florence has stolen my heart, I will always appreciate the grandeur of Rome.
My weekend commenced at 6am on Friday when I woke up. My group took a train to Rome, and we arrived around 9:30am. First up was the Vatican, where we waited in a 2/3 mile long line. On average, 17,000 people go through the Vatican museums a day. The wait wasn't excruciatingly long though, and we made it inside to see the collections, including the Laocoon sculpture, the Apollo Belvedere, Raphael's frescoes, and, of course, the Sistine Chapel.
After the Vatican museums we went into St. Peter's. Even though I had been there before, I was still impressed and a little overwhelmed at how huge this church is. Plus, Michelangelo's "Pieta" is absolutely gorgeous.
The rest of the day was spent running from place to place--the Spanish steps, la fontana di Trevi, la piazza Novuona, and the Pantheon. My friends and I ate at this cute little restaurant in between the piazza Novuona and the Pantheon. I had the best linguine al pesto! It was perfectly al dente and wonderful. We called it an early night around 11:30pm so that we could be well rested for the next day.
Saturday morning was spent on a walking tour of the ancient parts of Rome. Highlights included the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the ruins in the Forum. Again, even though I was seeing all of this for the second time, it was still interesting and beautiful. I can't wait to return with my family in March. My friends and I used our lunch break to grab some delicious coffee on the run and to make our way across town to La Bocca di Veritas. Let's just say, I'm no liar. =)
The afternoon was spent at the Borghese Gallery, looking at Bernini sculptures and Caravaggio paintings. Sadly, cameras weren't permitted inside so I don't have any photographs of the artwork, but the Bernini sculptures were amazing. I have never seen sculptures like them before. I could have spent hours gazing at them.
We ate a nice pizza dinner before getting on the train to come back to Florence. It was a great weekend, and since my coin made it into the Trevi fountain, I know I'll be going back.
ciao ciao,
Anna
3 comments:
ma cherie!
Roma sounds awesome, i'm glad you had a great time. Makes me want to see it too. love the pics, and you look absolutely FABULOUS in the first one.
grands bisous
Looks like you had a good time in the capital. Do the Italian trains run on time like they did when Mussolini was around? I once saw a replica of the Pieta; I think it might have been in the Guggenheim.
Hi Anna!
Bravo on the pics and info - we'd love to hear your advice about what we can't miss seeing when we tour with Beck at the end of this semester.
Keep the words flowin'
Susi & Dave
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