when in rome: an overdue recount of my weekend in the eternal city

After a quick stop at McDonalds (I know what you’re thinking: You’re in Italy and you’re choosing to eat at McDonalds? Well, folks. Let me tell you a little something about the McDonalds in Italy…they serve curly fries! Yes, curly fries. How could I pass up such a beloved American delicacy?), we boarded the train to Rome. We spent 4 hours weaving through the Tuscan countryside, laughing, exchanging life stories and drinking red wine.

We arrived in Rome with no hotel reservation and very little sense of direction. Two women approached our group, who we assumed were just solicitors for an illegal hostel. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case. They escorted us to a nice hotel, just a few blocks from the train station and only 20 euro/night per person. Apparently the economy is affecting the Roman hotel industry too?

Tired and hungry, we opted to eat at the tiny restaurant right across the street from our hotel. I didn’t think it was possible to have a bad meal in Italy, but this place proved me wrong. The food was overpriced, the portions were small and the 14 euro bottle of red wine tasted horrible.

After dinner, we made our way to the Trevi Fountain. I’ve sort of assumed the role of “navigator” of the group, and I usually do a pretty decent job…but the fountain I led us to was not at all what I expected. Very anticlimactic. We still took the usual touristy pictures in front of it, throwing in coins and whatnot. Fortunately, Mandy, who had previously visited the Trevi Fountain, was there to tell us that “no, this isn’t the Trevi Fountain! I thought ya’ll were just taking picture with it because it’s so pretty!” Woops.

Fast forward about five minutes-- we arrive at the actual Trevi Fountain. It was so gorgeous. Breathtaking, really. I was cold from the rain and still hungry, but seeing the Trevi Fountain was such a moving experience for me. It was the first time I thought: Wow, I’m actually here.

Saturday was spent touring Vatican City and wandering around the Colosseum. I prayed inside the Vatican, stood under St. Peter’s Basicilia and saw the Pieta. The Colosseum was so cool. I wish I had a better adjective to use, but I honestly can’t think of one. One could never find a landmark with such rich cultural and historical significance in America, so to be able to actually stand inside this piece of history was an unbelievable experience.

On Sunday morning, we woke up early to go see the Sistine Chapel (note to future Roman tourists: it’s free the last Sunday of every month!). Yet another unbelievable experience. After literally running back to the train station, we boarded the train for home. Although I loved Rome, I was ready to return to Florence, the city that has become my new home.

Epic weekend. Truly epic. From the train rides to spending two nights together in two tiny hotel rooms, it was a definite bonding experience for us all. Four new friends, one old friend and me…just laughing, exchanging life stories and drinking red wine.