Rome’ing around Italy

Since the program in London isn’t as restrictive as Dublin, I really wanted to make the best of my time in Europe, particularly in Italy! Over the bank holiday in UK, I went to Rome, Italy. The temperature was in the 80-90 degree range with some humidity, which honestly would be the temperature back home in Philadelphia. From the past two cities I’ve been living in the temperature has been moderate, and refreshing. But I shouldn’t be complaining, I was finally able to soak in some sun! During the 3 days I was there, I had planned to spend full days in certain parts of Rome. Conveniently, the hotel I was staying at was near the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon; therefore, the first night I was able to see those two landmarks while eating some gelato (of course!). I honestly had a Lizzie McGuire/Tourist moment once I got to the Trevi Fountain, which meant I was singing Hilary Duff songs and making my wish. Both the Trevi Fountain and Pantheon, I was expecting these places to be bigger and be part of a more open area, and not surrounded by buildings.
The next tourist thing to do would be going to the Colosseum! It was amazing, and great to finally experience and see this landmark in person. Since, most of the time I see the Colosseum used in movies. It was actually in pretty good condition. While I was in that area, I realized I was near the Forums, which is a combination of big rock and monuments. I also went back at night, and the both the Colosseum and the Forums look like a crazy light show at night! I also ran into some Roman Soldiers.

Lastly, a trip to Rome wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel! I would highly recommend to buy tickets online from the official website, and to skip the crazy lines find a tour on the site. I used Maya Tours, which included the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, and Saint Peter’s Basilica. The experience was both breath taking, yet a bit creepy. In Saint Peter’s Basilica basement are the catacombs of previous Pope’s. It was interesting to observe, but I just felt out of place since I am not catholic. The only disappointment was not being able to take pictures in the Sistine Chapel! But the good thing was I was able to identify the Last Judgement and Last Supper (Good thing for ARTH 102!). Overall, I was able to cram the some of the most iconic and beautiful places in the world in 3 days, but the only thing I regret was shopping! I guess I will have to make another trip back to Rome one day! It myth about tossing the coin into the Trevi Fountain is a “safe return.”

When in Trastavere...

Anyone who knows me can vouch that I have been dreaming of traveling to Italy for years. This past weekend, while most of the American students in Prague took a train ride to Vienna, Sam and I made a tiny detour...to Rome!

Our apartment ended up being located in what was touted as the perfect neighborhood, Trastavere. Trastavere is on the southwest side of the Tiber River, below Vatican City, and it consists of several universities and an eclectic mix of restaurants, bars, shops, churches, cafes, and local Roman residents.

On our first night we found an aperitif bar that was just around the corner. At L'aperitivo, one pays around 8 euros for an aperitif, or an alcoholic drink that is normally consumed before one's meal. Then, with the show of your receipt, you have access to a delicious and variant antipasto buffet. Freni e Frizioni was apparently appeared to be the most favored bar in the neighborhood, with groups of younger local patrons and tourists alike spilling out of the small locale and into the square along the main street.

Despite being intrigued by the nightlife that was peaking all around us, we collapsed in our beds soon after dinner, weary from our day of traveling, and woke up early the next morning when our tourist endeavors ensued!

The Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Sistine Chapel - we saw it all. The fountain is the largest Baroque fountain in Rome, and the Pantheon is extremely well preserved and has been in used consistently since its construction. Sam was an awesome tour guide and, having been to Rome before, she managed to map out some pretty efficient routes. Over the course of just less than 3 full days we were able to witness a striking collection of some of the most significant remaining architectural and historical structures that are still standing today. Watching slides of the Pantheon flash before your eyes during an Architectecture & Society lecture more than pales in comparison to seeing these structures in person.

What struck me the most about Rome is how condensed the city way. The historic center especially has several monuments packed into such a small area, with modern building having sprung up around every corner. I can only imagine living and working in a city where you pass the Fontana di Trevi every morning when you ride your moped to work.

And on our way to the airport on Sunday, only minutes before we caught the Metro to Termini Station, we stopped to take in the Spanish Steps at the Piazza di Spagna.

Vita a Milano

Go to Rome!

How to get there

If you find yourself in Italy, you must take a couple of days to visit Rome. I am nearing the end of my journey and I must admit that Rome has been my favorite place to visit. If you are in Italy you can get there easily by TrenItalia which costs about 75euro for second class from Milan. The journey takes about 4 hours but be prepared for delays. You could also fly to Rome by RyanAir (fly from anywhere in Europe, not just Italy) and for a cheaper price! I took the train just because it was more convenient than flying, especially from my location.

Where to stay

If you plan to stay in Rome for more than one night, I highly suggest staying at a hostel and not a hotel. Every college student needs to experience a hostel at least once while in Europe. Not only is it cheaper than a hotel, but you also have the opportunity to meet very interesting people from all over. I actually received the best traveling advice from those that I met in the hostel. I recommend booking a hostel through HostelWorld. I stayed at the Legends Hostel and was pleasantly surprised. Many of the travelers that I spoke to said that Legends was a ‘nicer’ hostel. Honestly, it just reminds me of dorm life so I didn’t mind at all.

What to see

In order to fully experience Rome I recommend having at least two full days to sight see. The first day my friend, Sarah, and I went to the Colosseum. It was absolutely incredible. Once in the area you will have many tour guides coming up to you asking if you want to go on a tour through the Colosseum and Roman Forum (and yes, in English!). Initially we were just going to explore on our own, but then decided to join a tour. The tour is well worth the 22euro because you don’t have to wait in any lines and you get the history which makes it exciting; otherwise you’ll just be peering at ancient remains. I recommend setting one day aside to solely experience the Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and Colosseum.

Roman Forum

Inside Colosseum

Colosseum

I would also suggest setting another day aside to go to Vatican City. Once again in Vatican City my friend and I joined a tour group just because there is too much to take in (and we were too impatient to wait in the long, long lines). The tour first led us to the Vatican Museum which would take 15 years to see everything, so I’m quite happy we had a guide that led us to the most important and interesting pieces. Once in the museum (8euro for students, or part of the payment to your tour which is 28euro total) you have free access to St. Peters Basilica. Of course, when traveling Europe all of the cathedrals and basilicas tend to look alike, but not St. Peters. It is absolutely breathtaking. My favorite thing in the Vatican to see is the Sistine Chapel and The Last Judgment by Michelangelo (where, of course, no photography is permitted).

Colonnade in Vatican City

Inside St. Peters Basilica

St. Peters Basilica

Other than the Colosseum and Vatican City, you must also see Trevi Fountain. It is said that if you toss two coins into the fountain it will ensure your trip back to Rome, so do not forget to do so!

Trevi Fountain

Trevi Fountain

Since I only have a few days left, this will be my last post. I hope this information is helpful. Arrivederci!