Rome

Well the anticipation was killing me the whole week. I couldn't wait to get to Italy. The previous night my departure it was hard to sleep. On Thursday morning I took the 730 train to Helsinki then took a bus to the airport and got there at about 1045. So I didnt board until 1 so I just grabbed a little to eat and hung out until board. I went from Helsinki to Frankfurt, than to Rome. Once again I was spoiled by the Lufthansa service. Its a great way to fly! When I got into Rome I made my way to the train where it was suppose to be the quickest and easiest way to get to my hostel. I made it to termini, which was the main station, and made my way to my hostel at about 8-830. Finally, after that long day of travel I met up with Sean and grabbed a bite to eat.

The restaurant we went to ended up being our favorites. We went there more than a couple of times. We walk into the restaurant where the owner greets us with, "prego, we have table for you, prego". He stole me over with that great service. It seemed so stereotypical of what a Italian restaurant owner greets each person and gives you a "home like" feeling. Just great. I started with having cannelloni and then Sean and I split a Margaretta pizza and a bottle of the house red wine. So good!! Food was amazing! Just great. But after dinner Sean and I retired for the night to get to the monuments early the next morning.

The next day was an unreal day. After walking for a while we stumbled upon the Colosseum, which once you see, you can't believe its right there. It's like from a movie or something. Just unreal. Going into the Colosseum was so cool. We had a guided tour, and the everlasting information that just poured out, there was so much to grasp. After the Colosseum we went to the Forum, and saw the Arch of Constantine. Everything was so cool. We were probably in the same area for about 4 hours but it never seemed like it. With all the things to see and all the pictures to take the time just flew by. After we spent a good chunk of time there we made our way into the direction of the Pantheon. We stopped at a restaurant in the area where we were greeted the same way, and had some amazing food. I had some traditional spaghetti and meat sauce and Sean had some lasagna. Had a taste of his and it was like my mom's home cooking! I would have to say my mom's is a bit more cheesier. But any ways, the Pantheon, there was a huge group of people. Which I should add, Rome is a pretty hectic city, lots of people, lots of traffic, hear the sounds of car horns anywhere. I have never been to NYC but I have a feeling that it was like this. The Pantheon had so much to look at, there is an opening at the top of the dome, so if it rains, it pours into the middle of the Pantheon.

After the Pantheon we made our way to the Fountain of Trevi, and got some gelato on the way. I got some biscotti and almond combo of gelato. It was of course "to die for!" As we made it to the fountain, it was night time, a busy area once again, and as you see this very cool sight I just can't believe the circumstances I was in. I'm eating gelato in Italy, in front of this unbelievable sight. "So this is my life". Thats all you can say.

After we made it back to our hostel and cleaned up a bit we went out to eat once again. Went to our favorite place again. This time I got risotto with marinara sauce and then Sean and I once again shared a pizza with spicy salami. Now this pizza was the best I ever had! The meat was so good. You could tell it was hand crust, your fingers are covered in flour after you handle the pizza. Just so good. Man there will be a picture of this pizza. After dinner we made our way out in the town. As we stumbled upon a local hang out where everyone just hangs out outside in this square. Some bars. And we got by with Sean's Spanish, because it was more useful than English. Mingled with the local Italians.

The next day held a different destination. We went to Vatican city/museum. We made it to that part of town it was definitely not as hectic. Less angry people on the road. Our first destination was the Vatican museum. Which was filled with art, sculptures, and history. So much to look at and you can spend so much time in there. It is the biggest museum in the world after all. We also made it through the Sistine Chapel, where you're not suppose to take any photos, but I snuck in a couple. After spending a lot of time in the museum we made our way to the most famous spot. Over where the St. Peter's Chapel is. The biggest chapel in the world. Sean was destined to go to the top so we made our way up there. 551 steps to the top. Where you take a windy, narrow, cramped stairwell. If you were claustrophobic I would not recommend you could go up. But once you get to the top it is quite a sight. You can see so much of Rome. Plus it was a perfect day and the sun was setting. It was just perfect timing on our part. When we decided to go down and actually go inside the chapel you see why it is the biggest one in the world. You are just taken by the art. We even attended mass! How many people can say they have attended mass in the biggest chapel in the world. Grant it was in Italian and we didn't know what was going on, but we can say we have done it. On the way back we made it to the Spanish Stairs, where a lot was going on. There was a huge group of people and a band was playing music, and then marching around the area. I got some sweet photos of that as well.

After we made it back it was time for dinner again, mmmm. I had the rigatoni this time with meat sauce, and then Sean and I split a Italian sausage pizza this time. Very gooood! If I lived in Europe, I would be fat and poor..Well maybe. After dinner we went to a wine bar. You know when in Rome. We had a bottle of this dessert wine, that to me almost tasted like a cool cider, but it went very well with the cheesecake we ordered.

It was time to go out and so we decided to drink like the Romans do, and had some Limoncello. Tasted like lemonheads with a kick, a 30% kick. They said it was a traditional Italian liquor. We made it to a dance club and once again mingled with the local Italians, also met some other Americans studying in Rome.

The next morning came very quick. I had a 635 am flight out. I made my way to the airport smoothly, and had my boarding pass in hand, until I realized I forgot my passport back in the hostel locked up in Seans bag. I had to push back my flight and pay the fee...That was a hard thing to get over. I agonized over that the whole time home. Very frustrating. But I was able to go back and sleep a little then eat again and made it back to the airport. Everything else went smoothly but it was a long day of traveling. I didnt get back until Monday morning. Where I went back to my room and slept slept slept.

So now here I am with one week left. After that traveling experience and a whole burnt through my wallet I am looking forward to home. I'm getting everything ready to go this week and hope this time my travels go smoothly and harmlessly. I will try enjoy myself this past week cause I know it might be my last time in Finland. It will be nice to be home for the holidays and to see family and friends. Some more home cooked meals and relaxing. Soon enough I have to go back to reality, school, work...Man its been a nice Vacation with a little sprinkle of class. But I know what I want for Christmas good food, family, holiday spirit, and maybe a little bit of cash haha.

Until next time,

Moy moy