A Roads Lead To ROME!

 From the second the bus pulled up to Rome I was beyond overwhelmed and impressed with the city’s buildings and architecture. In fact, there is so much to do in Rome that we didn’t even check into the hotel, but went straight to the smallest country known: Vatican City! I was really not sure what to except from the Vatican, but I must say each room we were brought into was more beautiful than the next. With freshly cut grass and ancient paintings and sculptures it was easy to see how this was and continues to be the center of catholic faith. At our last stop on the tour we arrived at the famous Sistine Chapel, where Michael Angelo’s famous Last Judgment painting was located along with the creation of Eve. I could probably have sat there for over 12 hours and still not have taken in this massive piece of art. I 100% see how Michael Angelo practically went blind after he was finished due to the fact that the details, colors and size are just incredible!   

 

 Our next day in Rome we would venture on a three hour walking tour (not the greatest for my feet) however we would see the main highlights such as the Coliseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and more! Of course I ran around the Coliseum, saw the massive dome whole inside of the Pantheon (if only it was raining) and threw a coin while making a wish in the fountain. With each landmark I saw I felt more and more like I was stepping out of a movie. I will say thought Rome is PACKED, like beyond packed. At night we were on the Spanish Steps alone the next day there were massive amounts of people with everything from a wedding taking place to signing groups. That next night we would run into more crowds, when we went to a local part of Rome recommended to us by our hotel. But of course the food was fantastic; three courses of pastas and chicken along with endless amounts bread and desert. 

 Despite running on four hours of sleep in three days (thanks Florence) the good little catholic inside me woke up in order to head on down to Saint Peters Church, next to Vatican City. We would then proceed to climb about 300 flights of steps so narrow that you had to hold a rope in order to keep yourself up. However, once at the top the sight was amazing, in fact I finally understood where the phrase “Rome Wasn’t Built In A Day” came from. You could see the square, coliseum, Vatican City and colorful buildings that went on for miles. After this we would proceeded inside the church which was absolutely beautiful. Not to mentions our timing was impeccable, due to the fact we just caught the 10:30 mass! Although the entire thing was in Latin (maybe Italian – who knows) it was an experience I was blessed to have. Our timing would then become even better, due to the fact we got out of church just in time for the pope’s blessing! Thousands of people gathered in the square in order to gaze up into a little window where the pope would bless every culture for ten minutes or so. I would say it was the perfect way to end our Italy trip to say the least! 

 

 Ciao xo,

Lindsey