Last Stop: Roma!

Day 13
Rome, Italy
Reading: From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris
Songs on Repeat: Hmmm none today

I have to say traveling by train is the most enjoyable mode of transportation for me so far. I popped for first class seats and it was very comfortable, easy, lots of room. With the 100+ lbs in luggage I'm lugging around, it was the best way to go.

Arrived in Rome this afternoon and after another nice long nap (I'm really adapting well to this European idea of siesta), I explored Rome a bit on foot. While at first that was a good idea, in the evening I somehow had managed to get to the only part of the city with no metros and had to hoof it all the way back to my hostel. Mental check: Always make your ending destination close to an easy way back to your lodging.

As much as Venice loves their masks and masquerade, Rome is equally into their statues and fountains. In Venice, every shop has masks peering out of every single window. Venice is lousy with masks. As masks are one of my great annoyances and fears, I didn't pick one of those up as a souvenir. During the day time, I was ok with walking by the mask shops. But in the evening when the shops are closed and these dark, souless eyes are staring out at you, hundreds upon hundreds......ughhh.

Rome, however, is the fountain and statue captial of the world, it feels like. It's really awing. In between these normal urban buildings and streets are ancient structures that come out of nowhere. Fantastic fountains and monuments are tucked in alleyways and in piazzas. You'll wandering down a narrow alley, wondering where the hell you're going, when all of a sudden it'll open up, like a light at the end of a tunnel, and you'll be standing in front of the most incredible fountain or monument or statue you've ever seen. That is, until you go the next block over and see the next one. I can't even take pictures of them all.

They also seem to love their film stars here. Feels a little like Sunset Blvd with the souvenir stands. They're big on Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn and Sophia Loren. They're faces are everywhere. I was tempted to buy this great print of Audrey standing in front of Bocca della Veritat from Roman Holiday. Until I realized I could probably get a better one from LA that wouldn't get crinkled on the way home.

I visit the Vatican early tomorrow, my one and only museum this trip. I definitely need to come back and do all the museums and art. Just couldn't seem to get it in this time.

Ciao!