It's been exactly a week since I returned from my Roman excursion, so this post will shine light on that amazingly incredible experience, and give you a little update on my life these days! Here we go!
For Emily's and my last airplane trip together (we'll travel to Germany in 3 weeks by train) we made the trek once again to Eindhoven in order to fly with the lovely RyanAir to Ciampino Airport in Rome, Italy. This time we flew out in the afternoon, so during the morning time we had time to pack, eat, and try to wrap our minds around the fact that we were going to ROME. Surprisingly (or not?) that did not actually hit us until we stepped out of the bus (which brought us from the airport to the city) and into the picture perfect ancient atmosphere. From the 15 minute cab ride to our B&B I already knew I was in love. Rome is perfect.
Tired of the same old grungy hostel routine, we splurged (ish) for a bed and breakfast that boasted reviews of a delightful owner, Monica, and a pristine location near the Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and (to our Saturday night shock) Coliseum. Monica was truly an angel. She had prepared not one, but two labeled maps for us. One for restaurants, one for attractions. And even though she talked twice as much as I do, hard to imagine I know, I felt like she was my best friend after about 2 minutes. If you ever go to Rome, you really should check out the Night & Day Accommodation, thank me later.
Arriving in the city on Friday evening, we had eaten essentially nothing all day and were über hungry and wanted to get our dirty traveler hands on some Italian pasta. We went to a quaint establishment, "That's Amoré!", ordered up a nice bottle of the house white wine, and chatted up the friendly waiters while our authentic Italian meal was prepared.
When my meal of Fettucini Alfredo arrived, as I put the first heaping bite into my mouth, almost as if on cue the song "That's Amoré" began playing. I nearly cried over the perfection that was this moment. Not only was the atmosphere perfect, the meal was literally to die for. After 3 months of sub-standard food, I licked my plate clean washed down with my wine, and let me tell ya, I was one happy gal. After dinner we took the 5 minute walk to the Trevi Fountain, got Gelato (YUM), took some photos, and simply sat, relishing in our new Roman blessings.
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| Before... |
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| After.. yes they mentioned not needing to wash our dishes.. |
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| Trevi Fountain! |
After our late night dinner and exciting Trevi Fountain discovery, we headed in for some much needed R&R before a trip to the Vatican City on Saturday.
The weather Saturday was phenomenal, and besides some greasy hair and a minor fashion faux-pa so was the day. We window shopped on our way to the Vatican, and were approached by nearly one hundred "promoters", trying to get us to buy our Vatican tickets from them as to avoid the queue (fancy European term for line). After politely declining their offers, we entered the area surrounding Saint Peter's Basilica, and decided we would opt for the tour of the Vatican instead of Saint Peter's, in order to see the Sistine Chapel. Thankfully we didn't have to wait in the queue for too long, and we hurried into the museum to see what we could see, and boy did we see it all!
While I'm not too keen on my Roman Catholic history and facts, I do know that much of the masterpiece of the Vatican was created by hand through paintings, sculptures, architecture, and other art forms. And, while I had a majorly stiff neck by the time we made it to Michelangelo's masterpiece, it still took my breath away. Unfortunately I wasn't brave enough to test the "NO PHOTO" policy in the Chapel itself, I caught many amazing shots of the tour we got of the Vatican.
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| The hall of maps was really interesting! |
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| A panorama of an intricately painted hall |
Following our artistic adventure we grabbed a not-so-quick bite for lunch, did some light shopping and hit the Spanish Steps on our way back to take a quick shower and (GASP) blow dry our hair before dinner! After 3 long months, my hair never felt so good!
At dinner we ordered the house red, and each got the spinach ravioli and were slightly disappointed when it ended up being only 6 or 7 raviolis. Following our "YOLO" attitude we decided this simply wouldn't do, and ordered a sausage pizza to share as well. After this 2 hour eating extravaganza we were full bellied and light headed and ready for a nice walk home.
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| Dinner round one.. |
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| And round two.. my mouth waters just looking back on it |
However, a few 14-year-old boys had different plans for us. As we're heading home, a few teenaged boys approached us, just out for the night on their high school trip. Feeling a bit embarrassed (and honestly upset) that THIS was the best we could do, we hastily escaped there acne and bowl cuts for another bottle of wine. On our way, low and behold what do I spy? The Coliseum is in our direct line of sight. Literally coming out of nowhere, I merely look up and said to Emily, "Hey, isn't that the Coliseum?" I couldn't make this stuff up if I tried.
Excitedly we approached the Coliseum walls, wine in hand, and perched ourselves in a nice little spot to enjoy the view and conversation of our late night miracle. It was a picture perfect moment, yet again. So incredible.
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| The nice gentleman at the store even corked it for us! |
Even though the forecast called for rain, we saved the exploration of the Coliseum and it's surrounding ruins for Sunday, and braved the intense wind as we raced for our tickets to see some good ol' ancient stuff.
Then disaster struck.
While taking shelter from the storm under a grandiose ancient pillar type structure, the winds swept up some ancient debris, right into poor Emily's eye. After minutes of trying to free it to no avail, it was clear this little ruin was going to try to ruin our day. And for a while it succeeded. As physically painful as it was for Em, it was also painful for me to see her so distressed, and to unsuccessfully look for any means to ease her pain. After a tear-filled lunch we decided to finish our tour of the Coliseum and then head back to rest a little before dinner.
On our walk back, by the grace of God, a pharmacy appeared! The kind, English speaking ladies fixed us right up with some eye wash, drops, and band-aids (a concept I had all but eliminated from the European first aid supply all together). We rushed home to start the healing process, and after a little snooze and some hopes and prayers, her eye was relieved! For dinner we headed to a Spaghetteria for the most delicious meal I have ever consumed, REAL AUTHENTIC garlic bread, and tiramisu. I really cannot say enough about the food in Italy, but if I continue to try I am going to start crying over my stroopwafels and chocolate biscuits. After dinner we visited an AMAZING Gelato restaurant where I, once again, visited heaven on Earth in a cherry and cream cone with whipped cream. Yes, we did have dessert and Gelato... YOLO remember?
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| Rainy day in Roma |
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| Cool little friend I found |
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| The last Italian supper |
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| Giolitti's Gelateria |
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| The most incredible thing I've ever eaten |
After rolling ourselves back past the Trevi Fountain on our way home for the evening, we snuggled into our beds for our last night in Rome, as we would only have a few short hours Monday morning before heading off for the airport around noon.
Monday morning brought a quick pack of the bags, an hour-long walking/window shopping spree, a B&B checkout, and two pairs of fine Italian leather boots! We sadly boarded the bus to the airport, and were on our way back to Amsterdam before we knew it. I know I keep saying this, but Rome was definitely my favorite place so far, hands down. I have since made a promise to myself that I WILL go back to Italy before I die. It was incredible, outstanding, beautiful, romantic. I wish I could marry it.
The week upon returning from Rome fell depressingly short of it's predecessor, bringing me a nasty cold, a failed exam, and broken spirit. These past few days have been a roller coaster of sickness, sleep, excitement over visiting parents, and disappointment in myself and my lack of aspirations.
For a while there I really felt like I had it all together, that I was feeling really in tune with my faith, that I was feeling confident in myself, and that I wasn't all too eager to get heading home. But now that I've fallen just short of my expectations I am feeling utterly lost in this city, in this university, and in this body. I need some encouragement, a pep talk to get me through these next 32 days before I return home.
Thankfully in just 36-ish hours my mom and dear friend Maddie will be here to hug the stress away! I cannot wait for them to be here to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. Many thanks will be given in Amsterdam this weekend. How many times can I say a variation of the word "thank" in one paragraph...
So again, I thank you for reading, for following, for praying, and for just being you! In the coming days I encourage you to do all your work and channel all your passions for the Glory of God, for if no one else, He is the only one who ultimately deserves your best effort.
