We did. On our way to Florence by train, we did the math when it came to how long it was going to take us to get from Florence to Vernazza, one of the Cinque Terre towns. We determined that this trip is really more than one day since our calculations indicated that we would spend over six hours by train and maybe just two hours in the region. Not worth it so we debated where to go. What a problem to have, huh? Here we are in Italy with a rail pass and going through a book of destinations; we were free to do whatever we wanted and so, we went to Rome!
Both of us figured that since we had been to Italy a total of five times combined, we better see Rome before we die! We booked our reservation and relaxed in a 1st class car of a fancy EuroStar. Very nice and surprisingly quiet! Quite a change from the commuter train rides we had experienced previously.
Arriving in Rome took my breath away. The main terminal is gigantic and resembles a large airport. Tons of people everywhere! I am firm believer in those hop on-hop off tour buses if you have a lot to see in a short amount of time in a large foreign city. The price is cheap and you see everything without the hassle of taxis and walking forever to nowhere. The Rome hop on-hop off bus was $15 Euros. Besides, the tour guide was a happy flirt so we had to go on his bus!
In no time, we passed by the Coliseum, Circo Massimo and multiple other ancient ruins. I found it so amazing that it was an everyday thing to see these ancient buildings slammed right next to some modern office building. The contrast was striking odd to me. We hopped off at the Vatican and took a walk around in the worst heat yet. The line to the Basilica was very long and in the sun so we passed on that. We imagined what this area must be like when the Pope has his State of the Union address or blesses everyone a Happy Easter!
Back on the bus we hopped off near the Spanish Steps. I have always wanted to see them and that silly fountain that everyone plays in. We found it easily and it was surrounded by tons of people. Who says Italy shuts down in August? Phooey! By this time, both Michele and I are dripping in sweat and I confessed to her that me and my soaked underwear had become one--stuck together mess! Gross.
Overall, I don't think I will visit Rome again. It was like taking somebody from a farm in Woodburn, Oregon and plopping them into downtown Los Angeles! It was loud, busy and lacked greenery in my opinion. Nothing was close together and quaint as some parts are in Florence for instance. Rome is just huge and although having been there is another item off my bucket list, I know for sure that I love the country and hillsides of Tuscany much, much better.
Our ride home was easy and calm but the drive from the train station was a little nerve wracking. See, I have never driven in the dark in Italy so I learned really quick that day or night, the Italians are just as crazy as they are in the daytime. After multiple circles spanning several round-abouts, we made our way home, only to be reminded that we needed to go into Florence the next morning to return our car.
The following morning was one of those mornings that I just wanted to sleep in, forever. However, trading another day of car rental for a few more hours of sleep seemed a little frivolous to me and besides, we had more gelato, wine and pasta to eat! We left early, hopeful our ForeverLost navigation system would guide us into Florence unharmed. Once we got into Florence the traffic moved quickly as we did a few rounds over a bridge or two before we found the Hertz parking garage. I was sooooo happy to give the little garage guy the keys, smile and say Ciao! I think walking is more my speed in this country however...
I fell, hard, right in front of the Duomo, on my front, missing my face. I stepped into a hole and didn't come out upright. Michele said it looked like I fell in slow motion as I just kept going down, down. Nothing broken, but I am bruised. My shoulder is aching as I right this as I think I broke my fall with my left side. Both heels of my hands are messed up and my knee will surely have a nice nasty purple bruise to compliment the dozen or so red mosquito bites on that leg alone! How embarrassing though! Why did I have to fall in one of the busy tourist locations in Italy? Oh, whatever! I am just glad I didn't smash my nose, break a wrist or twist an ankle.
Okay, that's it for now. We are going to enjoy dinner in with the windows open to a nice cool breeze--we think rain is on its way--thank heavens!
Ciao for now!
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