1.) We had a thunderstorm the first night we were here. Paula wanted to take pictures but after going out on the balcony, she quickly came back in startled because there was a bat who was flying in and out of the balcony. She took a picture and you mig ht see it.
2.) Shower situation. We bathe, really. Thats a liberal term cause we cant really shower the way we are used to doing it. My cousin has a tub and a shower head. However, there is no curtain and the shower head isnt attached to the wall. We couldnt figure out how to make this work. We both made a mess and a semi flood in the bathroom. Finally by our second shower-bath friday night, we had developed a system, get a guacal. funny, right? yeah, we thought so too, but hey- it works and we are not making a mess in the bathroom. water isnt going everywhere, but staying within the space it was meant to stay. the bathtub.
Ok, so let me start about yesterday. We were out by 930 in the morning. My cousin, Elena Patricia or Patrizia, managed for her cousin/aunt to help us get around Rome. We took whats known as the Metropolitana. Its pretty cheap to get around. Only 1 EUR per trip. Thats way cheaper than back home, even. OK, so once at our destination, we wanted to drink a cappucino and have a cornete or a croissant. Unfortunately for us, we managed to get a cheap cappucino at a McDonalds. Needless to say, we were pretty disappointed because we had actually experienced the taste of a very well done and yummy cappucino, so to be handed a cheap version such as a McDonalds one, was a bummer! After breakfast we walked over to Piazza Venezia, then went into the Basilica Di (cant remember the name), then headed over to the Colosseo, saw the Arco Di Tito, Arco di Constantino, Foro Romano, Foro Triano, Trevi Fountain and the Palatino Foro Imperiali. Isnt that a lot for one day?!! Ahh yes, I think so. My feet yesterday were definitely going to fall off!!
Let me google some pictures and put them here so you can get an idea of what we saw:
Piazza Venezia:
Colosseum:
Arco Di Tito:
Fontani di Trevi:
Foro Romano:
Palatino:
Now things are so exciting to see them in person! I think we kind of wanted less people (yeah yeah... not being realistic) but yesterday was the day of the Republic, kind of like our independence day, so people were out and about! The day was great. Sunny and warm. One thing Paula & I have noticed is that her and I tend to feel more comfortable not wearing sweaters or jackets in 60 degree weather, so when we are pretty much 2 of the few who arent wearing a jacket or sweater, we feel like we are sticking out like sore thumbs. Anyway, as I was saying, it was exciting to see all of these monumental and historical places. I think to this day, it hasnt hit us 100% that we are here. I know, I know... we have been here for 3 1/2 days and still we have to wrap our minds around this amazing trip! Alas, I digress again from how we felt about being in the city. Okay, so we hadnt planned on going inside the Colloseum or anything else. We just wanted to see where things were, get an idea and come back. Luckily our plans changed quickly when we were offered a tour of the Colloseum, the Palatino and the Foro Romano all for 10 Euro. Now thats a bargain! Usually just to go inside the Colosseum is about 12 Euro, to go into the Foro is about 10 and maybe another 10 for the Palatino. See what a good deal that was?!
It really was incredible to hear the history of everything, look at old pictures, and just be there. I can say "Ive been there and it is absolutely incredible!"
After all that we went to get some lunch. Now the food here is just different. Its fresh and unlike anything I am used to back home. There is respect for the food here. To maintain its natural flavors as much as possible. I wish I could take some for everyone so you can see what I mean. Well, luckily for my family, the will be able to taste the pastries and see at least in terms of dessert how delightful they are.
Ok I have to end this here. The computer is about to overheat and I dont want to lose this post, so I will bid you farewell.
Hope you enjoy the updates and will continue this again when possible!
Arrivederci!
