Rome is an amazing place to explore. In the couple of days I spent here I learned many lessons (like: Never trust a gypsy. They are horrible, evil creatures that can be easily mistaken for people.) I'll never forget all of the experiences I've had in the city, nor will I be able to list them all here, there are way too many. The past few days have been a real adventure.

After getting off the plane and taking a train to Rome's Termini Station, I spent a good three or four hours wandering around the station, trying to get my bearings, knowing I would be horribly lost if I left. Eventually I found a tourist information point where I got a map and directions to my hostel, which was cleverly hidden down a side street that looked like death. The room had four beds and a bathroom. At the time I thought it was really hot and cramped, but that was before I saw my Florence hostel. I met a lot of really cool people, we all shared stories, recommended places to go, it was great. Backpackers are a different type of person, I have yet to meet one I don't like.

On the second day, I got up at 8:00 (I had absolutely no problems with jet lag, which was weird and awesome) intending to see all of ancient Rome. I saw the Colloseum (inside and out), Forum, Palentine Hill, the Pantheon, the Fountain of Triploi, the Spanish Steps, and a ton of churches all over the city. I walked everywhere, so I had to skip lunch to make time to see everything. As nice as Rome is in some parts, in a lot of parts it reminds me of a big version of Cottonwood. Also, the people smoke as much as they breathe.

On the third day I went to Vatican City. The museums are filled with a lot of art and stuff. I took a tour through the whole thing, which was definitely a good idea, as the significance of everything would have gone over my head. Seeing the Creation of Adam in the Sistine Chapel was incredible, I just stared at it forever. The walk back to my hostel was an adventure. Traffic laws in Italy are more like traffic suggestions. Stopping at red lights is optional, and pedestrian walkways double as target practice. But I managed to make it back, only getting lost a couple of times.

On my last day I revisited some sites and just walked around, trying to see more of the city. I can now say that I have "done" Rome. I can't think of a single thing I missed out on. I'll miss parts of Rome a lot (free clean drinking water everywhere) others not so much (wearing a suit of your own sweat everywhere). I'm really glad I got to see everything though, it's an amazing place.