Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
K+K Travel Adventures
After my walk of shame onto the bus the next morning....still drunk from Venice, we headed to Roma. The drive was long but was cured by some trivia games that left us eager to listen to some spice girls and even more appreciative of the magic and joy of Rome that was headed our way...
We headed into Rome for the evening and viewed the Spanish Steps, made our wishes into the Trevie Fountain, headed over to the Pantheon, and finally found ourselves at the Piazza Navona. The sites were beautiful and our stop for dinner delicious.
Our tour guide treated us with an evening walk across the Tiber river and then showed us a night drive tour of Rome. The Colloseum was lit up beautifully, as was every other site in Rome. The night was distinctly Italian and drew our anticipation out for the following morning when all of us would head to the Vatican.
After waking up a 6:00 am we headed out on the coach to the Vatican. Greeted by our audio tour guide we wandered through the Vatican museum looking at tapestries, paintings, and sculptures that date back hundreds of years. Even though I have been here several times, it never ceases to amaze me. Walking into the Sistine Chapel sent chills down my spine, especially knowing that it was painted so meticulously hundreds of years ago and understanding all the meaning behind it. To see what Michelangelo's interpretation to the creation of man, women, the skies, etc. and the damnation of man was AMAZING!!!
Still in awe of everything we said goodbye to our tour guide and headed to the basillica of St. Peter's. It was extremely crowded and hot and we could not figure out why there were so many youth around.....all of a sudden we heard a voice over the speaker.....IT WAS THE POPE!!!! Shivers once again made their way up my spine. The pope was giving his blessings and mass over those standing in St. Peter's. Even though he was quite far away and shielded by an umbrella, I still feel somewhat blessed knowing that I SAW THE POPE! In how many lifetimes does this happen?
Alas, I closed my mouth and headed with Kirsten and the rest of our group into the center of Rome--the Colloseum. We shoved like sardines onto the public bus and battled the crazy drivers and narrow streets of Rome.
Arriving at Piazza Venezia we headed straight to lunch. Much to our dismay, lunch was terrible, probably microwaved leftovers that were stale and tasteless and left us all upset...but alas, I continued with my day. The others headed back home and I headed to Church of San Clemente which if you are ever in Rome, you have to see. San Clemente is actually three churches. A really old (druid??) church that was built long before Rome was in its glory. Then on top of that is a Christian church that was built over top. However, during the (14th) century Christians were banned from the city of Rome and used catacombs to make their way into Rome--this church being one of the exits. Finally, on ground level is the Catholic church of San Clemente. This place is just amazing to see because you realize the extent and many levels to history, religion, and society. It makes me appreciate my education and being able to apply some knowledge to my experiences. It also makes me question the world in which we live in today. Where will our faith take us? What will happen to those practicing in mosques, temples, synagogues? Will we ever get along, or will we, like Rome, ban those from our country because of a difference in Faith? Furthermore, if war escalates between Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, Israel and Lebanon, will there be anything left?
Still puzzled by everything that I was able to question I treated myself to some Italian gelato. Enjoying my alone time and tasty limoncello I was suprised when some old man tried to (jokingly) take my gelato away.....but alas, I shrugged it off and headed to the internet cafe to meet Josh for our hour long Metro ride home.
After a few hours of sleep we all headed to dinner and eventually found ourselves on a Contiki field trip to the liquor store where we were able to snag $5 bottles of peach vodka and $3 bottles of wine!!! We were surely going to enjoy ourselves tonight!!!!
We headed back to the hotel and started off by playing a game of ten fingers or never have I ever.....this lead to some interesting things we learned about eachother.....some things I did not want to know either......(okay, seriously, who has ever had pubic hair stuck in their teeth?????? GROSS!)
More bottles of wine were shared and after my wine bottle opener was broken we were left in a dry spell as what to do with the other bottles.....The day was saved when Andy, our bus driver, was gracious enough to share his cork screw with us. A few more bottles were opened and this led us to the back of the hotel playing Truth or Dare....I know it is like a 13-year olds birthday party but it was still fun.
Truth or Dare somehow led to girls making out with girls, lap dances being given, some interesting truth questions.....(we found out that every girl has fantasized about another girl, our bus driver, somebody's wetdream list......thanks or no thanks for that info) Yet, the night continued and what was intended as peaceful night ended with some streakers (including myself--of which I would like to see the photo evidence) and a total group makeout session......awww, do we love our evenings in Roma or what!
- comments