Rome, Roma, the capital of Italy, The Eternal City, The City of Fountains, the city of…everything. I had never been to Rome before this weekend, just heard the history class tales of the relentless Roman Empire, fearless gladiators, the benevolent Pope, sparkling fountains, timeless architecture and other sensational features. The phrase goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day,” well, I saw it in one day, with a finale I will never forget – for better, or for worse.
Some people would probably say I missed out on things by covering it all in one day. I have to admit, I did not see the Pantheon, but that’s the only thing I didn’t hit on my list and I would not trade my hours spent in the Vatican for anything. Since being abroad I have learned the importance of researching a destination prior to arriving. I have a friend who lived in Rome and sent me some fabulous restaurants and undiscovered spots. I researched sights, weather, tour guides, apartments, hours of operation, and everything between. I was ready to take on Rome.
My friends and I stayed in an apartment just a block from the Spanish Steps. Fabulous location, not so fabulous décor, and the landlord stole €50 from me after he drunkenly let us inside at the midnight hour. The main attractions were somewhat far from our apartment, but we were willing to make the trek in order to take in all the scenery. Rome was stunning. I can literally think of no other word. The architecture was a romantic style and reminded me of Vienna. Large, pristine buildings made of soft-colored stone with protruding cornerstones. As captivating as the refined of parts of town are, they are merely a backdrop for the historical sights and ancient ruins.
Moving forward from the capitol, we casually passed by old ruins, Roman and Imperial Forums, even Julius Caesar’s grave was in the mix. With the ruins on my rights and the bustling street and city line to my left, it felt as though I was in an some kind of a dream; a make-believe city. It is hard to imagine the time and effort that goes into the upkeep and restoration of landmarks that are as ancient as those in Rome. The city does a spectacular job at keeping the balance of “old and new” Rome, I think. The city is lively with tourists and business travelers, both seeking completely different things, yet both found in this historical hub of a city.
Finally I arrive at the Colosseum and catch a deal with an outside tour group. Although I have been told to be wary of groups outside of attractions, because they can be scams, this group had badges and did not except money until in the office inside the Colosseum. For about €5 more, I was able to cut all lines and have a live tour guide, rather than used headphones and an automated voice. The infrastructure of the Colosseum was vastly different than I had pictured. The underground level looked like a maze. Tall, narrow brick walls reached up to where the ground would have been laid, and grass-lined ground wove between the models. The bricks were polished but I learned that the Colosseum was originally made of Travertine, and the bricks that laid beneath are now the surface. I also learned it's the shape it is today because the builders took off [sections of] the marble from the Colosseum and used it for St. Peter's.
Onto all the famous spots from here: the Trevi Fountain, Fontana di Trevi, the Piazza Navona and Piazza del Popolo, Castel Sant’Angelo and Vatican City. A student deal was a must for the Vatican – we cut the never-ending lines, got a two-hour tour including the Vatican museums, the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, all finished just in time for me to stop at the gift shop and get Rosaries blessed by the Pope for my sister. Not a bad afternoon. The two hours inside flew by. I felt so immersed and engaged in the Roman history, I kept scooting to the front of the group to ensure I could see and hear everything. I can’t even begin to describe the paintings, cravings and artifacts, my words will do them no justice; it is something you must see for yourself to understand the true splendor and beauty of it.
Looking out on Vatican City
Sunset on St. Peter's
The sun set just perfectly on Vatican City as we were leaving, a perfect goodbye. The group headed to Hotel Eden, one of the spots my friend had recommended. She said, “coming from someone who had Rome as their backyard, the best view of it is from the sixth floor of Hotel Eden...at sunset. Some aperitifs and 'ritzy snacks' - you honestly won't want to leave. You must go.” So I went. 360-degrees of just windows looking out on one of the most gorgeous skylines I think I’ll ever see. I remember thinking, “how can a city as big and busy as Rome seem so peaceful?” The "cheapest" drink was a casual €18, but the view was priceless and quickly cancelled out the price (that and the free hors d'oeuvres!).
We walked back to our stuck-in-the-70s apartment, freshened up, and headed to cozy outside Roman restaurant we had spotted earlier. The best pasta I have had in Italy thus far was there. A gnocchi with radiccio, tyrol sausage and a gorgonzola sauce – divine. I had a terrible case of the 24-hour stomach flu the day before, so I only had about a glass of wine at dinner, and for this I am thankful. I pulled out my phone to check the time while the girls were finishing off the last bottle of wine and before anyone could even ask why I was pale and shaking I quickly ran out of the restaurant. I had just received a text from my friend from home saying, “Ken, my mom died” and when I didn’t immediately respond she said, “This isn’t a joke. Please call me.” The third time I tried to get through I got a hold of her and I cannot divulge into the conversation without getting emotional, so I’m not going to get into it. The day was an amazing, but long, and this just brought my exhaustion to a whole new level.
I was going to go back to the apartment but everyone thought it would be better if I was surrounded by people so I would be distracted. We found a bar called Scholars that had ESPN America and was playing the KU/Texas game. It was an incredible game, but my mind was not there, it was back in Kansas with Lane and her family.
Sunday was dreary, it drizzled all day. It felt so symbolic of my emotions. I had a test and presentation the next morning and all I wanted to do was get back so I could prepare for them, but once I got back my work-mode was not much of a mode. Although Rome and all it’s glory was spectacular, my own Roman ruin made the trip a little bittersweet. I’m not in Kansas anymore, and for once, there is no place I would rather be.
Laney, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
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