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Saturday's Alright for...finding an ice bar! We explored Rome a little more and went to a venue completely made of ice! It was soooo cool *literally*. I can honestly say it was one of the greatest nights in a while!
McDonalds a la Roma: For our last day of Rome, the Rome-ing Roamers had another eventful day. We started out at a McDonalds, which is VERY different from an American one. The food tastes the same, but there are limited choices and A WHOLE BAKERY SECTION! Ordering a McDonalds coffee led to getting an Americano/Espresso drink from the bakery, which had McDonalds barista! We learned how to use the Metro... By our hotel, there is a huge "Termini". There were local buses, trains and their version of an Amtrak. I quickly learned there were maps that did not differentiate between trains and buses. Once we figured out how to purchase train tickets, we were on our way...the wrong way. We got a wee bit lost ans backtracked, bought a new ticket and tried again. We got on the "A Train" which did not take us to Harlem, but rather Vatican City! We did some souvenir shopping and I learned that Jimmy is a great haggler! He negotiated 2 t-shirts for 12 Euro. We went on our way, but Jimmy realized he was given the wrong shirt. We went back to the stand the vendor wanted one more Euro for the shirt exchange, but Jimmy did not give in! It was really funny to watch them interact. We went on our way to the Vatican, but since it was the Epiphany, everything was closed. We took A LOT of pictures outside the St. Peter Basilica and then moved on to our next adventure. We walked all the way to the Hard Rock Cafe Roma...which took forever. ON the way, there was a lot of people out and about for the Epiphany! There was a lot of street art, musicians, and strips of stores on our walk. We eventually reached the Hard Rock for lunch. One strange thing to us about Italy is the water situation. Water is always offered in bottles and you are charged for it. So in the Hard Rock, Jimmy went on a limb and asked for...wait for it...tap water! After a strange look, the waitress gave us water for the normal price of FREE! We meet the metro again... On the way back from the Hard Rock, we decided to use our last metro ticket. I have NEVER experienced such a horrific approach to riding the subway until Rome. For starters, we were at a busy stop. As teh train pulled into the station, I was SO ready to push my way through the crowd. I made it on to the train, but Brianna and Jimmy did not. I took my ride and tried to exit at my stop. ANIMALS. This is the only way to describe the pushing and shoving and herding of the crowds. It took Brianna and Jimmy two trains to make it back! While I was waiting for them, I went to the McDonalds and saw some some interesting interactions between groups of people. I made it back to the hotel with a fun story to tell! Most of the group went to dinner right below the hotel and I got the "fried galaamaaaad" and it was delicious! Authentic Italian food is not what I expected it to be. Of all things, I was least impressed with the bread in Rome. But the individual plates I've had were deliciousssssss! After sinner we played low and packed for our move to Torremaggiore! On the bus now, I am sporadically watching the mountains and small towns pass by. I am super excited to be submerged into authentic Italian culture!!
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I have been in Rome for about 36 hours and counting! To start off this description of my busy two days, I must pat myself on the back because I have been traveling around Rome by MAP. That's right folks and OLD FASHIONED MAP. Have we gotten slighhtttly off track? Possibly, but Rome residents and other travelers are so nice to help!
I'm going to Italy! My excitement for my FIRST trip to Europe is, well... ITALYYY!
Up until this very blogging moment, my excitement was contained by lots of paperwork, lesson planning and packing. Taking my first trip to Europe is extremely daunting, but also has me screaming "ITALLYYYYY" internally! My friends have been a great support system so far. Vigorously typing in our "Italy Squad" group chat has already created memories full of fun gifs, exciting plans and eagerness to teach! As I sit in my freezing cold living room, I am eager and anxious to start traveling to a MUCH warmer country! Sitting on a plane for 8 and a half hours...well, I have the end in mind. We will arrive in Rome ready for a warm, 60 degree day, full of touring and eating! I am suuuuuuper excited to board the plane, read a good book, and experience A LOT of "something new" with great company. I'll keep you all posted, but Arrivederci for now! |
AuthorI am a senior Music Education major and this is my first trip to Europe. I am excited to dive into Italian culture and to learn from my Italian students, while making memories to last a lifetime! ArchivesCategories |