Day 1: Rome/Roma!

CIAO! I arrived in Rome just before noon, and had an interesting time finding the hostel. I was exhausted. I found out the hard way that the cobblestones of Rome do not work well with 28kg suitcase… uphill… especially when preprinted maps actually do not correspond with the street names in the actual city. Also, the hostel was undergoing construction and I made my way up 3 flights of stairs with luggage before being yelled to stop and turn around by workers repaving the stairwells. There was only one one-person elevator… and I also got stuck in the lift because apparently you have to shove the door open really hard to open it on your desired floor. Anyways, I was tempted to stay in the hostel and take a nap after 24 hours of flying. But… I was in Rome! How could I not explore… I set out around 4pm after marking up a map for desired destinations.

I love this kind of exploration. You stumble upon sites not listed on maps… things like this very neon colored tunnel! I went up the stairs around it after taking this photo.

Guards.

Panorama of the piazza.

I like this alleyway.

… and I like these shadows.

My very first Italian gelato! Little did I know that this is a tourist money trap and they overcharged a lot. This was my first experience of how seated service costs much more than just ‘bar’ or standing service.

This is what was behind the gelato =)

Then I got lost, and came across this huge mass of Roman bricks. I was fascinated by this building. Something about it… the materiality, the brick, the size… I didn’t know what it was.

bit mesmerizing!

And then I came upon this delightful musician. And snuck a shot from behind my back.

So where did I stumble upon? I did not know… until I saw this. Oh geez. It isn’t. It is. IT’S THE PANTHEON!! oh crap!!!!!!

At this point I felt nervous for some reason. Anticipation towards being anywhere near the infamous Pantheon?

took my time at the entrance. This is looking at the underside of the roof.

Layers… (of the massive columns)

Oh gosh… nervous excitement increases… for I see a peek of the oculus!!

star. struck.

Do you have any idea how many years I have stared at this image?? 12 years. TWELVE. And now, I see it. I am IN it.

Making my own interpretations…

My journey continues… At this point the lighting makes everything gorgeous, how can I not attempt to capture what I saw for you?

MINI!! So cute.

At this point I am two gelatos in, because I had the best tiramisu gelato in front of the Pantheon. But then I saw this. And I got suckered in. And it was good.

This looks important =) This bridge goes over the Tiber river, in the direction of Vatican City…

Melon and kiwi gelato. If you can’t tell from the melting… it was a very nice warm day.

Lover’s locks…

Pet bird.

The reflection of statues on the locks suspended over the Tiber.

For some reason, walking along the river in this scenery made me think a lot about my mom, and how we would both really enjoy this moment.

Ducks eating.

Dive dive!

I very much like these little trucks.

Il Fornaio! Check out the bakery goods. I’m in for a treat. CHECK OUT THE SIZE OF THAT SALAMI!!

I got lost a bit on my way back again. But that was okay. Because I looked down a street, and saw this.

Of course I’ll walk to the Coliseum! Sights along the way… (trajan’s column!)

Hello, mammoth stadium. Long time, no see.

Constantine’s arch. During the journey, I stopped at a grocery store to pick up some prosciutto crudo, a ball of fresh mozzarella, and a big bun. I assembled this sandwich right here, myself sandwiched between the coliseum and arch. The guitar playing spanish songs during sunset made this night, stunning. What a welcome. It was the perfect moment.

After the sun set, I went about trying to get some night shots of the coliseum. Hope you enjoy!

venture up these steps for a better vantage point?

Yes, I think so!

I took an unplanned route back. At this point it’s about 8pm. Just about to cross an overpass, I take one last look back…

In search for wifi, I stop in a cafe advertising ‘free wifi’. I order “un caffe espresso” and the bar owner corrects me to “un caffe” because that already implies espresso shots in Italy. The cashier also taught me how to ask ‘how much’. Quante questo? Then I asked for the wifi password but he said I didn’t spend enough money to get it. =( As I sat with my coffee… he comes up to me and grudgingly hands me a slip of paper with the password!! So nice!!

I liked the first one so much… that I got my second one!! Hopped up!!

I did not get back to the hostel until 930pm and after showering, I talked with the people in my room before passing out for some well needed sleep. It was a room of 6. Two from London, one from LA, another who was really nice, but was unfortunately drunk and trying to learn Italian for his Italian quiz the following day. There was me, and then a 6th that we never got to talk to really. But I liked getting to know people who also like to travel too. For the most part, you find pretty friendly and open individuals in hostels.

So, my first day in this Italy trip concludes. I will end with this bit of clever graffiti…