Rome

On Wednesday and Thursday we day tripped into Rome. Wednesday to see the colosseum and meet some Boise friends for lunch. I know, Right? Thursday was a guided tour of the Vatican.

I wanted it to be so much better. 

The train ride the Roma Termini was a breeze. The terminal and finding the Metro meant navigating throngs of people and a massive train, bus and subway station. After getting to the right Metro (subway) line we arrived at the colosseum. Truly an eye popping building and amazing piece of antiquity. But everywhere lines of peol!e, bustling and jostling for their Instagram pics. Which we took as well. 

Lunch was fabulous with good company, and we returned to the colosseum to see what we could see. Without advance tickets, it wasn’t much. The rain started and we headed back to Frascati.

We had more knowledge for Thursday, and timed tickets for the Vatican tour. Again, more crowds. The tour was disappointing as we learned that St. Peter’s Basilica was closed that day. The guide swapped in some other sights, but still a third of the complex was off limits. The Sistine Chapel has beautiful! The rest of the artworks were as well, but frankly the crowds and crush of smelly, rude people was a little Off putting. 

After a bite we ventured to see Trevi Fountain. Again the piece was stunning, but dwarfed by crowds. We got our pics, then headed back to Frascati. 

All grousing aside, it is humbling to be able visit these places that were built thousands of years ago and defined “civilization”. Even as brutal as it was, and perhaps is to see original works by Michaelangelo and the other masters is inspiring. Hearing the cacophony of languages reminds me of how little I know in this world and need to remain open to learning.