The Glory Of Rome

Well wouldn't you know it, life got too busy and exciting to blog. I am in Rome you know, these things can happen. For most of the trip I have been by myself so night time is usually the worst part, not having much to do which gives me more time for pics and blogging. Currently in Rome however I have made lots of friends and its been a blast. I booked one more night in Rome because I didn't wanna leave today. I am utterly exhausted from going hard from 9 am to 3 am the last couple of days, That and the Pope is giving a speech at the Spanish Steps later today and I think it would be super cool to be there. So today is a relax day and tomorrow I will train to Pisa.

The Glory of Rome.

The last two days have been filled with seeing the two major sights in Rome. allow me to try and recall for you. Two days ago was the Vatican and St. Peters Basilica. It has been said that if you took one minute to look at everything inside the Vatican it would take you 12 years to tour. Most people suggest to get a guide to walk you through the important stuff but me and a bunch of people didn't really care. it was more fun to wander around all day and gaze and take picture. The Sistine Chapel was different than i had expected, but then again i think everyone says that. It was nothing short of spectacular with all the different Frescos covering the ceiling. It really so much to take in, all the tapestries and Frescos and Paintings all over the place it was crazy.

Next came St. Peters Basilica, supposedly one of the most extravagant churches in the world. It is rumoured that there is enough gold in the treasury of St. Peters to cure world hunger. The Basilica really is a thing of wonder. It is one of the largest religious sanctuaries i have been on this trip and it certainly one of the most impressive. We got to see the whole of the Basilica and the Catacombs underneath. it was really cool to see where all the Popes were buried. We then made the trek to the top of the Basilica, i have paid money to go to the top of many things on this trip but this one was slightly different. Near the top of the staircase it started to wind around the dome of the Basilica and it felt like you were walking up on an angle, pretty weird feeling. As usual the view was nothing short of spectacular, being able to see the city of Rome and get a view of the Popes Gardens. The vatican was really awesome and I think one day it is one of those places i will return to.

Yesterday me and my newfound travel buddy Casey took to the Colosseum and the Forum, and random wanderings in Rome. We decided to do the tour because it was pretty reasonable and we wanted to hear some of the history in the Forum and Palentine hill. It was worth it, the guides we had were pretty informative and we got a bunch of free time as well. Its hard to describe the feelings you have when inside the colosseum. Even now reflecting on yesterdays experience i still cant believe I made it in there. It was really cook just to sit and reflect on not only the enormity of the building itself and what an accomplished thing it was to have built so long ago but also to sit and think about the games that used to be held and what life might have been like for some people. (I for sure am going home and watching Gladiator). I actually went to the Colosseum a second time at night to take in the view during the sunset, it was amazing. The forum and Palentine hill were really cool because I learned a few things I didn't know including the legend of how Rome was conceived.

After the Colosseum and Forum Casey and I just walked to the Pantheon which was a little less spectacular than expected and took in a visit to Piazza Navono which was cool. It had carnies with games and street performers, something that was really unexpected.

I really don't want to leave Rome, not only is the atmosphere in the city something that is infectious and addicting but the hostel environment and the friends I have made have made this my favourite city to be in. It will be a sad day tomorrow.

Like I said before I apologize for the lack of Photos but the connection here is awful, I will try to catch up in Pisa or Florence.

Theme Song for the Day(s).

Having a couple of days of songs it is really hard to narrow it down to one, or even a couple, but I will leave you with some of the ones that have provided me with some good moments over the last two days.

"Rockstar" By N.E.R.D.

"Sweet Caroline" By Neil Diamond

"Dont Stop Believing" Journey

I dont Think there will be another 2 day blog hiatus again so you can return tomorrow night if you like.

See You Soon.