We got into Rome around 8pm ish after a day of driving. Driving in Rome was stressful, the lights were in a different place than the other cities and there was a ton of Vespas flying around. Patrizia, our airbnb host was really nice and passionate about Rome, she gave us a few recommendations and suggestions and a good one for dinner! Our first dinner in Rome was great, a very passionate (about food) waiter, great food and vino.
The next day we went to the Forum / Colosseum. Those 2 sites definitely left an impression (again). (Rick Steves guide has a tip about buying your tickets on the Hill as opposed to the colloseum, absolutely true, avoided a huge line). This is my second time in Rome and I vaguely remember the first. The history of ancient Rome, how long ago it was, the drama of the Caesar's, Mark Anthony and Cleopatra all reflected in those ruins, piazzas and Rome overall. Overall its one of the earliest "ruling" empires that we will be visiting on our trip, dating to BC times. If you are really into the roman empire, you should check out this podcast series http://www.dancarlin.com/product/hardcore-history-death-throes-of-the-republic-series/
We spent the evening following Rick Steves "walk of Rome" tour, shopping, checking stuff out and eating dinner at Camp de' Fiori. In the middle of the piazza is a statue of Giordano Bruno, an intellectual heretic that was burned on that spot in 1600. The vatican protested the statue that was built in 1889, but the neighborhood stood its ground. (Good home made pasta)
The next day, we spent in Vatican City, got an English guided tour and walked around the Vatica. Saw the Sistine Chapel, what an amazing piece of work, especially if you imagine the year and the technology that was used by Michelangelo to get this done.
At night, we went to Testaverde neighborhood and eat a pizza at http://www.darpoeta.com/. the place our host recommended. It was good! Testaverde is a cool area, its close to a few American colleges, so you definitely hear English being spoken by the youth. But the area has a really cool vibe, doesnt feel touristy (feels like you are in american college kids neighborhood in Rome, so local, yet imported). and would be my top spot to check out if I was going to go out in Rome if you've done your share of piazza sitting.
The last day we went to a papal visit, we had to wake up at 7, walk in a drizzle, to get there by 8a for the visit at 11. A lot of people come :) This was definitely a worthwhile experience, I love this pope. He is progressive in his thinking and his priorities seem to be in order. I feel like this pope is legit (as legit as a pope can be)
Things to remember:
- Testaverde Neighborhood for beers and - http://www.darpoeta.com/ for Pizzas
- Pappal visit (only wedn mornings i believe)
- Staying in St. Peter neighborhood is nice (and you can drive / park there)
- Buying tickets to forum and colloseum (at the Colling hill, no line)
- Rick Steves walk of Rome is a good way to explore on foot (skip the spanish steps at the end :))
Florence
On the way to Florence, we got stuck in a dead stop on the highway, we got out, walked around and observed Italians in track suits hanging out on the side of the road.
We got to Florence in the evening, and had to find a street parking spot. I have to say, that driving in Italy is a bit stressful and parallel parking a stick shift car into one of these spots is even more stressful. Nonetheless, this is probably my best parking job in my life.
Florence was a bit dry as we only spent a 1/2 day there, I got no feel for this town at all, we just didnt spend enough time there.
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