Monday is class day. It's July 29th as I update this right now, and I can't remember the things I did a week ago. This is bad.
After classes on Monday, I went to Topshop/Topman (I think). THAT'S RIGHT! I did, because I took my first summer midterm on Monday.
Not much really happened, but later at night Kylie, Kim, Ashley, James, Patrice, Lexy, Heather, and I went to go see the movie Hairspray that just came out. It was definitely a movie worth paying 20 American dollars to go see. It was AMAZING! I was dancing my way through the whole movie in my seat. So much fun! It was by far one of the best movies I've ever seen. Incredible cast, and the moment I got back to the Center, I downloaded the Hairspray Soundtrack. That's right. And I admit it, I also practiced on my wink in the shower (for those of you that have seen the movie already, you'll know what I'm talking about...the girls love it) Point is...YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT!
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July 24th, Tuesday:
In the morning, I went to the Victoria and Albert Museum with a lot of people. This was actually a museum I really liked. It had a lot of Asian exhibits. The fashion portion of the museum was also very interesting. They showed the evolution of fashion over the years. Lots of Valentino and Dolce & Gabbana. After the museum, Ellen, Erica, and I went out to get lunch. We found this little crape making place, and they actually made like lunch crapes. I had a Chicken Coconut Curry Crape. And, let me just emphasize GLORIOUS! It was soooo yummy!
After that, I went off on my own to Oxford Street (H&M) and stopped at Marble Arch after that. At Marble Arch (it has something to do with Napoleon or whatever), but I just sat down in the park, and reflected on my time here. It was so nice to just sit quietly by myself, and just jot down ideas and think.
After that, I got back to the Center and packed my bags seeing as I was flying out the next day. After dinner, Katie, Page, and I went to Hyde Park and sat in the grass and talked and laughed and it hilarious. Good times, good times.
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July 25th, Wednesday:
RIGHT when class ended, Heather, Erica, Sarah, Ashley, Amy, Seth, and I BOLTED out of the Center, and headed to the airport. We took the tube to the Liverpool stop, and then from there took the Stansted Express to the airport. The train ride was very nice, they served us food, and it made me feel so Harry Potter-esque.
When we got to the airport, we checked in our bags...even though Ashley and I were the only ones to check bags (I'm not much of a light packer). We made it through security very quickly and ran to our gate. We boarded about 45 minutes later, and we had to walk outside to get onto the airplane. It was only about a 2 hour flight, it didn't take long at all. And, all I have to say about that is...Wonderful.
When we arrived, at the Rome Ciampino Airport, the sun was just starting to set. The airport arrival was a little crazy. Ashley fell down the stairs and banged up her knee, and Amy put her card into the Bancomat (ATM) and it never came out...the ghetto Bancomat ate it! Eventually, we got onto the Terravision bus to get to the Termini Train Station.
The bus ride to Termini was quite an experience (an OH MY GOSH Moment kind). This Italian kid sat next to me, and he was so friendly, and even though he couldn't speak English...he wanted to try. I only remember bits and pieces of our conversation (because that's actually how our conversation went...bits and pieces). It was so interesting how people that can't really speak each other's languages communicate (I hope that sentence made sense, because it didn't even really make sense to me). Anyways, he somehow knew that I was flying from London to Rome (He was probably on my flight, or maybe I've just been in London for so long I'm forming an English accent). One or the other. But, he said that he can understand English, but can't really speak it. Um...OBVIOUSLY my friend. He asked me who I was with, and so I pointed everyone out. He told me how he saw the Harry Potter 5 Movie in London, and it was "BELLISSIMO!" (very beautiful). I spoke to him in the little Italian I knew, aslo. I said, "Mi chiamo Sean." and he said "Mi chiamo Luca." And, he said something like "Quanti amos anos?" or something like that. I figured it meant "How old are you?", and so I told him that I'm 19, and his mouth dropped, and he was like "NO! Really? NO!" He was like so amazed that I'm 19. Why is it so hard to believe? Maybe because I look like a 13 year old. It was really funny. He didn't beleive that some of the girls I was with were 20 either. Luca said he was 15. Anyway, I tried telling Luca that Gelato is yummy. And I did a little hand motion as if I was licking an ice cream cone (I noticed that when I'm trying to communicate with foreign people I make up my own sign language). He did the hand motion back and said, "I don't know what this is?", "What's gelato?" Finally, he got it and was like "OH GELATO!" I was like Duh! That time I was actually speaking your language my friend. Italians are so friendly, he gave me and the girls I was with his number, and said he would show us around Rome (we never ended up calling him, whoops). Gotta love the locals.
We finally made it to Termini station (in the heart of Rome), and found our hostel, Alessandro Downtown, it was actually pretty nice for being a hostel. There was no air conditioning, but that actually didn't bother me that much. Just take a cold shower, and it really helps. Anyway, after checking in and getting everything situated, we didn't want to procrastinate any time on getting out.
We found our way to the Colosseum, and it was GORGEOUS! It's so pretty when it's all lit up at night. It was quite the sight to behold. It just really made me think of 'The Lizzie McGuire Movie' (and last year that's what it made me think of, too). But, Erica and I acted out 'The Lizzie McGuire Movie', and sang "Have you ever seen such a beautiful night, I could almost kiss the stars for shining so bright..........HEY NOW HEY NOW THIS IS WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF!" The song Hilary Duff sings at the end of the movie...HELLO! You should know these things! I played Paolo obviously (but the good Paolo, not that bad one).
Obviously I got gelato the first night...What kind of question is that?
We got back to the hostel at around 2AM, and I finally went to bed.
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July 26th, Thursday:
I woke up at 6AM, because I didn't want to waste any time in the LA CITTA ETERNA! We ate breakfast (the hostel served us breakfast, too...so great!) I mean, it was nothing amazing, but it was free, and enough to fill up on until lunch time. This kid, Diego, came and sat with us at lunch, and he's from Miami, and he's been going around Europe by himself for the past month.
We rushed out of the hostel to go to the Colosseum. We wanted to go early enough, so that the line wouldn't be long. We got right in, and the weather in the morning is PERFECT. So it was gorgeous walking around the Colosseum. The Colosseum is really incredible, just think of how much has gone on in the Colosseum...it was like the first Olympic Stadium. Way cool! And, the fact that after all these years it can still be preserved for our generation. It's just so historical, and so eye opening. I got to go to the upper level (which I didn't get to do last year), and that was really cool, because the view is just breathtaking. I got to see the Eros Exhibit they had there too, which I wasn't even aware of.
After the Colosseum, we went to walk around the Ancient Roman Ruins (Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, Circus Maximus, etc.). It was so neat. It's so beautiful, and incredible to think that "Those pillars and statues were carved by hand." Back in those days, the Romans must have taken such great pride in their statue-making skills, pillar-carving skills, or whatever you want to call them. The weather by this time was very hot. Upper 80s, and humid...kind of like...JERSEY! Now I know why they say Jersey has Mediterranean weather.
After doing ancient things, we walked over to a restaurant that I had heard was good. We walked down Via di San Giovanni in Laterano and found Isidoro. Yes, they do make each person pay 2 euro each for the bread basket, but whatever. Erica, Sarah, and I ordered the Assaggini Misti, which is when the chef cooks a random plate of pasta, and brings it out. The three of us share this big plate of pasta, and when we're done...the chef cooks up ANOTHER DIFFERENT plate, and brings it out. Again, and again. It was AMAZING (By the way, the bottle in the picture is the best Balsamic Vinegar Ever!). I got to try all these different original Italian dishes for only 10 euro. We got four plates, and they were DELISH. One was a spinich and cheese filled ravioli, another a leafy rice dish, another a creamy alfredo bowtie dish, and the last was a tomato and basil gnocchi dish. TOTALLY the BEST Italian food EVER [period]
Then, we walked over to the Pantheon (which I thought I've never seen before, but totally have). This was my first time going in though. It was really neat...a big hole in the ceiling.
Unfortunately, Amy lost her digital camera. Okay...this is basically a shout out to her. How amazing of a trooper she is. First the debit card, then the camera. But yet, I didn't hear her complain ONCE, and I she was happy and the most positive person on the whole trip. I really admire that, and I really wish I could be like that.
Back to Roma, we went to Piazza Navona, and but of course I got more gelato (Coconut, Mango and Melon). There is this chain gelato place called Blue Ice, and it's cheap and the LOAD the gelato on you. I ADORE IT! The Piazza Navona is where I bought Krista that butterfly hair clip last time, and where Ivi and Cori bought a thousand purses. I reminisced a lot.
Then, we walked over to the Trevi Fountain and got MORE GELATO (Strawberry, Kiwi, and Grapefruit)! Yummy! The Trevi is so gorgeous, and I could probably sit around the Trev and just watch it all day. I tossed a coin in backwards and made a wish, TWICE. Because, I have lots of wishes.
So, walking everywhere was just a little crazy, and when I got back to the hostel...I realized my feet...were BLACK. As black as this font. Now I know why it was so important to wash feet back in the long time ago. Like that story about Jesus washing others feet. For real, I don't know why that hit me when I saw my nasty, dirty feet...but it did. It actually gave me a better understanding of the concept. So from the Colosseum to black feet, I learned a lot today.
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July 27th, Friday:
Woke up at 6AM yet again. Me no waste time...NO WASTE TIME! So, everyone else wanted to go to the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, etc. But, I've already just done this last year, and although I LOVED IT, and would have LOVED TO see it all again...I figured this would be a good opportunity to see all the things I wanted to see last time that I didn't get to see. So (and my Mom is going to KILL me), but I went off into Roma by myself.
First, I walked from my hostel to the Barberini area to see the Crypt of the Capuchin Monks. This was WAY AMAZING. Probably, one of my top most favorite things in Rome. It was so awesome to see all these skulls and bones all laid out and piled up and in designs and OH MY GOSH, looking at the skeletons, people were so short a long time ago. Anyway, no pictures were aloud to be taken, but I took one without flash, and it didn't come out very well...but I'll put it up anyways, because it was just so incredible. When I was leaving the crypt, I wanted to buy a postcard, and I thought I had one euro on me, but I didn't. The next lowest bill I had was a 20, but they didn't have enough change to give me. So, the lady said to me, "Here, present for you!" She was SO sweet. She just gave it to me for free! (Later, around 3PM, when I had change, I went back to the crypt and made a donation...YAY).
After the crypt, I figured out Rome's public bus transportation system. The public buses are all Mercedes-Benz. Rich Italians! I took the bus from Barberini to the Teatro di Marcello (Marcello Theater). I walked around that, and it looks just like a very mini Colosseum (as if anything can even be compared to the Colosseum).
Then, I walked around the Jewish Ghetto (that's really what the area is called) some more. I took a tour of the big Synagogue they have there. That was very interesting. I learned a lot. The ceiling in the Synagogue is GORGEOUS. It's decorated with rainbow metalwork. The dome of the Synagogue is the only square dome in all the world or Rome (I didn't really hear what she said), but regardless, way cool. Also, during WWII, the Nazi's stole a lot of irreplaceable books. In 1981, the Pope went to the Synagogue for the first time, and called the Jewish their brothers which they were very happy about. There are about 35,000 Jewish people in all of Italy and 15,000 of them live in Rome.
After the Synagogue, I walked to the other thing I was really excited to see. I went to the Piazza Mattei to see the FONTANA DELLE TARTARUGHE (Tortoise Fountain). It was way awesome. I just sat down next to the fountain and admired, relaxed, and it was great. Yay Tortoise Fountain. I think I'm probably one of the fewest (is that even a word) people to really really fully appreciate that fountain. Loved it!
Then, I walked over to Tiber Island. Crossed the Tiber River (by bridge...I didn't swim). The Tiber Island was really interesting. Apparently, a long time ago it was known for their medical remedy somethingish. So, the only thing that's really on the Island is a Pharmacy and a Cafe.
Then, I took the bus back up to the Barberini. And, I don't know if I've already mentioned this, but I should, and I don't know how I could not have already mentioned it, because it's only the most amazing thing ever. Basically, throughout Rome, they have these fountains that have cold, safe, drinking tap water. I filled up at EVERY single one. I must have filled up at the same one a thousand times.
From there I walked to my favorite steps in the whole world...the SPANISH STEPS! I love the view from the top, and you look down at one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world. I went looking around (but didn't buy anything). That's a lie...I bought some gelato, because how can one resist?
Then, I walked to the Trevi Fountain, because I had seen something there previously that I wanted to buy someone. I also bought myself a 'Forza Roma' scarf for those cold Utah winters. It should be illegal to even say the word winter.
It was so great, because the whole day everyone thought I was a local. People came up to me multiple times trying to talk to me in Italian. Finally I didn't feel like a total tourist. And, when I would walk into a store, people would ask, "Is there anything you need help with today?" but in Italian! And I got a few "Buon Giorno"s! WooHoo!
I took the bus right back to Barberini to look around the Spanish Steps area some more. After that, I walked up (and this walk took a while) to the Galleria Borghese. I was supposed to meet back up with the group at 5PM. They didn't show up until 6PM. But, the most RANDOM thing happened. As I was waiting around, I ran into that kid Diego from the hostel. How weird is that? Out of all the places to see and be at in Rome. Anyway, my friends finally showed up, and we all looked around. It was a really nice gallery, because it's small and not overwhelming. I got to see Bernini's famous statues like Apollo and Daphne. Go Google a picture of this statue, and to make a long story short...Basically, it a story how Apollo is trying to persue Daphne. She doesn't like Apollo, so she is running away. Daphne can't run fast enough, and so just before Apollo catches her, the Gods turn her into a tree. The statue shows Apollo almost getting Daphne, and Daphne turnning into a tree. Her toes have roots coming out of them, and her body is starting to turn into a trunk. Leaves are starting to sprout out of her. It sounds weird, but it is one of the most artistic, amazing sculptures I've ever seen. Crazy Cool people.
Then, I finally got some dinner back at the Spanish Steps (just a sandwhich).
Then, some gelato, Trevi Fountain at night (GORGEOUS), and more gelato.
And, thus ends the day.
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July 28th, Saturday:
So, I woke up in the 6AM again, and packed up my stuff, because I had to be checked out of the hostel at 10AM. They have a storage place for suitcases, because some peoples flights don't leave until 10PM...like mine. Which was great, because it's as if I got a whole another day in Italia!
My idea was to go to the beach, because I wanted to swim in the Mediterranean Sea. Ashley, Sarah, and Diego came with. We took the metro from the Termini Station to the Piramide Station. From there, we took a train to the Christopher Columbo stop. Then, we took a bus from there to a beach that looked like a good beach. The beach we chose to stop at was called Free Beach...but it was in English. Kind of strange...but whatever! It was FREE! Getting all the way to the beach only took about 45 minutes. Getting to the beach and back only cost 1 euro! How amazing is that!? Incredible. PLUS, my beach idea is possibly the best idea I've ever had. The sun was incredible. The water was AMAZING. I bought a lounging chair...well rented...for only 5 euro. I was lounging in the sun, then in the water, then walking around, then food...then lounging, water, walk, food...lounging, water, walk, food...it was perfect! The water was gorgeous blue, and PERFECT temperature. It wasn't warm like when you're trying to have a hot bath, but the hot water runs out, and so the cold water comes and makes the hot water not so hot. Then, you're bathing in warm water. NO. And it wasn't too cold, like when you put your feet in and then you have to run back to shore because you swear you just caught hypothermia. It was PERFECT! It was refreshing, and I could have just lived in the Mediterranean forever. I wanted to order some food at the mini restaurant they had there, and so I asked this kid (probably around my age), "Parli inglese?" And he said, "Yesss." But, it was the funniest thing ever...just the way he said yes sounded like "Duh". It was one of those moments where you had to be there, because then I tried telling the story to everyone else, and no one else thought it to be funny. I was so happy to finally get at least a little bit tanner for the summer. Just...FYI.
After we got back to the hostel, I took a quick shower, and got my suitcase and stuff, and we all left for the airport...but not before getting our last GELATO! Yummy.
We finally took the Terravision bus at 6:30PM to the Rome Ciampino Airport. When we got to the airport, we were sitting around waiting for our plane to get there so we could board, and BOOM. "Flight (number) to Stansted has been delayed until 11:05PM." Great...another hour wait. It actually wasn't bad though.
We arrived back to London, raining, of course. And it was so funny, because at customs or whatever it's called, we saw the Florence group. They were ahead of us, by 30 minutes, but somehow we ended up getting to the Marble Arch Station before they did, but they got there a little after us. We took a bus there, because that Tube was closed by then. We got back to the Center around 2:30AM.
My little Roman getaway was so worth it, and so amazing! I loved it so much. I'm so glad and greatful to have such great opportunities like this! YAY!
