Roma i Napoli, with a few fun tales in between

I guess I haven't talked about what I have actually been doing for the last week. So here's a day by day update, just so my parents know I am doing something worthwhile during my semester off.

Day 0-1
We schlepped through the streets, narrowly avoiding getting hit by any cars and made it to the pizzeria. This is where you check in, get free breakfast and 10% off the rest of your meals. After a good hot shower and a pizza, we were ready for bed. The next day, we walked about give or six miles around Rome to see the colosseum, the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. We discovered that Rome has these little drinking fountains everywhere. You can drink the water and splash it over yourself which is good because the temps have been in the eighties.

Day 2 meant the Vatican which was really interesting. I got to see a lot of nuns and guards but no Pope, not even a bishop or a cardinal or whatever. We went in st. Peter's Basicalla which was pretty overwhelming. There were dead popes and statues and everything in this huge church. I would not mind dying if I knew I was going to be buried and remembered in this way. Next we went on to the Sistine Chapel. While it did cost 15 euro, it was totally worth it. I couldn't believe that was it, you see it so many times copied over and reproduced that you almost can't believe it's the real thing. I recognized many of the panels and just marveled at how hard it must have been to accomplish such a task. You cannot see fine details from the floor if you are looking at the ceiling, that's how high it is.

After a lunch of mozzarella and tomato pizza, we did a little more window shopping before grabbing the metro back to the city. Oh and I had a gelato! Mango, missed berries and lemon and it was amazing, I want it all day, every day. Of course Alyssia and I went to the hostel restaurant and got some pasta and salad and a tarfulo or something like that.

On day three, we ventured to the south and walked along the river to see some ancient bridges, more statues and finally ended up in Campo de Fiori. This is filled with Italians and tourists alike enjoying food and shopping and just hanging out in the square with two beautiful fountains. We went to the Pantheon which was covered in metal to support it. It was still really cool inside though with it's huge dome and Latin ingrained everywhere. I managed to spend 4€ on lunch for a piece of pizza and a cup of cantaloupe, both which were delicious. I eat pizza all this time here, it's so great.

Day 4
We traveled to Naples on a Tren Italia train and arrived in the dirty city. No offense to anyone who is Napoleon (Napoites?), but the place isn't exactly clean and the garbage workers' strikes certainly did not help matters. Fortunately, our hostel is in Portico neighborhood. Unfortunately, these people do not believe in food, only pastries. Normally I would be ok with this, however after l
Inge days of sightseeing, I need my carbs. I spent a couple hours walking around the neighborhood and seeing the port.

Day 5
Today we ventured to Pompeii. By venture, I mean a loooooooooong metro ride. Pompeii was just as I remembered, it is preserved in ash you know. We saw the dead people which were very cool and creepier than I remember. I got in a slight tussle while trying to get a water refund because the guy sold us sparkling. Needless to say, I got a 50% discount on our water. After a tomato and mozzarella panini, we headed off to Sorrento. We took in the breathtaking sights and the breathtaking leather. Yes, they both take your breath away. We managed to bargain down about 20 bucks which was sweet. (You raised me right, Mommabear). After the our chase of a few more gifts, we headed home to Fabric a hostel where we are know watching Meet the Parents!

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There are a couple of differences I noticed between the states and Italy. For one, they do not really believe in screens or air conditioning. Luckily the temperatures have not been bad at night when we are trying to fall asleep. However, during the day, there is no real difference between outside under the sun and inside a shop, which can be tough. Next, the Italians are a hard sell. Alyssia and I were in a clothing shop trying on clothes. They come and fix how it looks on you and add accessories, it feels like personal shoppers on J Crew, not like I have ever had one of these. After they fix you up with the belts and the scarves you want to buy everything. I bought a tight blue knit dress with a collar that makes it cir neck or off the shoulder. I also bought pants which seem to be the trend in Europe. They are higher waisted and scrunched at the bottom.

Lastly, just because a sign says something, does not mean it's true. Alyssia and I spent twenty minutes in the train station this morning looking for the information booth and ended up walking in circles. Street signs are not bright green or blue, but rather plaques engraved on the walls of buildings. People are generally friendly and helpful, but you have to wonder how many times they get asked... Spanish steps??