Italy Day 1

Well look at what we have here.  Free computers!

So as you know, I left about 12:30am to meet up with Becky and Abby.  It was really surreal walking through London at the midnight hour.  I was the only female all by herself apart from another two women on the bus, and it kind of freaked me out.  So I clutched my keys and kept my ears open for odd business.  Got off the bus (because the Tube was closed) and called Becky to tell her where I was.  And I met them in the Marlyebone library.

We took an easyBus to Stansted.  The bus driver was fast.  As in, I don't think I've ever cruised around London at that speed before.  Not only did he pass every car that came our way, but at one intersection, he went through a gas station parking lot so he could avoid a red light and make a left turn.  I thought it was amusing because it was a move I would have done, but Becky thought it was ridiculously illegal.  I don't care, we still got to Stansted safe and sound and at half the time it would have taken a normal bus. 

From there, it was a lot of impatient waiting.  The airport was littered with people sleeping on the floor who haven't gone through security yet.  We found a spot for ourselves and attempted taking naps, but we were either too uncomfortable and cold from the floor or we too excited to sleep.  I closed my eyes, but nothing really happened. 

Finally, we could check in and go through security.  We did some more waiting and actually got in a little nap waiting for our gate number to appear on the screen.  This was more comfortable because I didn't have a solid flat object digging into my hip as I curled.  Once we knew our gate, we made our way to the opposite end of the airport (it seemed).  There was a lady at the Ryanair gate that went down the line to make sure everyone's carryon fit into the ridiculously small compartment thing.  And if it didn't fit, you had to check it in as a bag which would cost about 35quid.  Abby had to check in her bag because she was one of the first people the lady singled out.  Becky and I hid our backs to her, along with a trio of other girls our age behind us.  The six of us complained and said how ridiculous this was.  Becky was surprised it was even happening because Ryanair has never done this sort of thing before.  It doesn't bode well for me.  I'm going to have to rethink what I'll be taking across Scandinavia . . . or maybe I'll just pay to check in my bags when it happens.  Probably worth it.

The flight was the flight to London all over again -- minus the entertainment on the headrest.  I attempted to sleep, but only managed in closing my eyes.  Couldn't get comfortable at all.  And when we finally descended, I got flushed and hung my head (because I couldn't put it between my legs since there wasn't enough room). 

But we landed in Roma.  WE LANDED IN ROMA!

First thing we did was freshen up in a bathroom.  I put in my contacts and brushed my teeth and it did wonders.  Then we bought cheap public transport tickets to London.  A bus to the metro station, then the metro to Reppublica station. 

At which point we got lost attempting to find our hostel.  But who cares?  We were in Roma!!  At least I didn't mind.  Becky and Abby did most of the navigating, I just followed and admired the awesomely old buildings, the vast army of mopeds and vespas, and the ocassional sweet sports car.  So cool!

The hostel is really different than what I've stayed in before.  It's an all-female hostel and more like a little house than a hostel.  There isn't a reception desk, per se, but there is a big cabinet that holds all the stuff for reception.  We checked in, got our room, and dropped off our luggage.  The woman who checked us in gave us a map with a bunch of different things to see and do.  She located several spots that are cheap eats and a few of the better sightseeing places we can visit.  We took the marked map, and two more maps, and set off on our merry way.

First stop, food.  Becky's guide papers mentioned a small ristorante by the Trevie Fountain.  My first Italian pizza was delicious and huge -- I couldn't finish it.  But it was still delicious and there's still a picture of it on my camera.  We were too full to ask for gelato dessert.  Besides, there had to be a cheaper place somewhere.  So we paid our bill and went to the Trevvie Fountain.  Which was gorgeous.  We took lots of pictures and threw coins into the fountain.  Apparently that means you're coming back to Rome later in your life.  I hope it's soon, I really like Rome.

Then we wandered through shopping streets to get to the Spanish Steps.  Those are pretty but they're just stairs.  A guy tried selling me flowers by giving me one, saying it's for luck.  I went to show Abby, but then he gave her a flower and demanded money.  Then he wanted money from me.  We gave him back his flowers and said "No."  Then walked away.  What am I going to do with a rose, anyway?  I have no vase to put it in, I'm only here for a few days.  Besides, I don't have a boyfriend to buy one for me.  Sell your flowers to young couples, street seller!

We walked around the Villa Medici because it was right there.  There's a giant park behind it with a bunch of museums and things to do.  We didn't do anything because we figured it was something to wander around when you're staying for ten days and have all the time in the world for the major stuff.  So we wandered back to the Spanish Steps in an attempt to find a cheap gelato place.

2 Euro for gelato, I paid.  A really good deal.  Tried a fruit salad flavor and a chocolate chip flavor.  Both were really good.  I need to try a terimisu flavor when I'm here.  I need to eat some terimisu.  I need to eat something else too, but I can't remember what it is now.

We returned to the hostel for a little while so Abby could take a shower and we could take a nap.  Someone's alarm didn't go off so I woke up Abby asking if she wanted her shower.  The three of us decided what to do for dinner, and decided to find a place around the Trevvie Fountain because it's supposed to be really pretty at night too.  So off we went.

The small place was really cheap and really nice.  We ordered a litre of wine for the three of us.  I got some spaghetti with pesto sauce, and I swear to you it was like eating little pieces of heaven of my plate.  It was so delicious.  I need to eat more of that stuff because it's amazing.  Again, I couldn't finish it, but Becky and Abby helped me out when they were finished with their meals.  Wine, pasta, a fun Italian waiter.  It was a really awesome dinner.

It was raining when we got outside again.  Becky had her umbrella, but I was indifferent to the rain.  Becky wanted to stay as dry as she could, so she was under the umbrella most of the walk home.  We had intended to walk along the river, but because it was raining, that got cancelled.  So we walked back to the hostel instead. 

Met our roommates in the evening.  We bonded with a single traveler named Krista from North Carolina.  She's studying in Manchester for the term and speaks with a really awesome southern accent.  She's coming with us to the Vatican this morning and might join us for Florence.  I don't know her verdict on that, but Becky did invite her.

Today is the Vatican and Colosseum.  Tomorrow is Florence.  Monday is the stuff we missed. 

Dude, I'M IN ITALY!!!
(Adam, totally approve of you coming here to study.  I'm so gonna visit you!)