Colosseum w/ Emily, Rachel, Catie, Ellie, Jennifer
I had an unforgettable Spring Break with IAU friends in Italy. From the historical Coliseum in Rome to the breathtaking basilicas in Venice and Florence to the beautiful waters flowing through Cinque Terre, Italy kept me on my toes every step of the way.
Last Thursday evening I landed in Rome, Italy, with 7 IAU ladies. Once we found our hostel, we unpacked, freshened up and set out for our first Italian feast. For authentic Italian cuisine our hostel receptionist recommended La Base.
La Base welcomed us with open arms, inexpensive food and reminders of American popular culture. Posters hung of Elvis, Little Richard, Ray Charles and many other legendary American musicians. Beyonce’s “Single Ladies” played in the background. The restaurant was packed, so we shared the lower level all to ourselves. We ordered classic rigatoni and bolognese pastas and marinara pizzas. Most pizzas had a tomato-based sauce with mozzarella and some sort of meat. Aside from the €2 cover charge each person paid to sit at the restaurant, the girls and I were satisfied with our first meal in Italy.
Dining with our daily Italian cuisine
We woke up bright and early Friday morning and left for Vatican City. First we explored Vatican Museum. We scanned through the typical Catholic sculptures and paintings. After a while they started to look the same.
Next we explored St Peter’s Square. Although we didn’t run into our honorable Pope Francis, we were blessed to attend the mass service at St. Peter’s Basilica. Unlike most basilicas that host a flood of tourists, this one secluded the service to those interested in worship only. Without cameras flashing and traveling voices, I was able to appreciate the service as a worshiper rather than a tourist.
Saturday we explored the Coliseum, Roman Forum and made wishes as we tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain.
We stopped sightseeing for another round of pasta and pizza. After lunch we resumed with our journey to the Spanish Steps. The masses surrounding the area reminded me of the chaotic crowds at the Taste of Chicago. The other memory I have about the Spanish steps is: Don’t take the rose! Street solicitors attempted to sell roses to every woman they saw. They went as far to force one into my friend’s hand then demand money for it. She refused and through the rose right back at him. There had to be at least two solicitors for every group of tourists.
Next we explored St Peter’s Square. Although we didn’t run into our honorable Pope Francis, we were blessed to attend the mass service at St. Peter’s Basilica. Unlike most basilicas that host a flood of tourists, this one secluded the service to those interested in worship only. Without cameras flashing and traveling voices, I was able to appreciate the service as a worshiper rather than a tourist.
Saturday we explored the Coliseum, Roman Forum and made wishes as we tossed coins into the Trevi Fountain.
We stopped sightseeing for another round of pasta and pizza. After lunch we resumed with our journey to the Spanish Steps. The masses surrounding the area reminded me of the chaotic crowds at the Taste of Chicago. The other memory I have about the Spanish steps is: Don’t take the rose! Street solicitors attempted to sell roses to every woman they saw. They went as far to force one into my friend’s hand then demand money for it. She refused and through the rose right back at him. There had to be at least two solicitors for every group of tourists.
Rome was our most tiring city. So many monuments, so little time. Our feet were crying by the end of our stay. We found that three daily servings of gelato eased our pain just fine. Look out for the next post on our unusual encounters with Italians in Florence, Venice and Cinque Terre.