Who ate Roger Rabbit?/no-more-gnocchi

Scott + I had a very fun day exploring Rome. We took a bus to the Vatican + waited in a very short line (only 30 minutes).

Waiting to go into the Vatican

In front of the Vatican

We were then a little confused about where to go, but got in the largest line for the tombs of the popes. There are 3 lines, 1 for the basilica, 1 for the tombs, + 1 for the cupola. So we went through the tombs which were below st peters basilica. Then we went through the basilica. It is humongous! We did a walk through, trying to find the Sistine chapel + the climb to the top of the basilica. Couldn't figure it out. So we got into the cupola line + guess what? It is the line to climb to the top (aka the cupola). We always like to throw in as much exercise as possible, so we chose the stairs vs elevator. We did a jog to the convergence point of stairs + elevator + then were stuck behind the slow people. The second part of the climb was a sauna. It was soooooo hot + the people were so slow + it was such a tiny space to climb. And we had already broken a sweat from our jog. Well we ended up at the top soaking wet. Kind of embarrassing. I was of course wearing two layers so I could cover up for the Vatican + was dying!!! So off went the overshirt + undershorts + then we cooled down + enjoyed the view. Climbs with an end result of great views have got to be my favorite activities.

On the viewing deck of the Cupola

View of the Vatican entrance from the Cupola

We enjoyed the view of Rome + then climbed down. We met a nice Belgian couple upon descent, who gave me pointers on Thailand (where they went for their honeymoon). The downhill climb was nowhere near the sauna of the uphill.

After the cupola, we set out for the Sistine chapel, which unfortunately was closed. I am going back on Tuesday morning to see it, but Scott wants to get to the airport on time. Understandable.

We then set out to walk back to our b+b (by Termini station) + stopping to see all the sites. We got a bite to eat, which made me feel kind of sick. No more gnocchi. Especially with sausage + tomatoes. Scott had a fungi pizza + we shared some bruschetta (tomato) because we were starving! We also decided that we don't know why I keep ordering gnocchi, considering other pastas are much better + I never eat in the states.

Our next stop was the castel sant' angelo. We picked up some treats for our family at the little market nearby. Then we walked over to piazza navona. Next was the pantheon. Walked around + took some pictures. Then on to the trevi fountain. It was much bigger than I expected + quite crowded + noisy. I got delicious melon gelato which was so wonderful in the HEAT, under the shade I ate.

Trevi Fountain

The Pantheon

Best part of Italy (ok not really) is that there are lots of asians (who like pale skin) + so they all hold up umbrellas to shade themselves. There are also quite a few non-asians who hold up umbrellas. Thus began my obsession with using my umbrella! I love it. I wish gainesville wouldn't think I was a weirdo holding up an umbrella on my walks to + from school. Maybe I'll start a trend.

We preceded on to the Roman Forums + past the Colosseum again + then went home to drop off my heavy bag + shower (remember the cupola sauna). After naps + showers we headed back out to discover Trastevere. It is a trendy area (like Greenwich village) full of markets + restaurants. We shopped around (well I did) + then headed to Trattoria dell' Lucia, highly recommended by Catie. It was full + we were told to come back in an hour.

So we went to get some wine. Luckily, Scott had already picked up broccoli /sausage pizza + then french fries(with mayo) on our hour walk over to the area, so we could wait. We then headed back over to the restaurant + sat down for a wonderful meal. The table next to us was from Canada + we had a great time talking to them for the whole meal. They were going to Cinqueterre next so we gave some pointers.

So we got the house wine (that is all we ever get actually), honey + cheese, meat tortellini, + rabbit. The honey + cheese was amazing. It was such a sugary thick honey + the bread was amazing with the combo (we find we get lots of stale yucky bread in italy.) The rabbit was also delicious. It was a mix between chicken + duck. I loved it! Scott did too, until about ten minutes later he ran to the bathroom. After dinner, we went back through the markets (more shopping) + walked back home (while of course taking an extra 30 mins of getting lost). Scott had several pit stops along the trek. Fortunately I had eaten bites of everything he had eaten + I was fine. So I can't discredit Trattoria dell' lucia. And he also had pizza + fries an hour before + a million other things throughout the day!

Most delicious combo EVER

We fell asleep in about 1 second + slept in until 10 (heaven!!!!) I never thought 10 would be sleeping in. Who remembers me sleeping til noon for the past 4 years?

We woke up this morning + got a quick breakfast. It was interesting. We got oj, coffee, bread, pastry, + egg (microwaved in a aluminum pan) for an American breakfast. It was a nice appetizer to the day. Then we headed over to the Colosseum, where we are currently waiting in line to get in. It has taken about 35 mins so far +we are under the Colosseum in the shade + I have been writing the whole time. Not bad.

One last thing: I have been eaten alive by mosquitos (or some bug) in both Venice + in Rome + maybe even Cinqueterre. And for those who know what happens when I become covered in 50 bites magically, imagine that times two. So uncomfortable + itchy. Luckily I have anti-itch cream + I finally pulled out the bug spray I brought for Thailand. I really hope this stuff works in Thailand because not only are my bug bites soooooooo itchy, thailand bugs are full of diseases. I am very glad I came prepared (itch creams, clothes sprays, bug sprays, vaccines.) Who would have thought Italy was so itchy!