…but since I’m starting this blog a week into our journey, in the interest of efficiency, here’s our entire Roman experience at once. Very old stuff was seen. Friends were made. Minds were blown.
Cory’s jetlag face. First steps out our door and down to Trastevere.
Cathedral in Trastevere
Nonna street art in Trastevere
Our new Italian friend Airleas, who greeted us and showed us an amazing time while we were in Rome. She is our AirBnB host for the place we will be staying in Tuscany, and also the best and most knowledgeable guide to Rome ever!
In Rome the sky was never grey
Day 2: Vatican City. Cory takes his first steps inside Basilica St. Pietro. It’s big, you guys.
The underside of the duomo. Pretty sure I took this exact same photo when I was 29, but I can’t help myself.
But this time I got to get up close!
You! Get the f- out.
We climb
We climbed up inside the dome for this view over Rome. No regrets.
I do love me a skull.
Throwaway art at the Vatican Museum. Just a lil sign embellishment.
My favourite room in the Vatican Museum: the Map Room. Just one of many breathtaking ceilings to see as you’re beating down the tourists to the Sistine Chapel. I mean, the Sistina is incredible, but just never stop looking up cause it’s one ceiling after another with this place..
Day what, 3? Starts with a visit to the non-Catholic cemetery. Le sigh.
Cemetery kitty. Very slutty cemetery kitty.
Pranzo near il Campo di Fiori. Super fresh cod swimming in olive oil with pears, olives, pine nuts, other yummy stuff. Omg.
Also may have taken this exact photo when I was 29. I was obsessed with this bridge, with all the stone angels made by students of the master sculptor Bernini. Isn’t she a beaut?!
Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza built around 1650 by Italian architect Francesco Borromini.
Slow season at the Trevi Fountain. One tour guide we talked to literally said ‘there are absolutely no people in Rome right now’. Well, all the people that DO exist in Rome are at the Trevi Fountain. Just imagine this photo at the end of August :D :D :D :D!
And a hearty saluti to you, sister!
Santa Maria Maggiore
Last day in Rome. Quick stop at the Cathedral Santa Maria Maggiore. We love us some Illuminati representation.
Santa Maria Maggiore. A lot of gold in this place. This is one of the side chapels, no big deal.
He’s always watching, and he isn’t always in a good mood…
Quick panino before our guided tour of the Colosseum and Roman Forum. Seeing this thing in person is something else, seriously.
Hard to describe the feeling of being inside. Pretty intense, and obviously amazing to see. But one can’t help but imagine all the blood and death that occurred here. To the delight of thousands. Humans are gross.
Dude!
The Roman Forum. This captures well my impression of Rome: old-ish, piled on old, piled on older, piled on older, piled on f-ing ancient. It blows my little mind, and I love it so, so much.