I got into Rome last night and made my way to the hostel which is located right next to Rome's main train station. It was a bit of a culture shock at first - the traffic was absolutely terrifying and the guys are all so forward. I was told before I came here to watch out for the guys so I had an idea of what to expect but it always amazes me how they think hissing at a girl will get them what they want. Anyway I was starving when I got to the hostel so I went to the corner trattoria for my first pasta meal in Italy! Meh, it was ok...Today I did a self guided walking tour around the city. I am waiting for Rania to get in so I decided not to pay any of entrance fees since I know she'll want to visit the sights as well so I just walked and admired the sights from outside. It was a gorgeous day but unfortunately I didn't bring my camera because it was back in the hostel charging. I first went to the Trevi Fountain, then passed the Patheon and strolled through the famous Piazza di Fiori and the Piazza Navona. I walked past so many ancient ruins and beautiful streets and buildings but I didn't have any idea what they were - I forgot my Italy guide book in Paris :(
All day I felt like I had been transported back in time and I could imagine the ancient romans walking through the cobblestone streets as I past by the Colosseum and the Forum ruins. As I was making my way back towards the east part of town, I met a man (about 70 years old) who offered to help me find my way while I was looking at my map trying to navigate which way was east and which was west. He fixes electric boards for Ericsson Company and was interested in improving his English. He asked if he could walk with me for a half hour and of course I said yes - he was way too cute! As we walked down Via de Guilia, he was telling me about the history of the area. He showed me some of the main sights that I needed to see while I was here and what was so special about each place. For example at the Castle San Angelo, there use to be houses that were built underground and as you walk around the castle grounds you can find little holes that are windows to the homes that were once there. I then made my way across the river to the Jewish Ghetto - an area of Rome that is much less touristy and has many bars and restaurants popular with the locals. They say there are more restaurants than apartments in that area. I found a cute pizzeria in a small courtyard surrounded by flower beds and whispy trees with a small fountain in the middle. I ordered a carraf of wine (1/4 bottle) and a pizza and took the phrase "la joie de vie" to heart at that moment. I then went for gelato artigiano for dessert. YUM!Tonight Rania is getting in so I will be waiting at the hostel bar for her. I met a group of Brazilians yesterday who have invited me to have drinks with them tonight. They are super nice! Tomorrow it's suppose to rain so we'll see what we get up to.
Goodnight!
xoxo
Alexis
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