Day Twelve: July 11th, 2019
St. Peter's and the Vatican Museum Traveled from Florence to Rome. Visited the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. No photography was allowed in the Sistine Chapel and we were herded through like cattle. There was a church service being held at the Basilica when we had free time to wander around the Chapel which meant there was beautiful background music to enjoy while looking at the amazing art. After an "Italian pub grub" group diner we took an evening walk through the heart of Rome. We stopped at the Trevi Fountain so we could throw a coin in the fountain over our shoulders. Colleen bribed us with gelato and then had use climb up a steep hill to return to our hotel. :) |
Day Thirteen: July 12th, 2019
A Walk through Caesar's Rome The morning began with the hop on/hop off bus tour from 10:30 AM-12:30 PM. It was a great way to see Rome quickly without putting even more stress on my injured foot. After a quick lunch we met up as a group to take the metro to the Colosseum and have a walking tour of Ancient Rome with the amazing Francesca. A local tour guide with a vast knowledge of Ancient Rome and the ability to handle hot and cranky travelers with ease. Many pictures on the slideshow to the right contain quotes that I recorded during our tour. Being in spaces like the Forum and Colosseum really put into perspective the amazing and rich history in Rome. "I love places that make you realize how tiny you and your problems are..." ~ Anonymous |
The wisdom of Francesca:
"You crossed half of the world to be here." ~ "When the Romans build they build forever." ~ "We're here for the life in these stones." ~ "If we love and remember - nothing dies." |
Day Fourteen: July 13th, 2019
From Rome to the Cinque Terre We departed from Rome and stopped in Orvieto - a hill town in the Italian country side. It was a seven hour bus day, so we kept things pretty chill. It was much needed after two intense days of walking around in the heat of Rome. I took the opportunity to enjoy some amazing gelato and visit with Bob, Ben, and other members of the group as they wandered by and explored Orvieto. We arrived at our Hotel in Monterosso al Mare in time to freshen up for our Mediterranean feast. |
Day 15, July 14TH, 2019 - vACATION FROM VACATION DAY! :)
From the very first day when we met Colleen and talk began of the tour the buzz was the Cinque Terre. Apart from watching Rick's episode on this area, I had no idea what it was or what it meant. I soon learned why it was a favorite of everyone on the tour and Rick. I spent plenty of time soaking up the sun right on the beach with some of my fellow tour mates. I did some light shopping and stumbled upon what appeared to be Italian opera aria karaoke. It was so cool! I stopped at an adorable restaurant called Lapo's for dinner and ate at an outdoor table in a beautiful stone patio with flowers, trees, and a lovely view of the sea. Everyone around me was speaking Italian - a sure sign that I had chosen a good local spot.
I walked out to enjoy the sunset over the water after dinner alone and update my journal. Here is a quote from my entry as I was sitting on these rocks looking out over the sea, "This location - this spot right here - right now is exactly where I should be. I have felt that many times on this trip." ~ July 14th, 2019