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I am now in the crunch part of my trip, with only a little more than a week left before I have to catch my flight. For that reason, Iīm only spending a few days in each city, trying to get as many on as possible. I know thatīs terribly american, but oh well.
Last I wrote I was headed to Rome. When I got there it was 7:00 at night, so all I really could do was check in, find some dinner, and hit the sack. The next day, however, was all mine to go about the sights. I headed over to Vatican City with a friend from the hostel, and we took a quick tour of St. Peterīs Cathedral before going into the Vatican Museum. St. Peterīs is really an amazing place, there is so much work that has gone into it. And unlike the cathedrals in London, there were only a few tombs here, and they were relatively tasteful. Most of them, I think, were tombs of saints, doctors, and other patriarchs of the church, rather than all the secular people that have tombs in other cathedrals. I think I was most impressed by the mosaics on the ceiling. They are absolutely magnificent!
After only an hour or so, we headed over to the Vatican Museum, because it closes before St. Peterīs does. I mustīve spent about three hours there, and I was going through very quickly. If I had taken the time to see everything, I think I would still be there. Works by Raphael, Michaelangelo, their students and contemporaries...itīs enough to give you one hell of a krick in your neck! Iīm glad that I brought a small mirror along so I didnīt have to look up all the time. Regarding the Sistine Chapel and the ceiling my Michelangelo, I was actually least impressed with his painting of God creating man. I thought that the others, especially the two dealing with Noah, had much more detail, and showed much more emotion. But then, Iīm not an art critic, so what do I know? Youīll just have to go and see for yourself!
Around 2:30 I finally found my way out of the museum. I was famished, so I headed back to the hostel for lunch, stopping to by some food in the underground grocery store inside the metro station. Then it was off to the colosseum. I guess I was expecting a bit too much. Too many old movies, I guess. It really isnīt all that big, and most of it is red bricks, rather than the white marble I was hoping to see. I think this is where they have been re-constructing it, but Iīm not sure. If it is, then they arenīt doing a very good job, IMHO (In My Humble Opinion). It was interesting to be able to look down into all the tunnels they used to bring animals, and I assume people too, into the arena. The rest of the day I just spent getting lost walking around the city. I wound up by the Pantheon, and stopped for an ice cream, which I think was an Italian invention. Even if it wasnīt, they sure do a good job with it!
Then it was back to the hostel, where I was told that a bunch of people were going out to a pub later. I joined them, and I ended up not getting to bed until about 4 in the AM. Not good when youīre trying to catch a train the next day! Speaking of which, Iīll tell you of my trials and tribulations while getting to Barcelona. The only train going directly from Rome to Barcelona was one that my mother had taken years ago, and she told me that it was the worst trip she went on while in Europe. So, I said forget that, and hopped the next train to Milan. When I got there, the only train leaving that day going directly had mandatory reservations, and it turned out that it cost over $60! So, I planned to take a couple of trains instead. Unfortunately, whether it was due to lack of sleep, hangover, or whatever, I missed the first train by minutes. So, I sinched up my belt and paid the $60 for the direct train. Now, trains arenīt the nicest place to sleep, but if you have to, this is the way to go. Only four beds in each compartment, and they are quite roomy. I slept VERY well, especially for being on a train, and arrived here at about 10 this morning.
Having no reservations, I just headed out into the city hoping to find a place that wasnīt booked up. I had one place in mind, that is in my Letīs Go, but I had heard that it was probably booked up. I never did find that place, but I did find another...I just kept my eyes open for any signs saying īhostelī or īpensionī. Itīs not the best place Iīve stayed in, but itīs far from the worst. I really havenīt had any time to wander around and see the sights, so thereīs not much I can write about Spain yet. Youīll just have to wait with baited breath! :)
Hope youīre all doing well without me!
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