Okay. Days 1-3
Roma.
Day 1: The first official day out of the USA was spent traveling, two flights, a train, a metro, and then wha was supposed to be a bus became a 30 min walk. So needless to say, I just had to laugh when the reception was closing up, after waiting another 30 minutes to check in. But no worries my dears! The night security got the rest of us (8 people) relatively checked in so we had a place to lay our weary heads. Also, did I mention we had to wait outside and it was raining? Anyways, the night security was very nice and seemed surprised on how patient I was. He also drove me up to my little bungalow! Which was very nice considering how obnoxious my bags are. (Ref this old photo I found from my OZ adventures. Same bags!) What I though was going to be a nice made queen bed, ended up being 2 twin beds and a bunk bed. All unmade. So I did what any smart adult does when there are two twin beds (mom, take note); I pushed them together to make a super bed, stole all the pillows and had double comforters and passed out. For 12 hours. Poor Jess thought I died because she was supposed to wake me up via call but the WiFi wasn’t working in my room.
Day 2.
After getting the Roma pass which got me into a monument for free and unlimited travel passes for 2 days, I went on my way to see the colosseum. Well, according to the nice front desk lady I had to make a reservation. And it closed at 4:30 (it was 1:30). Freaking out I spent another 30 minutes trying to make one. Website was down. Website wasn’t loading the right site. The person who spoke English via the hotline left at 1. So, after much freaking out, and realizing I was wasting time, I hopped on a bus, hopped on a train, and went to the nearest landmark: Piazzo del Popolo. It’s a very nice square with fountains and a large obelisk in the center. 
Past that were two roads so I decided to wander and find some food. And that’s when the thunderstorms started. And the trenchal rainfalls. Now, it started off as “oh this rain is fine to walk in. If I mind getting rained on I won’t do anything today” kind of rain to “holy forkballs my raincoat is no longer working and should I buy an umbrella? No it’s too late and omg my shoes are squishing and water is coming out but also being rained on and my jeans are soaked and I want a bubble bath” kind of rain.
Past that were two roads so I decided to wander and find some food. And that’s when the thunderstorms started. And the trenchal rainfalls. Now, it started off as “oh this rain is fine to walk in. If I mind getting rained on I won’t do anything today” kind of rain to “holy forkballs my raincoat is no longer working and should I buy an umbrella? No it’s too late and omg my shoes are squishing and water is coming out but also being rained on and my jeans are soaked and I want a bubble bath” kind of rain.
So I went and found food. And wine. I had a carbonara pasta that was absolutely delish. I drank a white wine that wasn’t Pinot Grigio. I had my first fernet in its mother country. After, kinda dryin g off and the rain slowed a bit, I went off to explore the roads some more. I also needed to get a phone plan as relying on my Verizon travel account wasn’t the smartest idea. Of course, I left my passport in my room, therefore unable to buy a SIM card. So I decided to head back, but obviously found a large staircase that I had to climb in another piazzo. 
And I got lost. Luckily my map showed a nearby metro station. Which was closed. Because of all the forking rain. Thankfully the rain wasn’t cold or I would have thought I would get pneumonia or sick or something. So I trudged down the hill finally found the train and headed back. I also made sure I got the bus going to the hostel as well. Exhausted, soaked, and anxious about seeing the Colosseum the next day, I took a shower, hung up my clothes and promptly passed the fuck out. For another 10 hours.
Day 3
I woke up early the next day, deciding to show up to the Colosseum and try my luck at getting a spot. Thankfully the rain had ebbed, but I wasn’t going to try my luck twice. So I bundled up, grabbed my passport and went on my way. When I got off the metro, it thankfully wasn’t too busy, and I thankfully followed my gut instincts as to where to go and was quickly in line and GOT A SPOT! I was so stupid excited that I was grinning the entire fucking time. And you know what, it’s just a bunch of old rocks, but they are cool. I definitely was more interested in the artifacts before entering the actual site, seeing interesting armor, jewelry, and other Roman history. After spending almost 6(!) hours in the Colosseum, Roman forums and the other part, my stomach wouldn’t allow me to stay any longer (and it started to rain again).
There was a fake dead goose down there. I’m not sure it’s relevance but it was funny
So I took a bus towards the center of town and managed back at the vodaphone store. And got a SIM card. But I couldn’t use it for an hour so finally I made the trek to find food. Instead I found too many places and their Pantheon.
I walked around a few stores thinking I might just buy some food, but knew this wouldn’t happen. So after walking through the church, I went to the salumeri shop. I had been in there earlier and saw they had a cheese and meat plate for 15€. A very decent price. And I hadn’t eaten all day (this is a common trend you’ll see, but I am eating 🤪). no one was acknowledging me so I finally went up to someone and said “Hello! I want the charcuterie and fromaggio plate” and of course his English wasn’t good, but then when he realized what I wanted and for one person, they all looked like I was crazy, but also very impressed. And I also got a 1/2 liter of red wine [(500ml. There’s 750ml in 1 bottle for those who don’t know) I also think they were impressed I was drinking so much for one person]. So they guy brings over my GIANT PLATE OF FOOD. He also brought over a pepper stuffed with tuna and some rigatoni Bolognese for FREE!
I was so gawddamn happy. I spent and hour and a half there eating. This allowed me to get on the internet and phone lines and reconnect with the world!*
Since it was still somewhat dry, I decided to walk around, but when I got to the hostel, I made sure to do laundry. I re-configured my bag, got some food at the restaurant, and went to bed early again, being completely content in not talking to other guests and allowing myself to just relax.**
*playing Pokémon Go.
So I took a bus towards the center of town and managed back at the vodaphone store. And got a SIM card. But I couldn’t use it for an hour so finally I made the trek to find food. Instead I found too many places and their Pantheon.
I walked around a few stores thinking I might just buy some food, but knew this wouldn’t happen. So after walking through the church, I went to the salumeri shop. I had been in there earlier and saw they had a cheese and meat plate for 15€. A very decent price. And I hadn’t eaten all day (this is a common trend you’ll see, but I am eating 🤪). no one was acknowledging me so I finally went up to someone and said “Hello! I want the charcuterie and fromaggio plate” and of course his English wasn’t good, but then when he realized what I wanted and for one person, they all looked like I was crazy, but also very impressed. And I also got a 1/2 liter of red wine [(500ml. There’s 750ml in 1 bottle for those who don’t know) I also think they were impressed I was drinking so much for one person]. So they guy brings over my GIANT PLATE OF FOOD. He also brought over a pepper stuffed with tuna and some rigatoni Bolognese for FREE!
I was so gawddamn happy. I spent and hour and a half there eating. This allowed me to get on the internet and phone lines and reconnect with the world!*
Since it was still somewhat dry, I decided to walk around, but when I got to the hostel, I made sure to do laundry. I re-configured my bag, got some food at the restaurant, and went to bed early again, being completely content in not talking to other guests and allowing myself to just relax.**
*playing Pokémon Go.
**having aniexty the entire time because I was afraid I was going to miss the trains, oversleep, forget my wallet and the other 1000 scenarios I make up for myself while traveling alone.
Ciao!
