After learning to grapple the various modes of public transportation in Rome, I hopped on the train to meet Angélica at the airport. Her flight deboarding, I watched passenger after passenger coming out of customs. Some with faces reflexive of their disorientation were suddenly overcome with joy as they discovered their family or friends waiting in anticipation. Others clearly accustomed to airports and travel walked in haste towards their preceding destinations. Eventually, the airline crew came out smiling and talking amongst each other. And finally after all had cleared Angélica was there, her enormous bags in tow. After a warm greeting and an exchange of luggage we headed out to our youth hostel.
A train, a metro, another train, and a bus later we arrived at the youth hostel. The hostel only cost eleven euros and with good reason. Located on a camp site outside of Rome, it was a bit inconvenient. However, upon arrival, it was clean and fairly descent. In addition, being somewhat in the woods was quite beautiful as the transition from spring to summer was just beginning in Italy.
After making our beds, Angélica and I left for the city. Our first stop was the Coliseum and then we passed through the Foro Romano (a scenic walk that takes you through the deteriorating Roman ruins). These erected columns, no longer supporting the structures to which they were once attached, seemed to reach for the skies proclaiming the importance of this ancient people who forever changed the face of Europe and the rest of the world. I thought about the US. A people still so young, I wondered what will become of us in 2000 years.
Stopping at a gelato stand, we sat down and absorbed the Italian ambience. From where we were we could see the entire city skyline marked by ancient ruins and some of the world’s greatest testaments to the Christian heritage. For the first time I finally felt like I was in Italy. Sitting down and eating gelato would become a habit that we would not quit until leaving the country.
Saturday, April 15
Waking up late, as one must do on vacation, we set out for Saint Peter’s and the Vatican. We were both overwhelmed. Reaching the top of the Vatican Dome we could see all of Rome, beginning from the lush gardens of Vatican City, to the ancient castle city of San Angelo, to the line of river boats which seemed to disappear into the chiselled mountains that surround the city. So inspired by the catholic tradition, I decided to buy my first crucifix before leaving the Vatican. It was here that we had a stroke of luck, or blessing, depending upon your perspective. A nun stopped us to ask if we might be interested in attending the Easter service at the Vatican. We of course revealed our interest and she freely handed us two tickets. Still pleased by her kindness, we visited San Angelo’s Castle, of which I previously wrote, walked across the bridge, and ended up eating pizza at what would be our favourite restaurant in Italy.
Sunday, April 16
Easter morning and we were at the Vatican. The new Pope came out to meet the crowd for his first Easter as the vicar of God and he was dressed for the occasion. The service, beautiful and at some points about as exciting as a funeral (pardon my ignorance), we were just grateful to be there. Prayers in practically every language filled the plaza lined with Roman columns, and both seemed to reach the heavens that day. When the service was complete, the Pope came out to make his balcony appearance as is often seen on TV and the crowd roared as their anticipation had once again been gratified. We were no exception.
We then went back to the same restaurant we had so enjoyed the night before and made our way to the Pantheon, the Capitolini museum, and the Church of Santa Maria Maggiore. Walking through the streets and working our way around the map, Rome was so much fun because it has all the benefits of a big city, yet the Italian mentality is so slow-paced that you could easily believe that you are in a quaint river town.
Monday, April 17
This day we took the train to Florence. The train ride through the countryside proved to be quite relaxing. Upon arrival we made our way to our new youth hostel. Both Angélica and I were immediately impressed by Florence. There is a charm that seems to sit over this small city like a thick cloud and once there, you cannot help but get caught up in it. The major sites in the city can be explored in a leisurely stroll that takes about two hours. Walking along the streets filled with happy Italians who are just as content to talk to you as to sell you something, the sun was beginning to set on the river, and I could not but feel like I was walking in a living postcard. We stopped for pizza and of course gelato and decided that Florence was our favourite part of Italy thus far.
Continuing our stroll we were looking at the map when suddenly we looked up to see the Duomo. Both Angélica and I gasped, overwhelmed by the beauty of this church. We then laughed at ourselves in realising what obvious tourists we were and imagined what it must be like for the people who live in Florence to see our mouths drop as we surveyed a structure that they probably pass everyday on the way to buy groceries. Nevertheless, the Duomo remains the church with the most beautiful exterior that I have ever seen; completely built from green, white, and pink marble. The happy, relaxed mentality of Florence proved to be contagious and we kept the sentiment until falling asleep that night.
Tuesday, April 18
A day of repose, we had intended to see the statue of David but the three to four hour wait was too discouraging when there were so many cafés and gelato stands that awaited our attendance. Setting down to a good book, we only stopped reading to write postcards to our friends and family. The day well spent, we headed back for Rome that evening.
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