From Paris we took a plane to the city of Rome and enroute we were able to have a glimpse of the majestic French Alps! I was already feeling a bit sleepy when the captain announced that on the right we can see view of Mt Chamonix. It was breathtaking for a person who dreams of seeking the alps! Upon arriving in Fiumucino airport, we decided to take the train to get to the city to save on cost. But, a big but! Instead of saving, we ended up spending more since we got penalised! What a way to welcome us to Rome I thought in my head. I suddenly felt scared and got worried that the trip might go downhill. Well, we got penalized because our train tickets were not validated. We just scanned the ticket and the gate opened so we thought that it was already good. When the conductor of the train approached us and asked to see our tickets, his face turned to sour and started talking to us in a slightly angry voice. At first I was really baffled cause we have tickets! I didn't understand what he was talking about. I was already feeling a bit nervous when he said that we'll be penalized 100 Euro each for not validating the tickets! I was like what the hell is happening?! Turns out tickets can be bought in public places in Italy like in newstands and convenience stores and before you use them you would have to insert it in a machine so that it would be stamped on with the date of use, otherwise without the stamp the ticket could actually be used again. To cut the story short, the penalty was reduced to 100 Euros for the both me and my mom already but it was still a big sum of money considering we were trying to save on cost! At the back of my mind, we should have just took the cab! Anyways, just sharing on our experience, so remember to have your tickets validated when in Italy. I tried to let it go and not to let what happened ruin the trip, but boy it wasn't easy!
After getting off in Roma Termini station, the quest to find our hotel begins! We stayed in Best Western Hotel Picadilly and we were challenged this time by our luggage! We had to carry it since there's no elevator insight in the station then we had to drag it along the cobbled streets of Rome! It was already past 12 when we arrived and we haven't had lunch yet so my energy is really down and my crankiness going up! Finally we found our hotel, checked in, and rested for a while. After which it's the start of my dream to eat pasta everyday! We had a late lunch. Mom even dozzed off while waiting for the food to be served! We had pizza and pasta and it didn't disappoint, nothing compared to the pastas we have here in Manila.
Full and ready to explore, we're off to the famous landmarks of Rome. Our first stop is the Colosseum, a grand structure and a sight to behold. Just near it is the Palestine Hill where in you'll see ruins from before. It was amazing how they were able to preserve such historical places. Getting around Rome wasn't hard, in fact we mostly toured by walking. Every corner will put you in awe as you pass through more preserved ruins, it was like a history book transporting you to another era.
We then continued exploring by foot, passed through lots of restaurant and gelato shops. It was already getting dark and we were still trying to find our way through the iconic Trevi Fountain. After some turns here and there we began to hear music signalling we're getting close. True enough at the end of the street awaits a wonderful plaza where people just chill, pause and soak in the good vibe the place exudes. Took some photos but since it was already dark promised myself that we have to see it in daylight as well. We did the next day and were still put in awe. Rain then started to pour. Good thing a good pasta restaurant was nearby and we decided to dry ourself first and have some delicious pasta and soup.
We also visited the famous Spanish Steps when in Rome. High end shops can also be found here. People were everywhere.
We squeezed in some time for shopping. There were lots of street shoes with good unique finds. I got a jacket on sale. Fitting good and is really comfy. I wore it almost everyday during the trip!
It was a short but worthwhile stay in Rome despite our first day encounter. I'm glad that everything still worked out well. In the next post I'll write about journey to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican.
We also visited the famous Spanish Steps when in Rome. High end shops can also be found here. People were everywhere.
We squeezed in some time for shopping. There were lots of street shoes with good unique finds. I got a jacket on sale. Fitting good and is really comfy. I wore it almost everyday during the trip!
It was a short but worthwhile stay in Rome despite our first day encounter. I'm glad that everything still worked out well. In the next post I'll write about journey to the smallest country in the world, the Vatican.
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