Roma, Roma-ma

I had to, Lady Gaga was playing in my head way too much when I was in Rome, just ask my poor travel buddy!


My flight to Rome from Eindhoven was cancelled courtesy of horrible weather, so I embarked on a 20 hour train ride instead. From Eindhoven, I took the train to Venlo, then Düsseldorf, to Mannheim, Basel, Arth Goldau, Milano, then finally Roma. I was completely washed over with relief when I saw my travel buddy at the train station. I'm glad I made it all the way to Italy.

Republica after the rain, sort of.

Strangely enough, I found Rome to be extremely charming in the rain, at night. The lights reflected off the cobblestone roads, and the city almost seemed a little quieter than the other nights. Perhaps I'm unconsciously adjusting this memory now that I'm no longer there?

a nameless side street

I can't remember that well anymore, I guess I waited a little too long to write this, but I've always been a fan of the view after the rain lifts.


Rome was a busy city, the cars rushed about on the roads, seemingly sparing little thought for the pedestrians. Sometimes it was difficult for me to cross the street, but I've never been gifted in that department. There were always crowds of tourists at the attractions, taking a photo became such a difficult task at times! Lucky December is the slow season for tourism in Rome, I can't imagine trying to manoeuvre my way through even larger crowds!

St. Peter's Basilica at Vatican City

We actually visited Vatican City on a Sunday morning, greeted by the most beautiful weather. Strangely enough we found no queue to go through the security check for St. Peter's Basilica, but a huge crowd standing in the square looking up. We rushed into the security check area moments before we heard a roar of applause, followed by a booming voice speaking in, presumably, Italian. Attempts at trying to attach a face to the voice were unsuccessful, and so we waved the pope off as "just another celebrity" and made our way into the Basilica.

Looking out from St. Peter's Basilica

I honestly would not recommend paying for the audio guide for St. Peter's. Yes, it provides a lot of information and insight, but for however much we paid, just thought it wasn't worth it. In fact, I found the audio guide to be a little long winded. Plus, there was a time limit of 2 hours. I'm sure the whole program was longer than 2 hours (I stopped after track 6, I think...).


Not sure if I found the Treasury to be worth it, but that's personal preference.


We proceeded to climb up the Dome (costs €5 to walk all the way, and €7 if you want to walk only part way), which proved to be worth every Euro cent. The top of the Dome provides a panoramic view of the city.

Thank God for wonderful weather.

Sleep beckons, next part of Rome to come soon.

By fishii with 2 comments