When in Rome???

I’m not sure Rome’s all it’s cracked up to be. I mean I know that much of modern civilization has sprung from the Roman culture, but besides all the history, spellbinding architecture, and cornucopia of gelaterias, I didn’t enjoy navigating the streets as much as I had in Barcelona. However, Cinque Terre is the place to be!

As soon as we docked in Civitavecchia, yeah I still don’t think I can pronounce that one right, it was a mad dash of college students for the train station to catch a 3 hour ride in a compartment train that reminded all of us of course of Harry Potter. It even came equipped with a tall Italian snack cart man who came by asking café, cola, Fanta, snack? When we finally got to Riomaggiore, the first of the 5 towns that make up Cinque Terre, it was the definition of quaint. The homes were all vibrant hues of yellow and pink and there were pizza and gelato shops down every main street of each town. We decided to stay in the fourth town, Vernazza, as a recommendation by a friend’s mom. Now what better way to reach it than by taking a small water taxi?

It was about a 20 minute ride along the coast that gave us a phenomenal view of all the towns as we sat in a tiny wooden motor boat. When we got into Vernazza, we really didn’t know where we were going to stay but saw signs that said camere, or room. So we went around to shops asking where we could find a room. We got to this cute wine shop and asked if she had any rooms available, she replied, “oh no, but I think my friend Maria does, just one night?” She proceeded to walk into the street and just like in the movies she shouted “Ey Maria!” Sure enough, within a minute there was Maria. They exchanged a few words and hand gestures, and all of a sudden we were being ushered into a large green door a couple of strides from the shop we were standing in. As easy as that we had a place to stay.

We got squared away in our digs for the night and went out on the town; it had the most amazing local feel even with litters of tourists, we still felt immersed in the culture that is Cinque Terre. After falling asleep to the Mediterranean breeze we woke up the next day refreshed and ready to start our incredible hike that wound through the greenery of the cliffside that connected all the towns of Cinque Terre. I don’t think I have ever seen a view more extraordinary than the one we saw as we made our way up and down stone steps, across bridges and ducking branches. Of any place that you must visit while in Italy, Cinque Terre is it, but Rome on the other hand…

I guess after going to Cinque Terre, Rome was somewhat of a culture shock, the complete opposite really. The monuments like the Coliseum and Pantheon were breathtaking, but there were definitely some disappoints. The Spanish steps were not at all appealing, maybe we just visited on a bad day, but to me they were just steps… Also the city itself was frustrating to get around, it could just be that I prefer a relaxed, simple life, but there were so many different alleys and back streets that you could feel like you were heading in the right direction but then find yourself on the other side of the city. (Trust me, I’ve done it.)

The highlights of the city were 1) the astonishing Coliseum, 2) the uncovered skylight in the Pantheon, 3) the Trevi fountain at night, and finally 4) St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City (Don’t forget to cover up… It is a sacred space, and they WILL let you know.) These are must sees that will just take your breath away and reassure you that Rome was worth your while. Otherwise, my two cents is to visit the small, untouristy tourist areas.

Happy 4th of July everyone! I got fireworks too… In Italy? Go Figure!

P.S. Be on the lookout for Chocolate Velvish…

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