ITALY: ROMA (ROME) DAY 1
- #wanderwahine
- Sep 23, 2016
- 2 min read
There's a reason why I won't be writing a lot about the hotels we stayed at in Italy. In fact, I think it's best that they remain nameless. Our Trip Manager warned us that accommodations in Italy and Switzerland were going to be a bit rough. I understand that hotels in central areas are expensive in these countries so I tried to keep an open mind. Lets just say that I don't remember much about our hotel in Venice - nor do I want to. I'm sure I skipped the hotel breakfast as well.
It was no different in Rome. However, I do remember this hotel because this is where we had our laundry service and that was awesome. We were about mid-way through our trip and were given the opportunity to have our laundry done for 20 Euros. Lei and I shared one laundry bag and packed it full clothes. Our clean laundry was delivered to us the next day. There's no better feeling than clean socks and underwear. Not bad for 10 Euros per person.
Our hotel check-in routine consisted of me watching our luggage while Lei darts to the hotel reception desk to get our room number and key. After we get to the room, we remove any undesirable bedding and peel back the sheets for our "bed bug" inspection. Lei lifts the mattresses while I shine for bed bugs with my LED flashlight. Call us crazy but I've read too many horror stories online and this ensured us both a good night sleep. I can say that we have had a successful trip with no bed bug bites!
Roma, what can I say... The roads are chaos. Mopeds everywhere and apparently the rules don't apply to them. It's sketchy and maybe a little dirty, but a whole lot of wonderful. Some people love it; some people hate it. For me, it's all about keeping an open mind. I loved the food, shopping and historical aspect. I disliked the exploitation of religion via overpriced gift shops within and surrounding the Vatican. Also, the numerous attempts to scam tourists (I was prepared for this) and the sketchy people on the metro who try to pick-pocket you (prepared for this as well). But all that aside, take a look at these amazing photos!
Saw some famous sites on the way to our hotel...
Atare della Patria or "Wedding Cake Monument" pictured below. The Colosseo pictured above.
Went out for a Pizza dinner with the group and went for an evening stroll around Rome to get some gelato. Stumbled upon the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon (Roman Forum).
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