Tuesday evening, we took a train from Naples to Rome. We opted for a slower train, which turned out to be even slower than expected. After an hour of winding our way along the scenic Italian coast, we stopped for an hour-long delay in Middle-of-Nowhere, Italy. At first, the conductor would come up the loudspeaker and energetically announce that we were “only 10 minutes late.”

Then it was “Hmmm…20 minutes late.”

Then finally “Well…40 minutes late.”

By the time we started up again, the train announcer had stopped even reporting the time of the delay, and would only resignedly announce that there would eventually be another stop, at some indeterminate point in the future. I later learned in Rome that trains in Italy are supposedly famous for being always timely. This one was perhaps the exception that proved that rule…at least we were stranded next to the gorgeous Italian coast, and could daydream while gazing out at the blue waters.

And of course, our destination could not be beat — Rome! After a long-winded (and long-winding) journey, it was great to get to our hostel, set down our bags, and find the nearest pizzeria. Yes, we ate a lot of pizza during these weeks. As they say…when in Rome. 🙂

Our four days in Rome passed quickly — all sightseeing famous monuments, visiting “not so old, only 1700 years or so” churches, and walking through the twisting streets. Rome is full of surprise alleyways and cobblestone streets that don’t exist on half the maps, so navigating is always a bit tricky.

Rome also has an incredible number of beautiful monuments integrated throughout the city’s architecture. We explored by foot, by bus, and by metro. Rome lends itself well to people watching, and we were just a couple more tourists in a crowded city of locals, pilgrims, students, tourists, expats, etc. So far, Rome is also the only city where I don’t see people give up their seats on the subway for nuns…maybe there are just too many nuns, and eventually the Romans just run out of patience?

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore…ornate on the outside, somehow even more ornate on the inside.

The Pantheon.

Nicole just loooooves photos.

Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi

St. Peter’s Basilica, inside & out.

We also visited the Vatican, which was as impressive as it’s hyped up to be…and then some. In addition to the Sistine Chapel, we visited rooms upon rooms of Egyptian artifacts, gorgeous tapestries, and beautiful maps that the Catholic Church has collected over its history.

View from the Vatican.

Floors & ceilings, ceilings & floors.

These things, I guess? Very cool, though purpose unclear.

The Fontana di Trevi.

And a slightly less impressive fountain. Though honestly, I loved all the water fountains around Rome. Germany is a parched, water-less desert devoid of public water fountains. In Germany, we swap stories of finding water fountains the way other people talk about unexpected supernatural phenomena.

Anyway, I was happy to find abundant water fountains. And this fountain looked so angry, I loved it.

We also had a chance to visit the Galleria Borghese — highly recommended!

Our last evening in Rome, we walked across the river and explored the cute neighborhood of Traverese. Dinner that night was ah-maaaaazing…and now I have to always ask myself, what meal is complete without bruschetta, pizza, and a Nutella calzone?

After Rome, we set off for the next city on our list — Florence, aka Firenze, aka The Land of Many Skyline Photos. To be continued, shortly…