Adventures in Roma - Part II

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The first day Jack and I arrived to Rome, it was overwhelming, to say the least. We flew into CIA (Ciampino, Pastine International Airport). You’ll normally fly into this airport if you’re flying within Europe. We flew with RyanAir, a budget airline (Think SouthWest, my American friends!). It was a short flight from Manchester to Rome, and once we arrived, we dove into a taxi and were brought into the center of the city, to our Airbnb. I peered out my window like a puppy in the front seat, and tunes from Hilary Duff to Frank Sinatra were playing in my head as I was pinching myself, trying to awaken from this amazing dream. 

We were let off on a cobblestone road, which my “fancy,” white, overloaded suitcase did not enjoy. We didn’t anticipate arriving to our Airbnb so early, and so we couldn’t enter for about two hours. Sometimes you need these moments to help you slow-down from your life anyway. We wormed our way down the ancient streets pulling and tugging at our lives-in-bags, walking with neon signs above our heads which blared “tourists.” 

Finally, we found our way into a family owned café, which at noon had a full bar full of locals drinking coffee. Jack and I quickly realized we would need to order in Italian, which meant we had to quickly learn Italian. Thankfully it was a bit similar to Spanish. “Due… er… café… per favor!” we managed to stumble out. The kind husband and wife with warm smiles behind the counter worked with us to teach us some Italian and by the time we left we knew “please,” “thank you” and a few numerals. 

After an hour and a half in the café, it was time to wheel our lives to our flat, which was in an aged building down an ally. All the apartments faced the inner square and sounds of Italian voices laughing to bickering told stories throughout the lively air. We lugged our suitcases up cylindrical stairs, three flights to our flat. I could sense with excitement and anticipation this was going to be an adventure. Our heads hung low as we opened the five-foot door. Inside, a charming double bed, a kitchenette, a shower, sink, toilet, and gorgeous bathtub beneath a stone arch, which I was eager to get a use out of.

After unpacking, it was time for an adventure. We wanted to get a feel for our new home for the next week. Before leaving, we opened Google Maps and started plotting out our points of interest. When we walked out of our apartment, we realized everywhere was a point of interest. 

Just outside of our apartment was an ancient cat jungle, or rather beautiful ruins which now housed at least fifty felines.

Adventures in Roma - Part I

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Waking up in the early morning in Rome is unlike any other feeling I’ve ever had. I’ve woken up in San Francisco and stepped out into the hustle and bustle of Silicon Valley life, and I’ve been comfortable. But something about finding yourself in the beautiful, historical and memorable city of Rome and being lucky enough to have the whole day to yourself – or the entire week – is purely a dream.

The second week of January 2018, I fell in love with Rome. Just outside of my Airbnb, I found myself aside ancient ruins which had been taken over by cats. A ten-minute walk brought me to the Trevi Fountain, which I had to visit three times to get my fill, and it still beacons me back to this day. Halfway there, I stopped by the Pantheon, something I had only read about and dreamed about visiting. Seeing the amazing architecture throughout the building was enchanting and nearly brought tears to my eyes. Though I’m not certain where I stand with religion, there is something so amazing about standing in a room where people have worshiped for thousands of years. 

In summary, everywhere you walk in Rome is like being engulfed in an art gallery which is never ending. Sometimes it’s overwhelming. I felt like my two eyes were letting me down, as they only allowed me to take in what two eyes could see. I think I could live a lifetime in the city and never truly appreciate every detail, every inch kissed by the creators.  

The next few blog entries will be about my travels to Rome. The memories of Rome have been itching to get out of me and to be shared with the world. 

 

Just outside of our apartment in Rome

Just outside of our apartment in Rome

A Walk Through Sunny Manchester

I've basically been the luckiest Manchester traveler ever. Since I've gotten here, it's been sunny almost 100% of the time, and absolutely NO RAIN! The California Girl in me absolutely loves it, but the world traveler in me is craving some cozy British rain. I know I'll get some at some point this summer. 

I've taken several walks throughout central Manchester the last few days. It's easy when it's at your doorstep. Jack's flat is just 10 minutes away from the Manchester Town Hall, which is absolutely beautiful. Take a look for yourself!

Manchester and the World Cup Semi-Finals

The sun is still out, rumors are still circling that IKEA has nearly been destroyed, and Manchester is as booming as ever. I couldn't be living in a more exciting time in Manchester.. probably even more exciting than the industrial revolution. Why? Because Manqunians go absolutely mad for the World Cup and I love it! It's a pretty big deal that England is still in the running. They haven't won the World Cup since 1966 and haven't been in the semi-finals since 1990 (that's before my boyfriend or I were even born...!). 

That being said, I'm extremely excited to head down to the bar this evening beneath our flat and cheer on England. I know it's going to be more intense than the last game by far (England v. Sweden) where every near-shot,  multiple pints went up in the air. By the end of the night, there was possibly more beer on the floor and ceiling in the bar than consumed on a Friday night at my California university. 

And for the IKEA comment earlier -- after the England win on Saturday, rowdy, drunken Englishmen evidently flocked to IKEA to tear it apart to celebrate the victory against Sweden. (Interesting choice, Gents... that $20 table will feel the wrath of the loss unlike anything else...)

There's something the pub experience which doesn't exist in Silicon Valley; there's so much unity at a bar, which I feel like we only achieve as Americans on the Fourth of July at our local block party. If you go downstairs, however, it's like 50 new besties who you can see every Friday night and come together over something as simple as the weather or football (English football, that is.).

Win or loss, I know the experience will bring memories which will last a lifetime. England's already made history - but I sure hope they make it to the finals! GO ENGLAND!

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Manchester Cathedral

I think the best way of getting to know a new city is by getting lost inside of it. I came across the beautiful gothic-style Manchester Cathedral, which was constructed in the late 1400's. (We don't have any buildings  near that old in America, especially California, so it's always exciting to see old architecture!). While in the gorgeous building, I was hit with nostalgia when about 40 school children were walking about getting a tour of the building and receiving a coloring book to decorate the murals inside the cathedral to their own liking. I don't know much about Manchester history, but I do know that it was bombed twice - once due to a German bomb in 1940 and the second time (June 1996) by the Irish Republican Army. Thanks to Wikipedia for giving me some quick information while standing inside a relic holding so much history!

Anyway, below are some pictures which fail to capture the beauty that is inside. It looked like they were doing some repairs on the stonework beneath our feet.