Feb 11, 2025: Rome

Exhaustion is still a thing. But maybe I’m just groggy from staying in bed almost 12 hours. Did not plan for that! I compose myself enough to go find food. 

I see an alley of outdoor dining. There’s gotta be something. 

The first guy pulls me in by talking too fast for my brain to comprehend. I see a wifi sign and concede. 

It was sufficient. An omelette with bacon and cheese. It’s enough to bring me back to life. 

What next? I have over an hour before my St Peter’s tour.

Oh yes. Someone told me of the best gelato in Italy. Only a 6 minute walk away!

The flavors are all in Italian and while I feel like I’m being sarcastic ordering I ask for “caffe and Carmelo salto.”

It’s pretty delicious. 

…

Going through the Holy Door of St Peter’s

I can’t explain the feeling in words. 

these are the confessionals I mentioned yesterday. Pretty right?

My photos won’t do the basilica justice but this gives you an idea of the number of people there.

…

Tomorrow is my audience with the Pope. Ok not like MY audience but the weekly one I have a ticket for. Tickets are free but pre booked  I assume for crowd control. 

The ticket pickup spot is only 1.5 miles. Easy peasy. 

Winding through ALL the streets and back alleys I’m getting a feel for Rome. 

It’s not my favorite city. It’s just like the movies. Except no subtitles and kinda dirty. 

The monastery I got my tickets from is run my American sisters and priests. Thank You Lord! It’s a relief to speak plain English to other Americans. Mid westerners at that! 

…

Trevino Fountain

again. So. Many. People.

Then to find more food and wine. This $1 wine and $2 pizza is beyond what I can find. The streets are crowded with tourists. And tourist trap shops. 

I opted for dessert first with the Pantheon as a backdrop. Because… when in Rome!

Then went to a recommendation restaurant from my aunties. They saved me from thinking Rome is the w… not my favorite. 

Fried artichoke.

Truffle pasta.

Pistachio crusted pork with apples. And some Syrah!

Travel tip: only go to recommended restaurants. And plan ahead so you can hit the spots you want to. 

Blueberry basil liqueur. If you know where to get this. Get it. Wow!

And back to my room to finish working. The boutique hotel I’m at is on the 3rd floor of a building. This is the elevator. Or there’s marble stairs. It’s pretty old thyme-y.