Rome - 4-7 May

So I'm now on the 540am train to Napoli (Naples) reminiscing about Roma (Rome).

Too be honest in some ways I was disappointed. I've heard and seen so much about Rome from other travelers and movies that I had built up an expectation as what it would be which is something I try really hard not to do when traveling!

I think what surprised me is that I felt comfortable straight away ... It wasn't foreign as I hoped but felt like I was in Melbourne, as where I was staying in Esquilino the people, buildings and trams looked the same!

The problem only came when it was time to order food and I had no idea what to ask for and note not everyone spoke English - in fact the places I ate there were quite few!

Of course the ruins were amazing - what history all in one place ... But if only I could get rid of all the bloody other tourists it would be much more enjoyable!!!

So after trying to get tips from all I managed to pull all the sight seeing off quite nicely and saw all I was interested in within 2 days!!!

Day 1 - I walked to Palatine Hill / Roman Forums to shake off the jet lag - 14 hours of flying since Singapore! When purchasing tickets I got my pass to the Colloseum here without queuing.

I enjoyed wandering the ruins of the Roman Forum but really needed a guide!!! I had an audio guide at the Colloseum (I bought a ticket off an Australian girl who wasn't going to use hers). The Colloseum was beautiful and especially loved admiring it from the outside.

Day 2 - I caught the train (easy & 1.50€) to the Vatican Museum and bypassed the line with my pre-booked ticket. I upgraded my audio guide to an 8.30am tour. He gave us the tip to exit by the back right door of the Sistine Chapel straight into St Peters Bascillica. Unfortunately though it was closed til 12.30 - 1pm ish as the weekly Wednesday mass with the pope was on ... The upside was my first visit to the vacitan museums was quieter because of this! The downside was I got lost trying to find the direct bath from the cafeteria to the chapel so had a second visit which was hell (tehe). I got stuck in horrible squishy crowds doing the museums again for 45 minutes!!!

The door to the Bascillica was now open and went straight to the cuppola for amazing views. When I left the Bascillica the queues were horrendous!!!

When in Rome I definitely recommend the above approach to save queuing.

In the afternoon I wandered through the streets seeing Piazza Novana and stopping in the picturesque back streets for a cafe lunch nearby, taking in the Panthenon which I loved, having an espresso at the popular Sant Eustachio cafe, seeing the renovations at the Trevi fountain (no water and covered by construction barriers!!!), then finishing at the Spanish steps.

Day 3 - Unsure what to do as I'd ticked off my 'must see' I went to purchase my ticket for Napoli (for the following day) then onto Circo Maximo by train.

Accommodation -

I loved staying with a local Marco in Esquilino. He met me at Termini the first day and gave me a good orientation of his neighbourhood. It was great to see how he lived, and hear what was going on in his life and to come home to him with all my questions about what I was seeing and doing!!!

I highly recommend this over a hotel experience anytime!

Eating -

Being that I have a mild allergy to wheat and dairy - Italian is the worst choice for me!!!! Lucky it's just bloating, water retention and indigestion but really not fun!!!

Food is such a part of the experience though that I've eaten whatever looks good! So far that's included - chocolate croissants, pasta, pizza you pay for by the slice, gelato.

To be honest though I thought the food would taste better!!! The croissants have not been that fresh (give me Le Bon Choix on race course road any day!), the pizza chewy, the pasta lacking flavor, the ice cream more water based?

I think there is better food to be had than what I've experienced so look forward to finding it!

Dangers and annoyances (& other noteworthy items!) -

Blisters - After bringing crappy sneakers cause I thought I'd find cheap ones in Singapore (which I didn't), I've managed to end up with blisters from all the walking!!!

Men - I love the cat calling, the 'bellisimo' whispered as you walk past, I even don't mind the staring! But I don't like the ones that came up to me at the sights, tried to get me comfortable then suggested we go somewhere. Those ones (it happened twice) made me nervous!

Sirens - I swear someone is having an emergency every couple of minutes!!! The upside is they sound like the movies which makes me smile! :-)

Crowded metro - You literally have to walk up to a wall of people in the doorway of the train and push yourself into it or you won't get on!!! I did actually like it though as felt like a local experience! The trains are also super easy to navigate so a great way to get around.

Temperature - I checked before I left and averages were to be 23 degrees max which to me is cold!!! Instead I arrive and its 33 degrees!!! It wasn't as humid as Brisbane but still hot and I really didn't pack the best for that. Here's hoping it will still be warm for sailing in Croatia!

Seagulls - Who would have thought you'd find them in the eternal city!!! Marco told me the coast is maybe 30km away but they come for the trash!