Roma--Monday

Monday:

• I took the metro to San Giovanni Laterano (a gorgeous cathedral in the Southeast corner of Roma) and I was asked politely to leave (in italiano) because I was wearing a tube top...oops! She looked quite appalled with me but I apologized, went back to the hostel, changed, and journeyed back.
• On the way back to San Giovanni, I went to Santa Maria Maggiore.....beautiful, very unassuming cathedral that was absolutely astonishing from the inside.
• After wandering around San Giovanni, I went to the Colosseum and ate at Trattoria Luzzi...my server asked me out on a dinner date and I politely accepted.
• I headed back to the hostel to change and get ready. He took me to get a drink and then dinner across the street from the Colosseum. The Colosseum is one of the most breathtaking buildings during the day and even more so at night. The lights accent the ancient arches and make the building glow.

I had an amazing second day in Roma. I enjoyed wandering around on my own, meeting new people and getting a free meal :)

Roma Trip--Sunday

Sunday:

• Arrived to Roma and taxied to my hostel--super nice cab driver that was friendly and quite the chatty pants....made the 40 minute drive go quicker
• Relaxed, ate some food at a not so great restaurant, and saw many fashion faux paux....crop tops are NOT in....someone should inform some of these men around Roma
• Took metro with Jeff (my bunkmate) to Piazza del Popolo and walked down to the Spanish Steps....gorgeous views all around of Rome...sat on the steps and drank beer and talked for a while...Jeff is a seasoned traveler at the age of 18...this kid has seen more in two years than people will see in a lifetime...I admired his ability to carry on a conversation about any topic (politics, religion, literature, music, etc) and his intellect...great kid
• Headed back to the hostel to drink with everyone and then headed to Fiddler's Elbow (Irish pub down the street from the hostel) and then went to another bar to dance

All in all, Sunday was a great welcome into Roma. I loved the people at the hostel and the hustle and bustle of the big city. The hostel was the greatest for most people but I really enjoyed it. I think it was not what I imagined but then again, I have no basis of comparison. I loved it!

Saturday in London....

Okay, I know I'm lagging big time so in order to make up, I am going to do more of a list of cool sights and events that have happened....easier to read for you and easier for the laziness in me to type :)

On Saturday in London:

• Saint Paul's cathedral
• Millennium Bridge
• Tate Museum--they are doing a really cool exhibition of Street Art that we did not have time to see so I plan to go back when I'm in Oxford...Kristal, you'd love it!
• Borough Market--ate at Fish! Restaurant and had my very first Fish and Chips in the UK....SOOO tasty!...also, fell in love with my first Englishman...he was only 14 months but it was love I tell ya.
• Southbank...delicious beers and a deejay spinning on the "beach"....it was awesome!
• Saw the outside of Big Ben and House of Parliament

The day ended with a long journey home but I got to meet some more of my sister's friends who were warm people and great conversationalist. I really enjoyed my day with my sister and Mel...along with the bangers and mash that Stef and I had waiting for us at home made by the wonderful James (thanks James!). I cannot wait to go back to London!

Going back in time a bit....

Weird title? Of course it is but it's the truth. I have not been very regimented with my blogging but I've been taking great pictures that I am currently uploading onto shutterfly :) ...soo it's been a long wait but it will be worth it.

So....going back to last Friday, my sister and I did a fun trip through classic London sites. We went over to Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guards. It was great...very "Disney" like. After that, we walked along the palace walls and that's when I saw Prince Charming. It was magical, to say the least! I saw him, he saw me, I took a picture ...sooo touristy of me....and then I waved, he waved back....and then we got married, had babies, and lived happily ever after :) hahaha I wish but really, he was being driven in a carriage. It was awesome.

After my run in with my future hubby with rich lines of royalty flowing through his veins, my sister and I traversed the plains of Hyde Park and visited Princess Diana's memorial. The memorial was simple, a ring of concrete with water flowing through it and a few bridges to walk into the center. Not until we walked around the memorial and really took it in, did we notice it's subtle intricacies that can get lost in its simplicity. At parts the water flowed freely and smoothly and at other times the water was turbulent and it struggled to survive the treacherous times. The statue reperested that constant ebb and flow....we all have our rough times and our smooth times and the continuous flow and flux ...name that literature period that talked about the constant flux of things and I'll give you a HUGE hug :).....overall, I would have liked to see more roses at the memorial but it was beautiful, simple, and a nice tribute to an amazing woman.

After the memorial, we headed over to do brass rubbings at the oldest church in London, All Hallows. I picked a classic brass rubbing (Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus). It was a relaxing experience and the couriers there were quite interesting. After brass rubbing and lunch, we headed to Nottinghill and I absolutely fell in love with the place. Adorable, lots of fun people, cute street vendors, and I got to spend some time with my sister's friends. James, Stephani, Paul, Juliet, and I had a few pints and some great conversations. They were a great couple with lots of energy and fun to talk to about anything and everything. Her friend Juliet even called me out on being a Virgo! Haha..it was great.

All in all, Friday was a great day! Lots of walking, site seeing, and a few pints here and there.

Cheers!