On day 3 we packed up our backpacks and took a train through the countryside to Pompeii. It was once a thriving city in the bay of Naples with elaborate villas, small factories, artisan shops, taverns, cafes, brothels, and bathhouses. The catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD completely blanketed Pompeii in volcanic ash.
Italy Trip ||Day 2 – Part 2: Rome
After spending most of the morning inside the Vatican, we decided that we would take a bus to Trastevere. We wandered around an underground bus station and since no busses showed up and there were no people around, we decided that it must have been abandoned. It was bizarre. Just below the bustling cobblestone streets was this empty, eerie place that felt like a scene from a horror movie.
“Let’s just walk,” I said. After all, we had a map and 4 college degrees. What could go wrong? Well, the map failed to indicate numerous dead end streets leading us down street after street with no outlet. So eventually we gave up on the map and followed our instincts.
Italy Trip ||Day 2 – Part 1: Rome
We started our second day in Rome by taking the Metro to Vatican City. Thanks to some tips from friends and family we bought tickets online before arriving to avoid the crowds. We arrived at 8:00 am and there was already a line wrapped around the building. Since we bought tickets beforehand, we went right in. There were so many things to see that I could not describe them all if I tried. Here, I will let the pictures tell the story. Taking pictures, specifically in the Sistine Chapel, was not allowed. So whether I took the photos below you will never know.
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Italy Trip || Day 1: Rome
In May, Kevin graduated from pharmacy school. We decided that his graduation was a great excuse to celebrate by taking a trip. After all, I do have that 5 passport stamps rule.
We arrived in Rome on a Monday morning. From the airport we took a train to the Roma Termini, the main railway station in Rome, and walked to our bed and breakfast. We used airbnb to book our room, and we could not have been more pleased. The building was centrally located, the room was well decorated, and our host was very friendly (he kept calling Kevin my boyfriend….I’m hoping it is because we look too young to be married).
My 5 Passport Stamps Rule
“I want five stamps on my passport before we even start thinking about having kids.” This is first thing I said to my now husband after he proposed. Well, not quite the first thing, but pretty close. This “rule” of mine sounds simple but it has a few stipulations: [Read more…]