Italy Day 11 - Roma in the Rain

I did it! I visited Rome alone. I made great memories and it's a good thing I like reading maps. I checked off some of the items on my must-see list, I hugged a random guy, I wandered through ancient ruins, and I tossed a coin in Trevi Fountain. I got up at 5:30 a.m. in order to catch an early train, which turned out to be an hour late; a long day, but I'm really glad I went.


I ended up waiting in line for about twenty minutes to get into the Colosseum and when I reached the ticket counter I was told they only accept cash. Would have been nice if they had posted that fact somewhere near the entrance! I was really irritated but I had to just laugh about it or I'd get really upset at the delay. An English speaking tour guide told me where I could find a cash point. I tried going where he suggested but their connection was down so no cash. I was directed to another place a few blocks away and was surprised by being treated to views of the Foro di Traiano along the way – ruins featuring the pillars and tumbled-down blocks of marble I've only seen in history books. I also walked past the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II. I don't know the significance but I recognized the sculptures on the roof and it was another surreal moment.


When I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum in London in November I visited an area with plaster casts of famous sculptures. I noted Trajan's Column with scenes sculpted in a spiral. I remember admiring it for a while and thinking how crazy it would be to see it in real life. After I finally found a cash machine I turned to head back to the Colosseum and my jaw dropped to realize that Trajan's Column was right in front of me. It must make God smile to delight us with moments like that.

A portion of Trajan's Column.

Later in the day I stumbled upon the Column of Marcus Aurelius, similar in design to Trajan's Column.

Column of Marcus Aurelius, built on this site in 193 AD.

I enjoyed visiting the Colosseum but I've heard so much about it and seen so many pictures that I didn't find it awe-inspiring or surprising. It's still one of those things you just have to see in person when you're in Rome. The part I did love was wandering through the ruins of the Roman Forum.

A view from the upper level of the Colosseum.
To the left is the Arch of Constantino.
The road leading away is the Via Sacra leading to the Roman Forum.

Detail in the Arch of Constantino.

Rome and the ruins of the Roman Forum.
The big, white building in the background with dark statues on top is the Monument to Vittorio Emmanuele II.

Temple of Antoninus and Faustina.

I love the little details found in the piles of rubble.

The Roman Forum.

I had seen a group of about eight people wandering around who appeared to be around college age – seemed like an eclectic mixture of people. I saw one of the guys taking a photo of the rest of the group so I stopped and asked if he was with them and if they wanted a photo with all of them together. As I was getting ready to take the photo I asked where they were from. Turns out their group was made up of three smaller groups of friends that met at the Roman Forum and decided to wander around together. The guy who had been taking the photo said he was from Vancouver, British Columbia. I lowered the camera and excitedly exclaimed, “Really? Okay, I'm sorry, I need a hug,” and ran up to him and he just laughed and gave me a hug as he asked, “Where are you from?” It was so fun to meet somebody from back home! I've been so lonely lately and hearing that someone was from Vancouver made me lose my head. Anton was really friendly and we chatted for a little while. Yeah, I wonder why... some random girl throwing herself at him, little realizing how old I am and how out of character it was for me. When I passed them a few minutes later he called out my name and when I turned he was holding up his camera so I gave him a smile. Oh yeah... I'll be remembered as the random chick who hugged him in Rome... good times!

I heard that Piazza Navona was worth a visit so that was my next stop since I had run out of time to visit the Vatican because they close early in the winter (although I did see the dome of St. Peter's from a hill at the ruins). By this time it was pouring rain. My jeans were soaked almost to my knees, my feet were starting to feel damp, and my umbrella was letting an occasional drip of water through but I didn't care. I loved splashing along the sidewalks and seeing the raindrops splatter on the marble stairs. I loved thinking about how crazy it was that I was actually in Rome. The rain is a hassle for taking photos but I managed to get the shots I wanted and the overcast sky provided good light.

Piazza Navona is lined with beautiful buildings and restaurants – the kind of place that would be good for people-watching with a hot drink when the weather is clear. The Romans originally used the space as a competition arena. There were a couple of large fountains and I liked the absurdity of the one with children subduing sea creatures.

Fontana del Moro.

Fontana di Netuna.

Fontana di Netuna.

Next stop was the Pantheon. The day was almost done so I didn't stay long.

The Pantheon.

Interior of the Pantheon.

Columns at the entrance of the Pantheon.

Yes, it's true. They're everywhere.

The final stop for my day in Rome was the Fontana di Trevi – the huge fountain where standing with your back to the water and tossing a coin over your shoulder is supposed to ensure that you'll return to the Rome some day. Although I give no credit to the idea, I had to participate in the tradition. It's something I've wanted to do since I watched Three Coins in the Fountain when I was a teenager.

Trevi Fountain.

Trevi Fountain detail.

The coin I tossed in Trevi Fountain.

A woman around my age came up and asked me to take a photo of her and we started chatting. She's from Argentina and just finished spending a month travelling with a friend and now she's on her own for a month. So great to finally meet another girl travelling alone! We visited for about twenty minutes in front of the fountain. It was a good end to a very long, exhausting, incredible day.

The delayed train to Rome and the Colosseum only accepting cash made me miss out on seeing the Sistine Chapel, I place I really wanted to see. I'll have to save Saint Peter's and the Vatican Museum for another trip. I've seen enough of Rome that I'm content for this trip, but I really hope I can go back again some day. There are more things I want to see and the entire city is like a living museum begging to be explored.