First Day and then on to the Hostel

Upon arrival, I was lucky to be able to hitch a ride on the free bus and did not have to schlep my junk, find the train and spend 12e on it, walk way far to the hotel or immediately have to figure out the Metro (with bags). BF was waiting at the curb. I freshened up quickly as we had landed a bit late and we set out for my first day in Rome.

Walking down what must surely be one of the seven hills through the swank Via Veneto neighborhood, my first site was Trevi fountain.  Ok, I admit it. I must be really clueless because I didn't realize that the thing wasn't round. I had forgotten? Did I even SEE Roman Holiday?  Good thing its not round. Just wouldn't be same. Although, if it WAS round, we could get even MORE tourists around it. The fact that I captured this photo with no one throwing money in is simply amazing. Uh oh. I just realized that I was by this gem at least three times and never threw the coins in (I hear it's really two coins, not three). Does that mean I won't get back? Hope not....

Being the extreme planner that I am, I had a spreadsheet. Days, opening times, cost, metro stops. No surprise there. But the late-ish start and that whole, "oh I don't know what do you want to do" people pleasing thing I sometimes do got us off to a slower sightseeing start. Didn't go in a darn "must do" that day.

I did manage to get the lay of the land though. We made it around the main old town where the Colosseum and the Forum are located.

Deciding that it would be good idea to check out what I would later refer to as "my neighborhood" and to see if there was an easier way for me to get there the next day, I did a Rick Steves audio tour on the Trastereve area, literally "beyond the Tiber".  It's a wonderful neighborhood, cobblestone streets (which will get old, I admit) and medieval houses. Somewhat quiet during the day and lively at night.

Winding my way through, past Basilica Santa Maria and it's piazza, I knew that I had made the right choice, at least in the location for my "alone time".  Wasn't so sure yet on the hostel.  So after finishing the relatively short tour and time spent at the unexpectedly lovely Basilica, we found our way down Via della Scala to Via della Lungara to the Casa Internazionale delle Donne which houses the Orsa Maggiore women-only hostel.

It took a minute to find the way into the inner courtyard, up the small elevator and down the hall to the gal doing her shift as receptionist. She was quite friendly, told me the best bus to take and gave me the quick tour.

Walking back to the heart of the city I of course found a pub - The Abbey Theatre - one that a friend had been too on many past occasions. My first drink in roma was naturally a Guinness. Caprese salad was delish.

Rounded out the night at a place called Borticello's, which is a somewhat popular hang out near Piazza Navona. It's owned by a guy named Giovanni, born in Italy but left at 16 and lived many years in the US. He moved back home and opened a great little bar/pub full of American football paraphernalia. Had a couple glasses of the house red and then wandered to a restaurant not far. uys. A shared carafe of wine and a bowl of (not shared) Spaghetti Carbonara. I admit to never having this dish in the states but it seemed somehow like the best choice. Oh my. What have I been missing? A sauce based on bacon, cheese, eggs and black pepper? It's almost better than breakfast.

We started the long hike back up the hill to the hotel, stopping for a nighttime photo op at Trevi and a gelato. I stupidly didn't partake.

The next morning I packed up at the hotel and set out for the walk to the hostel. I had decided to not take the bus with my luggage as I hadn't given it a trial run but when I walked out the door and looked around, I had completely forgot all that was told to me direction-wise and felt completely confused. All I saw was a slightly familiar park, the northern city walls and an intersection which seemed impossible to cross. So, I did what any budget traveler would do. I called a taxi. Only 13.50e and well worth it.

The place wasn't bad at all. More later on that.