Saw the Pope, got punched and then hit on at St. Peters

What a day! So, it started off with some confusion where to go at the Vatican to get into the Museum. I was with a brother and sister from New Zealand and we eventually found the 2 hour line-up to the Vatican Museum. As we were waiting the POPE HIMSELF drove by in a motorcade and there were all of these helicopters and tv crews. As we were standing in line, a German lady just punched me on the hip for no reason! I turned around and as sweet as can be said... 'please don't do that, it isn't very nice'...while I don't think she knew what I was saying, she could tell my tone of voice. Seriously, who punches someone in line to the VATICAN!

The museum was unbelievable. So much wealth and beauty, it is really breath taking. Following that, we decided the line for St. Peter's was too long so we went on a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto and over to Trastevere. It was pretty remarkable to see the contrast of the riches of the Vatican to the most run down area in the city. Trastevere is very medieval and was really beautifully lit up for the holidays. We had dinner there then headed back to St. Peters.

We were so fortunate to see a Sunday mass! I snuck into the parisheners' area and watched part of the sermon. From there I asked the guards who the Cardinal was performing the sermon and proceded to get hit on at St. Peter's -- the most holy Church in the world. I think it is a good story for the books! The three of us then left to return to the hostel to rest our tired feet. What a great day -- the Pope, a crazy German woman and a guard at the Vatican....something to write home about!

Scooters, gelato and stylistas

So, I landed down in Rome last night and made my way to the hostel. While not the most glamorous place in the world, it is much better than I expected and have already met a lot of great people-- including a girl from Vancouver -- random!

The weather today was a bit of everything -- rain, sun, take your pick. I made my start at 8.30 and covered a lot of ground for ten hours total! I saw a lot - many many churches, Plazza Navona, Campo di Fiore, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, Via Condotti (high end shopping street) etc. Had some fabulous gelato and bought some pasta and wine to make at the hostel. It got back just before the rain set in again.

Tomorrow is the Vatican and Trastevere.............I will post pictures soon!

Rain, rain, go away.......

So, I thought I was going to be getting away from December in Vancouver -- translation, RAIN in Vancouver!  It is supposed to be NOTHING BUT RAIN for the next 10 days in Rome.  My aunt has been so wonderful and has found all these great evening walking tours, but who knows if I'll be in the middle of a downpour.  How frustrating.

One more sleep...can't wait!

Mix one part Expedia, one part Facebook...

So, I am very taken with www.hostelworld.com.  This is an unbelievable site.  Try combining a travel booking site with a social networking site and there you have it.  It allows you to make friends and find out where others are traveling.  It allows you to view recent reviews (like, from yesterday) and see what the hostel is like in the same month as your travel.  I love it.  While I am careful with my settings and do not have any of my information public, I am going to do a little test and see who I can find in my destined locations when I arrive.  Consider this a social networking travel experiment. 

Planning a solo trip

So, it has been six days since I decided that I would venture to Europe by myself.  I've had a lot of people tell me how proud they are of me and some sharing their concerns about my safety and happiness, but I know that this is something that I have to do for myself.  It will put closure on a postponed trip that is laced with a lot of heartache.  It will allow me to do some soul searching while exploring another culture and history.  More than anything it will let me prove to myself that I can do this...that I am a strong woman and one who can overcome anything.  I hope to meet people along the way, pick up some basic Italian/Spanish and just revel in the marvels of history. 

The only sad part of my planning is to read about all the romantic b&bs, sensational restaurants and places to see with a loved one.  Traveling by myself I also don't get to experience the nightlife and comfort of being with a friend.  Really this is just me fending for myself and learning along the way.  Where there is fear there is excitement; where there is trepidation there is wonder.  Europe...I am yours for the taking.