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11 - 13 June : When In Rome

Do As A Tourist Would Do

Trippin'.
Often called the Eternal City, Rome is my vote for Europe's most beautiful city, largely in part for its uninterrupted history and architecture that's remained unchanged throughout the centuries. And for that, we are forever appreciative to have the opportunity to roam Rome; it's as close to eternal as it gets.

Our hostel, Alessandro, is walking distance from Termini train station. We had to lug our backpacks up millions of flights of stairs. Our room, which we shared with 2 others, was extremely comfortable.
Best way to get around town is via their underground metro. It gets really crowded so I was hanging on to my belongings for dear life. We hit up the Coliseum and the Forum late in the day near closing hours to avoid lines and crowds. Practically had the place to ourselves. Afterward, we went on over to the Pantheon before retreating to Piazza Navona for the evening.

In search of the perfect pizza
Look no further than the renowned Pizzeria Da Baffetto. Don't be deterred by the line; this is the one line you're going to want to get in. First off, don't be fooled to order the signature pizza "Baffetto" just because it dons the legendary name. There's something seriously wrong with a pizza that has over 5 different toppings finished off with an over easy egg in the center (image to right).
However, I can officially say, our search for the perfect pizza was not left in vain, despite the disaster that was "Baffetto", we got one thing right-- the Margherita pizza-- the thinnest of the thin crust, topped with a very thin layer of tomato sauce, finished with melted mozzarella cheese. It's simplicity at its best. I would not go as far as to say my search here has ended. I love pizza too much to say that. But it's as close to perfection as it gets.
Pizzeria Da Baffetto, Via del Governo Vecchio 11, tel: 06 686 1617

The Vatican was the next day's plan-- St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Museum (Sistine Chapel). Although the line for St. Peter's was long, it went by fast. Proper attire is a must here so no sleeveless shirts or short shorts/ skirts. Note-- If you are claustrophobic, do not go up to the dome at the top of St. Peter's Basilica. The spiral narrow staircase is strenuous and once you're in, there is no turning back. As you exit the Basilica heading towards the Vatican Museum, there is a pizza shop on the way that we were fortunate to have stumbled upon. Can't remember the name but its after the overpass and two mini alley blocks to the right. We ordered and sat on mats along the front steps of the shop. One of our most memorable unplanned meals. The potato pizza was simple devine!

The line for the Vatican Museum was absolutely horrendous. By the time we got inside, we wanted out. They certainly don't make it easy to just go see the Last Judgement by Michelangelo. It's at the end of this giant corn maze. In the end, there must have been hundreds of people crammed into this warehouse- type room with no fans, no windows and no air. Don't get me wrong, it's a must to see but the experience getting there is anything but pleasant. Spent midday and late afternoon in and around the Spanish Steps. We decided to squeeze in the Trevi Fountain before calling it a night. We were told that to throw a coin over our left shoulder means you will one day return to Rome. As the saying goes, "Rome was not built in a day," and well aware that we've only scratched the surface during our two day stay, we tossed in a few extra coins to hopefully solidify our return some day soon.

Sleeping: Alessandro Palace Hostel
Attraction & Destination Checklist:
Colloseum
Pantheon
Spanish Steps
Roman Forums
Vatican City
St. Peter's Basilica
Vatican Museum
Trevi Fountain

More Photos.