Roma Pt. II

Will and I spent our last day together exploring the Roman Forum again. It turns out that they only let you in once even if you have a 48-hour ticket…but we sweet talked our way in. Well, I wouldn’t call it sweet talking, but we asked really nicely and the lady said “Don’t get caught” essentially.

We found Julius Caesar’s resting place and admired some of the pillars. Look at that marbling on the marble! I’ll admit that Caesar’s resting place was not what I’d expected. It’s very plain. But what can you expect after a couple thousand years!

There was a museum in one of the old temples showcasing images of the Forum from 1600-1900. It’s interesting to note how many of the structures were buried to allow for grazing sheep and cattle. Many of the images showed the Forum fairly empty and often filled with people. Around the 1700s, more people became obsessed with ancient Rome and traveled to visit the site. And by the 1800s, folks began archaeological digs of the area. We really enjoyed the Forum!

Near the end of the day, Will and I got our picture taken by a couple from Paris. Merci! The guy really liked this picture, so I’ll use it. I appreciated the opportunity to ask them to take our photo in French. I haven’t spoken any French while in Italy. What I wanted to say felt natural and seemed to flow, even if they automatically replied in English. Honestly, it’s probably best. But I’m working to better my comprehension skills.

This was taken next to the Forum on Palatine Hill. We had gotten on each other’s nerves periodically. But overall, we were happy to be in Rome together. Will’s working on his “soft smile” as he calls it. Nice work, kid!

We had dinner at Hosteria Grappolo d’oro. On their menu was the option for a three-course meal of $34 for each person. I figured that was a good bargain, especially in Rome.

We both got a taste of three appetizers. On the right is a tomato and bread combination that was sweet. All of these had a tuna-like texture. On top of the tomato/bread was an olive, a nasty surprise for me. I should have figured, but it didn’t look like any olives I’d seen before.

For pasta, I had Spaghetti alla Carbonara. The pasta was very much al dente, which some people may find unappetizing. It was covered in pecorino cheese. The bacon bits were a bit salty for me, but the pasta tasted delicious with the cheese, egg sauce, and black pepper.

Oven roasted lamb with potatoes was my meat course. This was tender; the meat fell of the bones and no knife was needed. The potatoes were perfect: crunchy outside, soft inside. The lamb melted in my mouth. If you had been there, I’d be found leaning against the wall in quiet appreciation of life.

Finally, for dessert was a ricotta based creme with candied fruit, mostly oranges. This was rich, especially the fruit. Every bite was a trip to Candy Land.

The food was amazing here, but Will and I didn’t experience the initial friendliness we’d had from other places. The waiter took our orders and practically snatched the menus from us. After that, we had a different server. So, take that however you wish. Will and I enjoyed the meal.

With Will gone, I’m back to solo travelin’ for a bit. It will take some time to adjust. I’m taking a day to rest and make plans for my next steps. I have three days (including this rest day) in Rome. I’d like to see Pompeii one day. And then it’s off to Germany (see you soon, Sarah, Chris, and Caleb)!

I’ve never said this publicly… One of my first crushes in elementary school was the reconstructed face of a girl who was buried in the ash. I’m finally gonna meet her! ;) But I’m seriously curious to explore the city of Pompeii and hope Vesuvius doesn’t have any urges while I’m there. Oh, and I gotta eat pizza from Naples!

Today, I’m feeling extra grateful for my opportunity to travel. I’ve wanted to explore the world since I was young. I wanted to see history, eat wonderful food, and experience new cultures. Oh, and learn languages! Thus far, I’ve succeeded at all of these things. I’m certainly not fluent in French or Italian, but I can at least get by, more so in French. So, while I’m thankful every day for this trip, today I’m feeling extra appreciative. And tired. I’m tired too!

Safe travels home, Will!