Rome, Part I

Let’s get the unplesantries out of the way first shall we? One major annoyance happened on this trip, and one major disaster happened. The annoyance, being that unfortunately, I came into contact with some of the rudest, most self-centred people I have ever met in my life. Someone please tell me that not all Romans are like this, but I was pushed, shoved, shouted at, ignored and even called a Son-of-a-bitch by some fucking idiot who thought I’d stolen her shitty umbrella, when actually, I was returning it after it got caught on my friend’s bag in the Metro. The disaster, was that during an horrendous downpour on Sunday, my camera and lens got wet, and now will not work. It’s insured, but please, I would much appreciate some good thoughts whilst it attempts to dry out.

Now, onto the fun bits! Seeing as how our flight was at 06:50 in the a.m, it was necessary for us to leave the night before; Which was fine, because it meant that we got to play catch in an empty airport, using tiny facial wipes in plastic balls, which I bought from a machine in the toilets.

Budget Hostel, means budget location. The first few hours of our stay had gotten us kind of worried. Graffiti, traffic, backstreets, it wasn’t looking good; Then I opened our apartment window and realised, that Roma’s magic reaches out as far as these private and soothingly painted hotels and bars.

OK. So it’s 1:00pm, we’ve been in Rome for a couple of hours - What are we going to do? Coffee and Pastries sounds good, let’s do that. Oh, wait, we’re in Rome’s Ghetto, this could take some exploration. So, off we set in search of caffeine and sugar. Upon discovery of a nice looking place on the corner of someplace I have no idea where, I decided against doing the typical “I’m English, so I’ll just point at what I want” thing. Instead, I wracked my brain for the name of any of the things I could see in front of me. Not pictured (well, it’s in the corner) is the Palmier I eventually blurted out. Pictured here, is Tom’s sickenly over-the-top sweet Caramel Tart. Already, I was getting wound up about Gelato - What if it’s all gone!? We need to go! People are eating it right now! I needn’t have worried though, because it soon became clear, that with the sheer amount of stretchy frozen dairy on sale throughout Rome’s old-town, we were in need of a rule; We decided, that in order for money to change hands, the Gelato behind the counter must be “billowing” - That is, fluffed and ruffling out of it’s container, or at least, partly, some prior scoopage was acceptable.

…Notice, apart from how shocked and awestruck Tom looks, how the Gelato in the counter behind, is billowing into fluffy mounds. Paddles were also a necessity. An Ice cream scoops meant hard, nasty stuff…

I never once asked for a cone; Why risk spillage and poor structural integrity, when most places shove a miniature cone in your cup anyway?

I kept a mental diary of the flavours I had each day, because I’m just that sad: (Days 1-3 now. 4-6 next)

Day 1: Pistachio; Hazelnut and Cherry

Day 2: Licorice; Chestnut; Strawberry and Zabaglione

Day 3 Rum & Raisin; Nutella; Vanilla and Coffee

Our first attraction, was the Colosseum. I’m no Gladiator, I couldn’t even begin to imagine how the Romans even built this thing, so I’m not going to do a running commentary - Just look.

Lovely, isn’t it? It’s just a shame that there are so many bloody railings and metal grids all over the place. I know people like to see it at night, but for God sake, garden lights amongst the stands, with cables and switches all over the place?

There was a film crew outside when we passed this magnificent building the second time around. Apparently, you’ll be seeing some action from there in the near future, so, keep an eye out.

…If you hadn’t already guessed, I’m on the right, and no, I’m not some kind of miniature child - I’m sat considerably further back than the two ladies (Sim, left and Leanne, middle), although I am quite space-efficient, lol…

Our next stop, was the Spanish Steps and legendary shopping street ‘Via Del Corso’. Oh, we made many a desparate sound in the shops around these parts: Armani, Versace, Diesel, Energie, Adidas, Puma, Levi’s to name a few - If only I had more money, things would be so much more sexy. I did manage a jacket at €129.99 however, which I thought was kinda snazzy. (Yes, I said snazzy, look it up.)

…Spot the Roman helmet in the photo above this one, and that’s where they were selling these ethereal-smelling Chestnuts…

Well, that’s where I’m leaving this half. We got lunch nearby, but I’ll start with that next time. Hope my rantings aren’t putting you off going - There are C***s wherever you go, unfortunately.

~ by gkbloodsugar on March 25, 2008.