We finally arrived and checked into our hostel. Apparently our hostel is known for spaghetti parties and free wine and sangria on the roof top. So we dropped off our things and made our way to the roof where we meet some Russians and we became fast friends over a bottle of vino.

Day 1 …
We deiced to purchase a Roma pass that included transportation on the metro and free, or discounted museums. The Roman metro is pretty easy.

We went to the Vatican and tried to go to the Vatican museum….but the line was around the block, we nixed that idea and went into St. Peter’s. I had forgotten how big the church really is. The last time I was in Rome was 11 years ago (I mentioned earlier it was 9, but no it’s 11…damn I feel old) . Peter was quite impressed. One thing I missed the last time I was here was the statue of St. Peter. People waited in line to rub his foot for good luck. Pretty funny if you ask me.

Next we went to the colosseum which again I had to be reminded that it’s 2,000 years old. I never actually made it in the colosseum last time I was in Rome, so this time we paid to go in. After the colosseum we went to the cappuccino crypt (bones of more than 4,000 monks are decorated in eerie ways), the Pantheon (which I would love to stand in the next time it rains, there’s an opening on the ceiling that lets rain in, 4 drains exist on the ground level). We then stopped at the Trevi fountain and then some church close by. Some many churches exist here. I think we got lost at one point (of course) and we tasted some gelato and made it back to the hostel for the spaghetti party.

Ok so seriously this hostel rocks. Free pasta and they bring out a big vat of vino and a big vat of sangria. Our Russian friends joined us and also a new older man named Kevin. He turned out to be an American studying for the priest hood here in Rome. He’s almost done, but isn’t sure what parish he will be able to reside in. He became pretty preachy as the night went on and I had to bring up the issue with gay marriage with him and I seemed to open the can of worms so to say. People started to get upset because he monopolized the night with religious preaching, but he was nice. He gave me a holy medal to wear. He says I owe it to myself to be reacquainted with the Catholic religion. Hmmm.

I was up all night blowing my nose. I think the neighbors hate me; I think Peter is getting use to it.

Eli