The Recap: Rome to Siena

Good thing Marco took me by scooter to Rome yesterday; he doesn't know his buses very well and sent me in the wrong direction this morning. It's ok --- bus eventually goes to Laurentina Station. Really crossing my fingers that this goes as smoothly and cheaply as I wish it to. But, heck, I got on the wrong train going into Rome, why should it be easy? Here we go.

Side note:

Language barrier = I bought sparkling water --- not my favorite but glad no after taste.

Getting to Siena by bus at dumpy Tiburtina Station in Rome -- 3 hours and 20 euro

The Recap: Rome in a Day June 10

Even though I got lost a couple times, sweat my butt off, Rome in a day was pretty successful. I didn't go into the Colesseum or Forum, but didn't feel like I needed to.

Like I imagined, I fell in love with the Pantheon. It boggles my mind how these masterpieces were built in the time they were. Further, that they still stand. So awesome. Of course, I had chocolate gelato next to the Trevi Fountain. YUM! I actually really enjoyed getting lost around that area...until I got hot and hungry :)

No pickpocketing visible, thank goodness...only one old paranoid couple, "Stay away from him, honey, pick pockets!!!" --- A guy was trying to sell them vacation tour tickets -- i.e. heckler, not thief.

Ready for BBQ tonight with Marco and his couch surfer friends. He is honored to be my 1st couch host --- I am too. Marco is super nice, not to mention I got another scooter ride into the city. Scary! But, invigorating! I don't know how they do it!

------Before I forget:

Or, maybe, I won't really. Lucano, Lithuanian Girls, Salchichas, and Italian Men = Good Company. Plus, I didn't have to say much because the girls spoke Lithuanian and the guys Italian. I sipped Lucano and smiled. The Italians thought it was weird when I said I never had sausage for dinner, but breakfast. Italians think Americans crazy. Maybe we are. Why am I writing in broken English? Ah, Lucano :)

The Recap: June 10 - Arrival in Rome

Of course I would start off my trip in Rome by getting on the wrong train that didn't even go to Termini Station (Central station in Rome). While the guy at the airport was helpful at showing my "how" to get my ticket, I was the one who should've clarified the correct train.

Disaster averted when two gay, Italian saviors allowed me to share their cab and directed me to Termini Station. Damian and Iliad -- I'll probably never see you again, but I am indebted to your kindness.

My couchsurfing friend, Marco, is also a Saint for picking me up at 1AM! Guess What?! He drives a scooter :) My 1st night in Rome and I already got to experience the thrill of the wind in my hair, sitting behind a cute Italiano boy, motoring through the city.

It's an awesome way to end the night and I can't wait to take a shower!

The Recap : Starting with "One the Plane"

I watched the sunset in West L.A. from my window seat to London.

"See you in two weeks."

My layover in Heathrow is long, especially in these uncomfortable chairs. I paid 50 pounds for a banana from Starbucks, oof! I should've gotten a bigger banana.

Back Safe from Europa

Over the next few weeks I will be posting some of the highlight journal entries from my trip into the blog. I was originally planning not to do this because of lack of time or whatever excuse I could come up with, but ultimately decided it will be a fun way to recap my trip and share my experience for other travelers that happen across the entries.

Traveling solo and couchsurfing has made me even more grateful for the kindness and goodness of others. My dad still thought I was too naive, and I know I'm his daughter and he's worried. Yes, people dressed nicely can still be ax murderers. But, it's instinct and gut, and I never approached anyone that looked whack. Anyway, I had an amazing time traveling solo and I recommend it all the way. As a caveat, do your research.

Journal entries to come soon!