Rome-ing

I wrote this on my flight from Rome to Paris

7 Hour Layover in Rome

My mini EuroTrip wraps up in a few days and I can’t help but reflect on everything I have seen, experienced, and learned in the three weeks of backpack life. 

It is funny how carrying your life on your back and shoulders will teach you about life. I mean that while walking through the many European cities and jumping off planes, cabs, buses, and trains some things have been left behind. I consider how literal this life lesson is— get rid of things that weigh you down. Simple enough. It seems so hard when it is emotional baggage, failed relationships, or any setback in life; yet, I have managed to handle it a lot better while traveling. Besides the literal sense of purging myself of things that physically weigh me down, I have had to learn to shake off mistakes, embarrassments, and let my ego go.

There are so many things we miss out on because we are worried we will make a mistake, fail, be embarrassed, or just too prideful. My motto this trip has been— ugh, get over it— you will never see these people again, and if you do— who cares! 

I wish I could say that it worked each time.

Today is a prime example of how I had to give myself a pep talk. I had an almost 7 hour layover. I had toyed with the idea of roaming the streets of Rome and reminiscing on my trip almost 15 years ago, but when I landed, I suddenly felt anxious at the idea of leaving and coming back and making my flight.

 [[ Disclaimer: I also didn’t have a fully charged phone which was keeping me from going out because SCARY! HAHA! I paid a painful 25 Euro for a stinking Apple charger— thanks Apple. I got to 47% and hit the road]]

I was feeling pumped and ready to take on  Rome. I got my railway ticket [[30 Euro roundtrip// you can get it for 28 from machine, but I got charged a human interaction fee]] The train was amazing and a direct shot to town. Termini is only 2 stops away from the Colosseum/Colosseo which was my main goal since I wanted to recreate a photo from my last time in Rome. I will say the Termini Station can be daunting and intimidating, but I just faked it until I make it. I finally made it to the Colosseum after going the wrong way on subway because I didn’t understand there were multiple trains that stopped there. [Only to find out later that either train would have gotten me to the Colosseum]

 [[This is a mistake that would probably annoy me back home— I find that I am much nicer to myself when I travel. I had a pep talk with myself like “hey, its okay— figure it out. You will get there.” I definitely don’t have AS MUCH negative talk with myself as I use to but I still struggle sometimes]]

The Colosseum is definitely one of those things you see and can’t help but stand in awe. It is definitely top 5 for me.  It is incredible that it is still standing and that you get to walk the footsteps where thousands upon millions have walked. It hard for me to wrap my mind around it. History alive and just incredible to stare at. I sat there for about 30 minutes taking it all in while also pumping myself up to ask someone to take my picture/ hoping the didn’t run off with my phone. 

[[This is something that I struggle with back home—asking for help or admitting I need others. I know— WOW— we all need help sometimes. I know— trust me, it is something that I have really been trying to work on. However when I am traveling, I have to humble myself or I would never have any pictures, make friends, or get to places. Sometimes its easier to ask for help than staring at my phone]]

I walked around the Colosseum taking it all in and then made my way through the city on my way to the Trevi Fountain. Again walking because who has time to take the Metro when you can walk there and enjoy the architecture and alley ways. Another picture that I wanted to recreate, but was met with the realization that there are hundreds of others trying to get the perfect picture. I  asked these girls and they were kind enough to take my picture. They were Spanish so it was quite nice to speak in Spanish for a bit.

By this time it was 5:45 and I needed to walk back to station which took about 20 minutes. Something I would think twice about in Houston, but when I travel I am okay walking miles and miles. The Metro took another 10 and the train back to airport took 30 minutes. I was back by 7:15 which was nice. Security was a breeze and was in the food court by 7:30 and was able to enjoy some Italian pizza. I am sure it is not the best in Italy, but it was the BEST I have had in a while. Thin crust with simple and fresh toppings. 

Although it was a rough start with charger and getting lost on the Metro, I am so glad I went out. And now, I am on my last flight of the Eurotrip. I have 3 days in Paris and then I am taking a long bus back to Aberdeen with a stop in London.