Roman Ruins:
We left Italian soil and entered another country, The Vatican City (or Holy See):
St. Peter's is MASSIVE, but it seems smaller when you are there:
Meanwhile, back in Italy. More Rome:
The Trevi Fountain, remember to throw your coin from your right hand over your left shoulder to assure your return to Rome:
Inside the Pantheon (Basilica of St. Mary and the Martyrs):
Me and the Pantheon:
The Colosseum:
Rome was a blur, but it is extremely tourist friendly. I still like Florence better and one day hope to return for longer... Perhaps after I become a world famous graphic designer. And now for more observations on Italy:
Buying stuff (or "Perhaps you have a Euro"):
While buying stuff in Italy, do not be surprised if the cashier asks you of you have 1, 2, or more Euro coins or change to make counting change easier for them. Exact change is preferred. If you don't have it, apologize profusely. As Americans, we usually try to rid ourselves of as much change as we can so we have only the largest bills and as few of them on us as possible. In Italy, it works in reverse and breaks down if you have a new bunch of cash from the American Express office or ATM where they like to hand out fifties. Buying a €1.50 water with a €50 bill will not make anyone happy. To all the Italian cashiers out there, please accept my apology on behalf of the smart American tourists as well as myself. American tourists... well. Go easy on the cashiers, it's their country, after all. Relax.
The WC (I'm not going there, so keep reading):
There are a variety of toilets in Italy. In America, they can be classified in a couple ways. Automatic, or with a lever. In Italy forget what the States have and just wing it.
1: Do I have to pay? Many toilets you must pay to use. Keep a variety of change on you so streamline this process.
2: Does it look like a toilet? Some are little more than a hole in the floor with foot pads. RUN AWAY!!
3: How do I flush? Some have a button like lever (which you can press the other end to stop the flush). Some have a little unmarked thing hanging from the tank you push up or down. Some have a regular button. Some have a large flush button and a small flush button/lever. Some new ones are automatic. It's a good idea to flush first just to make sure you know how.
4: Paper? Keep some in your day pack.
5: Seat? Keep covers with you also.
6: Soap, towels? Keep Purell with you as well.
7: How do I use the sink? This is also complicated. Some are somewhat normal, some have foot petals.
Conclusion:
All in all it was an amazing trip which I would repeat if I ever can. I want to thank the people of the city of Florence (Firenze) for welcoming me and making me feel so at home. One day I hope to visit your beautiful city once again and stay longer. To my roomies and everyone who went I am fortunate to have met you and hope to see you again soon. Thanks to Dave and Nadia of Artis, thank you so much for all your hard work putting all this together. It really was the time of my life and I hope to go on more of your tours in the future.
Brian
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PS I am still going to put together a book, so be patient. I'll post when it is done. If you would like me to send you info, click the Email me link in the right bar on this page. Thanks!!
