So today was just not my day. For the short version, I missed my flight. If you don't want to read what happened, skip down to January 3, 2012.
My flight was at 11:55am at Newcastle International Airport. Fair enough, so I decided to wake up early and take the Howland's Park and Ride around 8:30. Turns out it was a bank holiday, so anything that is considered a convenience in England is shut down for the day. Frustrated, I called a taxi service and asked them to take me to the train station. Of course, they were twenty minutes late and I missed the train I wanted to take to Newcastle. I was able to get the 10:30 train, which I thought would be OK, except I forgot the little detail about taking the metro from the Newcastle Station to the Airport. That takes forever! I get to the airport at 11:17 am, this should be OK because I just need to check in half an hour before the flight. Again, I was wrong. The company that I booked the ticket through doesn't have a help desk at Newcastle Airport, and I wound up waiting at their temporary counter for about ten minutes before I asked around for assistance. Naturally, I was told to go to another desk which turned me straight around and sent me back to the ticket booth I had come from. Another fifteen minutes later, I was checked in. I get to security and there was a long line, shocking. It's about 11:35 am and I get to the front of the line, I put my bag, my shoes, and my jacket through the security check. I walk through clean, but my bag didn't. I completely forgot about my hairspray! So I had to take it out and wait for my bag to go through yet another check. Finally, I was cleared through security. Now, how on earth do I navigate myself through this labyrinth they call an airport? I tried finding a monitor to see which gate I needed to hustle to, but all the monitor said was "Last Call." For those who don't know, England does not put your gate on the ticket, rather, they wait until the last minute to tell you and as a result, you are on edge the entire time waiting for an updated departure gate number. Because "Last Call" was so helpful, I just started walking toward the departure gates. I eventually saw someone who worked at the airport to ask which gate I was supposed to be at, and she said "You literally just missed your flight." She tells me to follow her to the information desk, where I try for the next four hours to get the next flight out of there to Italy. Close, but no cigar. So, I had to reschedule for Tuesday, but this time the flight is at 5:55 am.
January 3-5, 2012
Take Two: Today I woke up at 2 am. Crazy? Perhaps, but I was not about to miss my 5:30 am flight. This time I am flying Air France. I would give this company two thumbs up because they are very customer service oriented and extremely friendly. It was not even 6 in the morning and the flight attendants had the biggest smiles on their faces, acting as if they were happy to see me. The staff also knows many languages, so they are of assistance to most everyone.
My connecting flight was in Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Airport is fabulous! It is very clean, signs are clear and easy to understand, and there is a variety of food and shops in all terminals. But above everything, going through customs was probably my favorite part. You know how you are required at most airports to take off your shoes, belts, and hats? Well, in Amsterdam, things are a little more laid back. As I got to the front of the line for security, I asked a guy working the baggage check if I needed to take off my shoes, I know we usually have to, but I was not in the mood for going through the process of taking them off and putting them back on again. Just as I was bending downward toward my shoes, the guy at security said, "This isn't America, you can keep on your shoes." Apparently people know about the United States' airport security. So, I merrily kept on my shoes and walked on through the check. I eventually made my way on the airplane and made myself comfortable in my seat. The connecting flight took the plane over the Swiss Alps, which were covered in snow, to Rome. The landing was very smooth, with no bouncing, swaying, or lashing around of any sort. It was so impressive that the group of Italians in the back of the plane started clapping and cheering for the pilots. If this is the way all Italians act, it is going to be one big party.
When I got off the plane, I found it a little challenging to navigate my way to the exit of the airport. Half the time I was pretending to translate words that most resembled English and Spanish, the other half of the time, I just followed the crowd. It seemed like a good plan, and it was because I made it to the baggage claim and to the exit. Because I was meeting up with my friend Steph, I pulled out my phone straight away so I could let her know my whereabouts. It was perfect timing because Cece, Steph's mom, was calling me just as I turned it on. I only said a few words to her before I saw Steph
The Colosseum is a large building that used to be made of marble with iron rods holding it together. The materials were eventually taken from the Colosseum and reused in various locations of Rome and Vatican City. Today, the Colosseum is broken bits of stone with holes in the walls from taking out the iron rods, leaving behind only stories from history of gladiators, emperors, and beasts. The center pitch is where the action would happen with seating all around it. The lowest seating was reserved for the important people. Because they sat so close to the action, safety became an issue. Protective nets were put up to block the beasts from attacking the audience. At the top of the nets were spinning logs, just in case one of the animals got the idea of climbing the net to get to the people. These spinning logs would prevent the animals from attacking by making them lose balance and forcing them to roll down the net back onto the pitch. Steph and I still don't think that is very safe because if you get a smart enough animal, they would have dinner waiting for them if they just ripped through the net.
The upper section was for the lower class men and the nosebleeds was a section for women. Near the top were various arches. The tour guide informed us that in these arches, the lower class men and women would fornicate! They apparently had no shame. In the Colosseum you will find an abundance of cats. According to legend, the beasts were left behind when the Colosseum was closed and large animals, such as black panthers and tigers shrunk until they were the size of today's house cat. Yeah, I believed it too...
After the Colosseum, we continued our tour through Ancient Rome. It was intriguing to see the pieces of columns, temples and walls that were left behind. We came across the center of Rome, also known as the "Belly Button." Do you know the saying "All roads lead to Rome?" Well, this is the spot where all of the roads lead. Why? Because it is Rome's center...... duh!
The "Belly Button"
Next to the Belly Button was probably the coolest water fountain I had ever seen! Initially, it just looks like a fountain that shoots out water. Unless you are in the know, you wouldn't realize that all you have to do to get a nice arc to drink from is to put your fingers of the hole where the water is coming out and wait for magic! It then has a similar effect as putting your fingers over the hole of a hose to make the water go further. It was pretty cool and I would consider it fun for all ages.... so give it a go.
The Pantheon was the next stop. We came up to the Pantheon from the back and were able to see the large dome from a distance. As you walk along its side, you see large holes, having the same effect as a mote around a castle. It is legend that the Pantheon was closed and the demons couldn't get in, so they ran around and around the Pantheon in search of another entrance, making a divot.
The inside of the Pantheon was stunning! As you walk toward the center of the dome and look up, you will see a hole in the ceiling, and no, this is not a window. Whenever it rains, the rain comes through the hole and can found on the Pantheon floor. Steph and I decided that we could just sit there all day and look up to the sky through that hole. It was a surprisingly peaceful setting.
Before dinner, Steph, Cece and I found our way to the Trevi fountain. I have always wanted to see this fountain and much to my delight, it was everything I have ever imagined! Of course, while I was there I had to make a wish.What I was told, is that the amount of coins you throw in is correlated to the wish that it indicates. One coin means that you will come back to Rome. Two coins mean you will find true love. Finally, three coins mean you will find a new love. There is also a specific way to throw the coins. First, your back must be facing the fountain. You then take the coins in your right hand and toss them over your left shoulder and into the fountain. Needless to say, I hope my wish comes true. And no, I will not tell you what it is, but you can try to guess!
Just after we made our wishes, we had to visit a gelato shop that was nearby! We went to Bar Gelateria, just across the plaza from the Trevi Fountain. It was delicious! I do hear however, that if you want the best gelato in Rome, check out Il Gelato di San Crispino. This is also by the Trevi Fountain.
After Gelato, we visited the Spanish Steps, and yes, we climbed all 136 of them! This is a lovely place where you can find Romans hanging about with friends or loves. The Spanish Steps are right next to a shopping district for high end retail stores. So if you are in the mood to shop, this is definitely the place to be!
We worked up quite an appetite after climbing all of those steps. We decided to head back in the direction of the Trevi Fountain to find a place to eat. We eventually found ourselves at a wonderful Italian restaurant, Sacro e Profano. You wouldn't know that this was such a good restaurant by its location because it is all by itself in a dark alley. The decor was very Italian, and was perfect if you want a quality touristy place.The first thing we did was order a bottle of Lambrusco wine. It was a good wine if you fancy yourself a red wine. It's not really sweet, so if you are like me, you will indeed enjoy it, but you would still rather a dessert wine. Steph and Cece were big fans of the Lambrusco, so I would still give it a shot! As for food, I ate an entire Margarita pizza all by myself! I definitely felt like a fat kid! The sauce they make in Italy is delicious! It is so flavorful that you cannot go wrong with anything you choose! Steph had the Vegetarian pizza and Cece ordered a calzone and spicy pasta.
The following day, we woke up early to head to Vatican City. We were attending the first Papal audience of 2012 with Pope Benedict XVI. It was a very exciting event and am so blessed to have actually had this opportunity to be in the same room as the Pope. I must admit, I was kinda afraid of Benedict because he has a harsh English accent. After seeing the man in person, I absolutely love him! He is like a grandpa that you just want to go up and hug! Below, I have placed the video of the audience along with the words from his English blessing.
"I am pleased to greet all the English-speaking visitors present, including the pilgrimage groups from Wales, Australia and the United States. I offer a special greeting to the priests and seminarians of the Pontifical College Josephinum. My welcome also goes to the La Salette Brothers taking part in a programme of spiritual renewal. I thank the choirs for their praise of God in song. Upon all of you and your families I invoke the Lord’s blessings of joy, peace and prosperity for the year which has just begun. Happy New Year!" - Pope Benedict XVI, 4 January, 2012
The invitation to the first Papal Audience of 2012
The rest of the day was spent looking at all Vatican City has to offer. St. Peter's Square is a busy place with many spectacular views, and the first thing you will notice is St. Peter's Bascilica. It is the large building located in the back center of the Square. In front of the Basilica you will find the 25.5 meter obelisk that dates back to the 13th century B.C. It was moved to it's current location in 1585 by Pope Sixtus V. that St. Peter saw as he was crucified upside down. There are also two fountains in the Square, one by Carlo Maderno and the other by Bernini. During the Christmas season, the church decorates the City with multiple Nativity scenes which can be seen below.
The Square is outlined by a colonnade created by Bernini. It is symbolic for welcoming the world into the Church. Between the obelisk and each fountain, you will find a circular stone, that when stood on, the two rows of columns in the colonnade line up perfectly. On top of the colonnade you will find statues of 140 saints crafted by multiple artists.
The Papal Entrance
Resting Place of Pope John
Paul II
Sly statue of a woman on
bottom right with her foot
covering England after they
separated from the Church
John Paul II leading us into Swiss Guard training facility
the 21st Century
Sphere within a Sphere
The golden sphere you see above and to the right is called the Sphere within a Sphere by Arnaldo Pomodoro. The center sphere represents the Church being the immovable center of our universe while the outer globe represents us and everything in the world. This outer globe is movable, both literally and symbolically.
Jesus
Me mailing a postcard to my family
at the Vatican
That last and final evening we ate at a fabulous restaurant, Ristorante "Terme di Diocleziano," or Roof Garden. Their decor included old Italian relics such as a record player. Their salad bar was rather interesting with a big leg of some dead animal. The waitstaff was very friendly and super Italian! They involved themselves in our eating experience as if we were long lost friends. They would suggest what wine to drink, what food to order, and would jump into our pictures whenever they had the chance. Their pasta sauce was to die for! I ate my whole plate (Not a surprise)! In fact, even thinking about it makes me hungry. The Rose wine we had was pretty good, but as stated before, I am more of a dessert wine fan. If you are not aware, I absolutely love Olive Garden's Moscato. My love for Moscato wine is deep and it's real. But let me tell you, the Franscato will make you melt in your seat! I liked this wine more than Moscato. I didn't think that was possible!
If you are from New Mexico, you should know a little bit about the artwork of Georgia O'Keiffe. As it turns out, she is kinda a big deal. There was going to be an exhibit displaying her work in Rome! It just seemed like such a small world. Who would have thought that the work of an artist from the Land of Enchantment would be featured in one of the most beautiful cities in the world?
I had gone to St. Pius X High School in Albuquerque, and if you don't know, he was indeed a Pope. Once I saw this street sign, I had to take a few throw back pictures for my "X-crew."
Rome is definitely a great place to visit for food, culture, and history. You can learn quite a bit from your experience, including your cab rides where you nearly end up in a hospital because the driver is crazy! Rome is very similar to Paris in terms of driving. There are rules of the road, but they are completely neglected. If you get in the way, expect to be honked at. I would love to go back and visit Rome and other areas of Italy such as Venice and Florence. In fact, let me check out deals on flights right now...
