Day in Rome: Not a Fan

My journey back to Greece!

I absolutely loved Athens when I went about 5 years ago. Even after 30 more countries, Greece is the most beautiful country I've ever landed my eyes on! They love their cats, they love their history and full of philosophers and mathematicians.

Unfortunately, unlike most people, I like to look through my old photos often and re-live the experience. I never backed my photos up to the 'new' cloud at the time and my computer was stolen, along with all those Greek pictures and I've been butt hurt since. So I made it a point to come back again.

When booking to Greece, first off, they love going on strike - so always get insurance for travel. Second, book in August or September. Tickets drop from $1200 to $600 since most are not traveling then, only natives and they adjust for them.

So I'm on my way and decided to hit up another conqueror of Egypt before getting there: Rome.

Now, disclaimer. I studied Ancient Egyptian history for 3 years when I was in high school. This is when I worked at a public library and the internet was just coming out.

Yeah, that's old.

So I have an absolute love for Egyptian history. I like Greece because, yes they conquered, but they adapted and took on the influence and respect of Greece. Rome.... Rome just took everything as their own as if they created it. They have nothing of their own in my opinion - but I thought it would be a good visit to see what they came up with such as the Colosseum and Olympic Games (created in Greece).

Let's start with Turkish airline lounge at IAD in Virginia (known as DC airport but 45 mins from the capital).

Spacious, hot plates refreshed often, separate bar for cocktails, front staff somewhat pretentious, offers Kombucha and cold brew as well as a cafe machine and tea, Turkish cuisine. There is a waitlist so I used Lounge Buddy, but it's not worth $60 unless you stay about 3 hours and you want to keep filling up on food and drinks OR if airport is super crowded.

Turkish airlines: No Internet, limited toilets, small dinner offered, only a loaf for breakfast, uncomfortable first row, shared TV, BUT there is a good recline.

From the Roman airport, I took the train downtown, takes about 30 mins and costs $28 round trip. Then I took the metro to the Colosseum.

Colosseum was not exciting as I expected. Maybe it would be better with a skip-the-line tour and guide. It's big and it's cool to stand there and think about Russel Crow in the Gladiator. You can see the squares from where the gladiators were held, but you pay extra to go down in those catacombs. Otherwise, just walking around a circle, it's like, ok.... I need some historic guidance. I did sit and kind of dream about being there when Rome was at its height. The glamour, the anger, the bloodthirsty fights.

And then I thought of the trapped animals (and humans) getting killed for funsies.

So then I got upset and maybe this is where my interest for Rome started to wane a little more.

Anyways, I left the Colosseum to find some breakfast, especially since my phone was dying.

Had a calzone and then sat for an aperol spritz and pizza and, yeah, ok Rome, you still are Italian, you did your thing here!

But as I walked the streets, finding out Italians are pretty rude.

It was a pretty hot day today, in the mid 80s F but with the height and setting of the buildings, you get pretty good shade from the sun.

Took a golf cart tour and enjoyed the movement around the city with a historical eye.

It was a little too fast in pace and more in and out than settle to embrace the info. The guide was excellent and being on the golf cart allowed nice air flow. I wish we had an option of returning back to the start of the tour, we were left at another location and then he left. I ended up falling asleep on the golf cart lol so I ditched the walking tour I had planned which I think would have been a better option to keep me awake.

Of course, had to grab some Gelato before I exited Italy! Vanilla and Chocolate chunk. Yum!

Had dinner at Le Bistro and then continued back to the airport via metro to train to airport. There is a pretty good walk from the train to the airport and there is a large lounge area to wait. But I was musty so had to wipe myself down with some baby wipes and then took a seat in the work-zoned area which had reclined seats and a piano to play.

Le Bistro:

Pumpkin risotto 5/5

Cannoli 2/5 (not real sweet, odd nutty residual)