Our Italian Honeymoon: Rome, day 2

For our first day in Rome, go here.

We took the advice from many travelers on TripAdvisor.com (this was an invaluable resource!) and rented an apartment in Rome. We saved hundreds of Euros, were within walking distance to everything, and even had a loft, full kitchen, and a  huge living room. I was very fascinated by the bidet and toilet in the bathroom!

On the second day of our honeymoon, we had a rude awakening. RUDE awakening. Apparently there was some miscommunication between the rental office and the realtor’s office, because the realtor showed up with a French couple. Thank goodness for those security latches, or they would have found me in the shower and my husband walking around in his skivvies.

In my limited Italian, I was able to tell them that we were on our luna di miele and I was very upset. Nevermind that I studied French for 6 years. That all flew out the window. What a mess! They left us alone and we continued on our way.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Naturally, that meant going to see the famous ruins of the Colosseo. I still am amazed at how this structure has survived centuries of abuse, sacking and looting. At the bottom left (ignore its angle) there is the remains of a Corinthian capital of a column. My A.P. Art History teacher would be so proud! Those little structures on the “floor” of the Colosseum are where the ancients held lions, tigers and bears and other captured (animal and human alike) for their ancient and morbid entertainment.

After that, we walked across the grounds in front of the Colosseum and into the Roman Forum. We even saw some “real” Roman soldiers! Then we took the Roman subway and took one last look at the Colosseo.

Last, but certainly not least, my husband wanted to go the Pope’s real church. Because the Pope is not only the head of the Roman Catholic Church but also the Bishop of Rome, he has his own assigned church. (St. Peter’s Basilica isn’t a cathedral. Its name derives from the Latin cathedra which means seat.) We went to The Papal Archbasilica of St. John Lateran. (The Lateran Basilica, is the cathedral church of the Diocese of Rome and the official ecclesiastical seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope.)

You’re not in Italy if you’re not enjoying a feast. It was too good to document. That food didn’t last long. We went to Dino + Tony’s Hostaria e Pizzeria, about a 30 minute walk from our apartment, on the other side of the Vatican City. If you’re in Rome, this place is a MUST. There is no menu. They take care of you, family style. Antipasti, bruschetta, pizza, pasta, beef, tiramisu, espresso. That’s what we got. All for about 55 Euros. It was a feast in every sense of the word.

When in Italy, you also have to have some porto and a little espresso if you’re a coffee addict! Our server was the sweetest Argentinian expat and, when we told him we were on our honeymoon, served us porto (an aged Italian dessert wine that’s also REALLY strong). We were in heaven. After all that food, we needed that 30 minute walk back to our apartment.