"When the moon hits you eye like a big pizza pie. That's amore"

What did you do this past weekend? Did you fly to Paris? Milan? Did you sit at home and watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians? Don’t lie. Well, like most 18 years olds, I spent my weekend in the BEAUTIFUL city of Rome! It was a weekend filled with dancing with gladiators at the Colosseum, examining the masterpieces of Michelangelo, sipping wine with the locals, and simply “doing as the Romans do.”

A group of my friends and I booked a weekend guided trip through a program called “Weekend Student Adventures” (WSA). WSA provided us with our lodging, front of the line passes to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican Museum, St. Peter’s Basilica & Sistine Chapel, and a super awesome tour guide, Rhianne. 

Rhianne, who lives in Rome, actually, she lives right next to the Colosseum…did a fabulous job of embracing us into the Roman culture. I don’t think my experience of Rome would have been the same without her. Rhianne guided us through all the touristy hot spots as well as all her local favorites. I felt like a queen on her throne this weekend only eating the best of the best; Pizza, Tiramisu, Pasta, Bruschetta, Vino, and GELATO. Pizza Hut does not do justice…once you have tried pizza from Italy, you can never go back. 

Not only did I learn about the ancient architecture and art history of Rome, but I learned about the culture and the lifestyle of the Romans. Something that I was not expecting to see in Rome were Gypsies. Gypsies are very common in Europe and I guess extremely popular in the metro of Rome. Basically, Gypsies pry off of distracted tourists; they find a target, snatch, and run. My friends and I actually saw a Gypsy steal a woman's purse right out of her hands and run off. Unfortunately, for these Gypsies, this is a lifestyle. Once our groups identified the Gypsies, we Americans started to feel a little pugnacious and wanted one of them to come up to us so we could “call them out.” 

Around every corner of Rome, you can find either an Italian restaurant or Gelato shop, but you have to know the tactics of finding the BEST ones. And I learned just how to do that. So, next time you travel to Rome, take me with you and I’ll help a friend out. 

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the last day. We all woke up early to attend mass outside of St. Peter’s Basilica and then waited for the Pope (let me say that again, the POPE) to appear out of his little window and say hi to the people of Rome. My fellow Catholic friend (Vanessa) and I were hollering and screaming when the Pope came out. It was a dream come true and now, I can die content. 

Screaming Italians, Pope paraphernalia, Say Bella, gelato, piazza, Catholics unite, Vatican postal office, rappin’, Vino, Gypsy, Go Pro, markets, hot, pizza, hostel, fun, cute Italian boys, more gelato-all words that sum up my perfect and memorable weekend in Rome. 

Ciao!

Mon

Just one of the many beautiful Cathedrals. 

Colosseum. 

Heeeyyy, Frankie!!

Walking the streets. 

GELATO! Can't get enough. 

Catholic girl at her prime level of happiness. #Pope'sCrib

Gorgeous weather!