We have established a bit of a wolf pack as some may call it. Back in Firenze the original five girls (Alana, Rosie, Nicole, Janelle and myself) bought purple friendship bracelets. It was my first attempt at bargaining in Italian and it was a success. I managed to put the sentence "posso avere cinque bracaleti uguali per dieci euro" (can we please have 5 of the same bracelets for 10 euros) together saving us about 2.50 euro.Two boys on the contiki got jealous so we bought them matching Firenze blue bracelets in the piazza the next day.
Today we got up early (a common ritual of contiki) and headed towards the Vatican City. Something to take note of is that the Church is very strict on dress code. Shoulders need to be covered and clothing needs to come to your knees. I wish I would have known this sooner so I purchased a scarf resulting in me resembling a little Italian Nonna. I am one of the few shorties in the contiki group so I had the image down-packed. The Vatican is awe-inspiring. Every corner is filled with a statue, tapestry or religious painting. One statue caught my eye. It was the only bronze statue in the Vatican which was interesting because most were melted down in order to make weapons back in the Roman times. The Sistene Chapel was amazing also. The work of Michelangelo on the ceiling and behind the alter were fantastic. In the painting behind the altar he included a self portrait of himself in the skin held by one of the men featured in the painting. Unfortunately we couldn't take photos here but the memory will definitely stay with me. We entered the Saint Peters Basilica which was absolutely massive. The altar itself was a real centrepiece and surrounding it were many more statues and religious paintings. I love everything about this church and it is a great reminder of my faith.
After our tour we went to a souvenir shop and I bought little murano bracelets. My sister bought me one last time she visited and I loved it so much I just had to grab another. I bought her one too because whatever I tend to have she wants to borrow! And of course a few more for some other special girls! We quickly headed to lunch down at a little pizza bar called 'Alice'. I had a piece of mozzarella and zucchini and one with potato. I won't lie Italian pizza is the best pizza. I've had more pizza in a week than I have probably had in the last year or two. The pizza will definitely become part of my post-holiday depression.
One thing I won't miss is the crazy Italian drivers. Indicating is out of the question here; rear ending and constant cutting others off is all the rage. I won't forget the amount of beggars and gypsies too. In our first day of Rome we came across a gypsy lady who had a good sense of humour. Our friend bobby was with us and she continued to shout at him "mi amoreeee ho visto!!!" (My love I see you!) Followed by "fa caldo!" Lifting her skirt up and laughing very loud and witch like! Funniest thing in the world.
Back on the coach and off we go to the city of Venezia! I promised to grab my mum a Venetian mask because she likes to collect them. I'm sure ill find room in my bag stuffed with half a kilo of Pinocchio.
Ciao for now!
Via Porzia
No comments:
Post a Comment