Italy Day 14

Well today is the last full day of my trip. I woke up to another dreary, wet day in Rome. I got myself ready and met Kate at my hostel at 10. We decided to walk to the Vatican since neither of us had been in St Peters Basilica. The rain started picking up with each step that we took, until our map was soaked through, as well as our shoes and pants. We decided to duck into a coffee shop by the Pantheon to dry off and wait out the storm. We talked over a cappuccino and after about an hour we went out to  brave the weather.

The rain had slowed down slightly, but an umbrella was still necessary. Mine was on its last leg, and it was only a matter of time before even the slightest gust of wind would send it to the trash can. We finally made it to St Peters Square, two and a half hours after we set out. We were excited that we made it, until we saw the line to get in. It went well around the square, umbrella to umbrella and seemed to barely move. The rain had really picked up by now and we were already wet and cold. After debating for a while we decided to not wait in line. I am disappointed that I wasnt able to see St Peters Basilica this trip, but I wouldnt have traded seeing the Pope last week for anything.

We made our way to the Metro this time, we were about done with the rain. We headed down to Santa Maria in Cosmedin,  which was a very unassuming basilica compared to others I have seen here. It does have its own unique beauty, with 11th century carvings and frescos and the skull and bones of St Valentine. The main reason we came down to this basilica is the same reason most people do. To see the Mouth of Truth, famously seen in the movie, Roman Holiday. Fortunately my hand was not bitten off.

It didnt take long to see all there was to see at the church so we then headed for lunch at a restaurant by the Colosseum. There were a couple from Vancouver there that we chatted with, and the gentleman informed me that his favorite football team is the Broncos. I told him I was sorry, and that he should pick another team! At least he has the option!

The rain had nearly stopped by the time we left the restaurant so we chose to walk back towards the Termini. There is a fairly large bookstore in the Termini that we stopped to for a while before we parted ways. I headed back to my hostel to get out of my wet clothes and organize my pack for tomorrow. I was greeted by an unfortunate surprise that my iPod had been stolen from my bag. That did not put me in a very good mood. But the people who work at the hostel were very nice and did what they could, which unfortunately wasnt much! I am just happy it was my iPod and not my wallet with my passport and credit card!

The hostel does free pasta in the evenings, so I went down to the common area with my book to relax for a while until dinner. It was nothing to brag about, but its free food, so I cant complain! Now off to finish packing and get ready for my long day of traveling home tomorrow. See you soon, Denver!