What I expected to happen: wake up to my 6:30AM alarms to go find a laundromat early and drop off my urine soaked clothes (ew) and then head to the Colosseum to explore.

What actually happened: I slept from 12:30AM until 10:30AM, silencing all 4 of my alarms. Oops.

Oh well; it’s my vacation and I can wake up whenever and plan out the day from there. I had only purchased one time-restricted tour while in Rome and it was for the next day at the Vatican.

I got up and out of bed, got myself ready for the day, wrung out the clothes that I had soaked in hot water for the night, then packed them into my little laundry bag that I had bought (yay forethought!) and headed for the lavanderia. For a total of 7 euros, I was able to drop my clothes off to be washed, dried, and folded, and return to pick them up at 6:00PM. How convenient is that? I then found the little supermarket to buy Febreze, and some distilled white vinegar to try and save my poor suitcase. I cleaned it as well as I could and headed back out to find some coffee at a little caffetteria down the street. The barista didn’t speak much English, but since I just ordered a cappuccino, it was all good. He was friendly, nonetheless. I sipped my first espresso-based coffee that didn’t have me coughing from the strength and paid my 1,50 to the cute old man behind the pay counter. Now to find the bus stop and head to the Colosseum!

All of the bus stops and metro stops were super convenient to my AirBnb in San Giovanni and I’m exceptionally grateful for that — my poor feet couldn’t handle walking all the way into the city, again. I got onto the bus, used my little Roma Pass at the ticket validation machines, and sat back to relax for the 15 minute ride. Once at the Colosseum bus stop, there were loads of tourists and people pedaling souvenirs and “skip the line” tickets. I walked over to my extremely short line to enter the Colosseum (seriously, purchase a Roma Pass; it’s a life saver and a steal) and was inside within maybe 15 minutes. After walking up some steep staircases, I stepped into the open-air arena and it. was. massive.

Granted, there were hundreds of tourists, but it didn’t feel all that hectic. I attempted to listen to a Rick Steves’ audioguide but alas, internet connection meant that I couldn’t get it to play from his website. I found a different one that was 20 minutes shorter and much quicker to cooperate. Lesson learned: download podcasts ahead of time while you have wifi connection! I did that once back to my AirBnb and I’m now set for the rest of my time in Italy.

I walked around the arena and took some time on old travertine stairs to rest. While doing so, the cutest little Spanish lady was walking by and exclaimed to her husband that she wanted a picture on the steps. I went to scoot a little out of the way and she said to me, “no, no; you stay! I want you in it! I can have a remembrance of you. Plus, you’re very pretty.” I laughed and the husband took several photos, telling us both to smile. I asked if he could take some pictures of me and he finally was able to get a few after struggling with my “fancy” camera. They were from California and I loved the interaction! I also ran into a cute older couple from Boston when I offered to take their picture together as the wife took solo pictures of her husband near the arena. She took my photo in return. Overall, tourists are friendly and willing to help you out if you want a memento from a landmark, just don’t be afraid to ask! I was hesitant for the first 30 minutes or so that I was there, but just ask. You can always ask someone else if the picture doesn’t turn out how you’d like (I did this a few times throughout the day to make sure that I had options).

p.s. bring your sunglasses or you’ll squint in pictures.

I was at the Colosseum for about 3 hours, but I really could’ve been in and out in around 2. After leaving, I walked the cobblestone outside for a bit and debated going to Campo di Fiori, or even into the Roman Forum, but the laundry was on my mind, so I walked back to the Colosseum bus stop and took a bus back to San Giovanni. I arrived at 5:30PM and my laundry was done and fresh and I was SO HAPPY to no longer have cat urine clothes! I took it “home” and relaxed for a bit before deciding to head to Piazza Navona to explore and find some dinner. I got on the bus around 8:00PM and still found it so weird to be out that late.

The piazza was lively and the side streets with restaurants were charming and full of people enjoying their wine and food. I first walked to Cucina e Cantina based on rave reviews, but with a line around the side of the building, I passed on it. Stopped at Mimi e Colo, but with such a small seating space and only 2 servers, I wasn’t going to be eating for a solid 45 minutes. I turned around and found a Bistro nearby with a menu that looked appetizing. “Solo uno, per favore.” My server was kind and spoke English, but allowed me to attempt some Italian. I ordered my meal and he only had to correct how I asked for the rose. “Un bicchiere di Rosati e gnocchi formaggi, per favore.” The food was beyond delicious. My waiter kind of disappeared after dropping off my meal, but I didn’t mind. I didn’t have anywhere to be; it was 9:00PM! 25 minutes or so after I finished my meal, I flagged down a hostess to ask for the check. 20 minutes after that, it finally arrived, but with a complimentary shot of Disaronno — not bad. While waiting for the hostess to return to pick up my credit card, a gentleman came over to my table with a glass of Disaronno and started talking to me. At first, I thought he worked there and it was another complimentary drink, then my dense-self realized that he actually was hitting on me and had bought it for me. We talked about my time so far in Rome, what I liked so far, and what my plans were for the evening. He offered to take me on a car ride to Gianicolo, a supposed beautiful spot to look over the city. I said that I planned on walking a bit before heading home because I had to be up early the next day for the Vatican tour. He said he understood and told me to enjoy the drink and Rome! Polite, not pushy, and I was pleasantly surprised at how easy the conversation was.

Once my meal was finally paid for, I walked past his table where he and his friends were and they all smiled and waved and wished me a good night. I wandered back into Piazza Navona and wound up walking by a Gelateria. I went to take some pictures and the man behind the counter invited me to taste something. I DID want some gelato, so I indulged. He asked me where I was from and told me that I was “SO cute”. My ego is gonna grow exponentially in Italy, y’all. We chatted a moment and it was a good time. I took a few pictures of him and then made my way back to the bus stop to head home.

Second day in Italy: complete.