We did it right this time and opted to do a walking tour of the city and of the Vatican Museums. Even with a background in History, so much eludes me and I didn't think that it was fair for me to never have answers whenever Mum asked "What is this?". What can I say? My memory's crap.
We did the tours with the same company we used for the bike tour in Florence. It was a good decision, seeing as they have a 10 person maximum to their groups and you get little earphones to better hear your guide. Our guide for the city tour was knowledgeable, but was feeling the effects of the party the night before and was therefore less than enthusiastic. I get it, you're hung over, you see this stuff everyday, it's not a holiday for you, it's work but SERIOUSLY?!?! We're standing in the freakin' Coliseum and you're talking about FOOTBALL? At least PRETEND to be a little awed or interested or...something...
Our guide for the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter's Basilica was the COMPLETE opposite of lackluster Massimo from the Coliseum. Guido (ya, that was his real name. You can't make this shit up) is an archaeologist who is currently excavating underneath the present city of Rome. He was knowledgeable, enthusiastic and, in my opinion, a complete rockstar. I'm telling you, if he weren't a married, 50-something Italian national, I'd be off the market by now.
I learnt a lot from Guido, had a grade 11 brush-up from Massimo (although R.C. was SO much more thorough... she would have been disappointed, no doubt) and enjoyed my over priced gelatto as I looked upon the Trevi Fountain for the first time.
So that was day one. A combined-total of eight hours of walking, plus a trek from the Vatican City back to our hotel by Termini Station in the pouring rain. We were pretty much exhausted, but it was well worth it.
Day two saw us wandering around the city and hanging out at the Spanish Steps. I know they're a big deal and all, but I just DON'T GET IT. They're STEPS. Well designed, picturesque, beautifully adorned with flowers...but a staircase nonetheless. Mum says I just don't appreciate art. Who knew?
On my birthday (which I might add, is today...) I got to choose what to do (and rightfully so!) so we hoped on a train and got off in the middle of nowhere in Tarquinia.
As you all know, this was basically the home-base of the Etruscans. I mean, everyone who's ANYONE knows that.
You should all therefore also know that this is where the National Etruscan Museum is, as well as where some of the most beautiful and well-preserved tombs can be found.
It took us a solid day, but in the end we managed to visit each and every one of the tombs that was open to the public in the booming necropolis, including the "Tomb of the Flogging". Kinky kinky. (see below)
We also hung out for a time in the museum where I got to see some of the most creative and educational flatware I have ever seen! The Indian's may have created the kama sutra to bring couples closer together, but the Etruscan's sure do know how to educate the public on the finer details of a hot and steamy quickie! I tried to get some pictures, but the guards there are very good at their job...
And so my travels have just about ended. Our flight leaves tomorrow at 6 am and 24 hours from now I will be back at home, eating delicious food, chatting face to face with my closest friends and breathing in the ever comforting smell of my horses. There is always a sense of sadness at the end of a trip, but this time I'm also ready to go home, to find a base and begin a "life".
I'm almost certain that within a month I'll be eating those words.
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