Italia days 1-3

Let me just start by saying that I have a lot to report about Italy. But, it's going to be quite the challenge trying to blog about my fabulous European vacation when I'm presently watching the Bears/Packers playoff game with my roommate Goose, who is absolutely the world's biggest (and most intense) Bears fan. As I type, Goose is pacing around the apartment to calm himself after the Packers' second TD. He's also been switching jerseys for every change in position; he has one for offense and one for defense, naturally. Living with Goose, I have learned to love the Bears, but that aside, I hope they win just so that we can maintain some semblance of sanity around here.

OK, moving on. Because there is far too much to say, and this is only a blog and not my personal travel journal, I'll give you the gist of our vacation. In outline form. With some notes.

Day 1: Friday, January 14
Planned itinerary:

• Campo de'Fiori fruit and flower market
• 2 hour walking tour of "Bernini's Rome" (thanks to Eyewitness Travel)
• lunch at Piazza Navona
• shops at Via Condotti
• Spanish Steps
• ice cream at San Crispino
• Trevi Fountain
• explore the Quirinal Hill

What we actually did:

• Stumbled upon a small square overlooking the Spanish Steps, perused some cool street art and enjoyed the view
• Walked down the steps and onto Via Condotti, visited our friends Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermes, Prada...
• Stopped into a cafe for a sandwich, liquor soaked pastry and an espresso
• Followed Via del Corso to Piazza Popolo where we stopped to admire the Egyptian obelisk and the twin churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria del Miracoli
• Wandered into Santa Maria del Popolo and took in some beautiful stained glass and two Caravaggios
• Followed the river in an attempt to make it to the Campo de'Fiori market, but were sidetracked when we all but ran into the Pantheon
• Headed inside to enjoy the awe-inspiring interior of Rome's best-preserved ancient temple, which also happens to house Raphael's tomb
• Indluged in our first authentic Italian meal in the Piazza della Rotonda. Had bruschetta, penne pomodoro and Chianti. Ran into Brian by chance, made plans to meet at the Spanish Steps at 8pm that night although Brian ended up spending an hour waiting at the Trevi Fountain...
• Had gilotto at the historic Giolitti (pistachio and hazelnut for me)
• Took a second to appreciate Bernini's Egyptian obelisk and marble elephant outside of Santa Maria sopra Minerva
• Finally made it to Campo de'Fiori as everyone was closing up shop for the day, but it was a cool square nonetheless
• Randomly ended up in Largo di Torre Argentina, took a breather next to some random ruins to glance at the map and figure out where we were
• Stopped in a book store and bought Italian/English pocket dictionaries
• Passed by the Trevi Fountain on our way back to the hotel
• Headed back out to meet Brian at the Spanish Steps at 8. Waited an hour. Got stood up. "Aypho Brian???!"
• Ate an amazing dinner at Hostaria Romana, right across the street from our hotel. Were entertained by a seriously crazy waiter. 
• Buona sera!

Day 2: Saturday, January 15
Planned itinerary:

• Tour of the Vatican

What we actually did:

• 9:30 tour of the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Bascillica. Got a little misty when I saw Raphael's School of Athens. It is what started my art history fascination, after all... Had the most incredible tour guide. The Sistine Chapel never ceases to amaze. There's just too much to say. If you haven't been there, put it on your bucket list!
• Walked to Piazza Navona. Got some spinach and mozzarella paninis and Peronis, had lunch on a bench in the square while people watching and admiring Bernini's Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi
• Roamed around the square, took in the some street art
• Wandered to Campo de'Fiori but missed the market... again
• Walked home past the Trevi, threw a coin in the fountain—they say it means you'll return to Rome. Here's hoping!
• Had a light dinner by the Spanish Steps and then met Brian. He finally figured out that the Spanish Steps are not the Trevi Fountain
• Went on the WORLD'S WORST BAR CRAWL. Should have just gone to a sports bar to drink beers and watch the Ravens game (even though it turns out that they lost to the miserable Steelers. I can't talk about it). Hate to say "I told you so".

Day 3: Sunday, January 16
Planned itinerary:

• Forum
• Colosseum
• Lunch at the Piazza della Rotunda
• Visit the Pantheon and Santa Maria Sopra Minerva

What we actually did:

• Ventured towards the Colosseum but took a break at a cafe for an hour or so to recover from the night before
• Dragged ourselves to the Colosseum, signed up for a tour. Our guide had a fantastic Italian accent. 
• Visited the Forum. This time the guide was less than impressive. Ditched the group and toured on our own, eventually joined another group with a much more enthusiastic (and attractive) tour guide. 
• Walked to the Parthenon. Had an amazing late lunch at Osteria Spaghetti, found our favorite restaurant in Rome. They mastered the art of al dente spaghetti pomodoro. And free limoncello!
• Back to the hotel to change and freshen up
• Met Brian at Piazza Popolo. Saw a pretty good Michael Jackson impersonator ("he's got the moves but not the attitude"). 
• Took the train to Trastevere. It's like the Brooklyn of Rome, except they speak Italian, and it's not as far away, and it's in Italy... the list goes on. 
• Had dinner at a charming restaurant. Wine, pizza, gnocchi, dessert... mamma mia!

Blogging about my extensive trip while watching football has proven to be too much for this girl to handle. I'll post the details about the rest of my trip tomorrow. Meanwhile, the Bears have now put in their third string quarterback and scored a touchdown. Goose is hyperventilating. Arrivederci!