Last Day in Rome!

Today was my last full day in Rome.  I have been planning on making the most out of this day for the past few weeks.  I woke up early in the morning and walked past Castel Sant’Angelo on my way to Saint Peter’s Basilica.

Then, I went and had gelato at “Old Bridge Gelato” by the Vatican.  It is one of the places that has the “Best Gelato in Rome,” thus I had to try it.  For 1.50 euro, I got a cup of gelato bigger than anything I get for 2 euros.  They also give you three flavors instead of two for their “small size.”  I picked chocolate and nutella and asked the guy to give me whatever he recommends.  He gave me a ricotta flavored gelato – it tasted just like ricotta.  Normally I like ricotta, but ricotta gelato did not exactly sound right!

After gelato, I went to my favorite panini shop in Rome to grab my last panini.  I ordered a turkey, eggplant, and sundried tomato panini with a pesto sauce.  I then took a leisurely stroll to Piazza Navona and had a picnic.  I listened to the street musicians and people watched.  So many people looked at me with sandwich envy – it was great!

Then, I went to grab an espresso at the coffee shop with the “Best Espresso in Rome,” Caffe Sant’Eustacio. It hit the spot…as usual!

Then, I went to the Pantheon to see it one last time. The huge gaping hole in the ceiling never gets old!

After the Pantheon, I walked to the Trevi Fountain. I threw the coin over my left shoulder to ensure my return to Rome (again, for good measure).

Then, I walked to the Spanish Steps and sat on them to people watch for a few minutes.

Then, I took the Metro to the Colosseum. I didn’t go in, but I walked around it.

After the Colosseum, I saw the Arch of Constantine.

Then, I walked up to a lookout point that has a view of the Roman Forum.

After, I went to the Campidoglio which was a piazza that Michelangelo designed.

Then, I went to take a picture in front of the Wedding Cake (aka “Il Vittoriano“) at Piazza Venezia.

Then, I went to my second favorite church in Rome (next to Saint Peters Basilica – yes, I know its in Vatican City), Chiesa del Gesu. It was the first Jesuit church and has an amazing painted ceiling that looks like it is made out of sculptures!

After, I went to Largo Argentina to see those ruins for one last time.

After relaxing for a bit, I went out to my favorite restaurant, Monte Carlo Pizzeria, for my last meal in Rome.  Monte Carlo is the first restaurant my Dad and I ate at when we were exploring Rome when I first got to the city.  Talk about bringing it full circle.  I had a potato croquette, pizza, tiramisu, coke, and some wine.  It was great!

After dinner, I walked to Piazza Navona to say good bye. It was having a political rally for gay and lesbian rights with a band. It was the first time I’ve seen an actual band with special effects performing in Piazza Navona.

Then, I went and took some pictures of Castel Sant’Angelo and Saint Peters Dome at night before finally heading back to my apartment to finish packing.

I leave for the airport tomorrow morning at 6:45 AM. My flight is at 10:20 AM and gets in at 1:55 PM. It shouldn’t be too bad.

Note: This post was originally published on May 20, 2011 in a blog entitled “Romeing Around Europe” which chronicled my study abroad experience.