Look Around: Cavour, Termini, Spanish Steps

Ciao Stranger,

So I think I may be updating too soon. Dedicated readers (if there are any that is), I'm not sure I can keep up the regularity once school starts, so please lower your expectations. I will try my best but no promises. I know I'm incredibly entertaining but instead of checking up on me so often, why not go out and start your own adventure? :)

I have had yet another eventful day. I trouted out during the day to attempt to cross out more names on my tourist booklet. First stop, Circo Massimo, the chariot racing stadium. I have to say, this may have been the first disappointment I've had in Rome mainly because the area was pretty much blocked off since it's still being excavated and not much of the structure remains. I didn't even bother taking a picture so I'll link some from the internet. No it's not the infrastructure in the background but the scattered remains you see on the grass in the front. What did I tell ya? Disappointment.

 This is what it was thought to have been like back in the day. Much more impressive.

I almost ran back to the subway to find something more invigorating which isn't all that difficult here in Rome. So off I went to the next stop: St. Peter-in-Chains Church. Who needs a glass chandelier when you can have a painted ceiling?  

 The church is famous for this monument featuring Moses in the middle created by the ever talented Michelangelo.

 Wow, SO beautiful! I'm referring to the petite Asian girl obviously. Such fine features on her face, so delicate. I guess the artwork in the back is acceptable too, meh.

 The church is located around the Cavour neighbourhood packed with tiny alleyways with boutique shops, restaurants and cafes. It reminds me of Gastown or Yaletown but much more authentic.

 A typical tiny restaurant in the area. So cute, would love to try you but you're out of my budget.

 During my walk, I happened to find a tiny Korean grocery store. I was ecstatic and ran inside to see what goodies they might have, and what did I find? DUMPLINGS!!! As I got closer to examine them, I realized the price tag attached; 10 Euros. Seriously? WTF? For realz? Do these dumplings make me shit gold or something? I can find you for $3 at home. Who's going to buy them? Gold shiters? Needless to say, I walked out of there, empty handed and dumplingless.

 I walked all the way to Termini Station, the main train/bus/metro station. I didn't take any pictures because I didn't feel safe taking my camera out. I sped walked my way through that area which is filled with tourists rolling their luggages around and sketchy, questionable people who seems to be roaming the streets for no particular reason. Imagine a higher quality of East Van but 10x bigger with people selling various goods on the side of the street. I finally got to experience being followed after by an Italian guy telling me how I'm beautiful in 5 different languages. Did not have the same type of gratification I was expecting, was creepier than anything. To me, Termini Station felt like a human farmland. People come in herds ( on buses/trains/metro) and everyone seems to be going somewhere. It's a mess and very hectic. One word of advice: if you're coming into Rome, DO NOT make Termini Station the first place you see. This is not what the rest of Rome is like and it will ruin your first impression of this historical city.

I love having a place in Rome that's easily accessible since I can always come back home at lunch for a break, use the washroom, drink some water and the best part, being with my roomies and having lunch with them. Ascenzo made a cream based salmon penne pasta this time.

 I don't know how he can create a different pasta dish every day. 5th day and still going strong. Maybe I can get accustomed to this pasta everyday thing :)

 In the afternoon, Ascenzo and Salvo took me on a mini tour around the Downtown area. Walking around with locals is a whole other experience on its own. They know where all the best restaurants are, what each monument signifies and what would usually take you half a day to explore on your own would only take about 2 hours. Sure there were times where we had difficulty communicating but hey, that's what Google Translate is for. Ascenzo informed me that this coloum (located in Piazza  Colona) tells a story that starts from the bottom and swivels to the top.

Alright, it's finally time to meet SALVO & ASCENZO, my two sexy room mates :) Oh yeah, we're on the Spanish Steps, blah blah blah, but look at us! See, they are real, I haven't just been making them up.

And to end the tour, we walked to Piazza del Papolo, from which you can see the 3 major shopping paths. For your information, I did not shop at all today. Applaud please. Low budget student who wants to see the world does not deserve to shop. Hello frugal lifestyle!