Tour With Me :)

Ciao Stranger,

Let this be known that the following places were travelled to in the accumulation of a day and a half of aimlessly walking around. Some places were planned, but most were accidents. And as a dedicated blogger I should make the pictures look all fancy schmancy with filters and whatnot but I do not have that kind of time to spare. I could be exploring the city more instead of trying out different light effects. Sorry, what you see is what it is in real life, a rarity in today's society so appreciate it :)

Let the touring begin. First off, let me introduce you to Mr. WaterFountain. He can be found all over the city at random corners so if you're ever thirsty, drink this. Free is always good.

 Random street. I couldn't help myself, the building was calling for a picture.

Gas station in Rome. How quaint. 

 Pastry shops that can be found everywhere. Nom nom nom, I will eat all of you in time. Wait for me.

 Made a friend, followed her into the Metro station, came out and TADA~~~Colosseum in all its glory.

Night shot. Because One is just not enough. 

 Followed the friend into the church. From the exterior it just looks like another stereotypical building on the street but little would one know that it's actually a 12th-century church filled with marvellous mosaics on the ceiling. It's also built on top of a 4th-century church which was built over a 1st century aristocratic house. Yep, 3 layers. If I wasn't being led, I would've just walked right past this secret gem. I wasn't allowed to take pictures inside so I'll link some from the internet.

I feel like everytime I walk into a building in Rome, I find myself gasping for air. WOW. 

One of the underground levels. The place was closing soon when we got there so it was just the two of us meandering the tunnels. I'm glad I wasn't down there alone, it was pretty creepy. 

 Day 2 adventure:

Went on the Metro and had no idea where to go so I randomly picked a stop, got out and found this: Basilica San Paolo. It's one of the four great basilicas but since its location is slightly further away from the center, not a lot of people come here. Was pretty much empty when I went which is nice for scenic pictures but not when you want to be in the pictures. Being the shameless tourist that I am, I asked everyone for help, so here's me posing outside the church.  

 Before you enter...jaw starts to drop...

 I wanted to cry. Is that normal? I just stared in awe at how grand everything was. Pictures don't do this justice. Imagine this but x100 the awesomeness. Pretend you're an ant and you're looking at the world from their perspective? Don't laugh, I don't know, I'm not poetic.

 How did they build this in the 380 B.C......unreal...

 I know what you're thinking. "Michelle, you look photoshopped".

 I didn't want to leave. I think you can understand why.

 I patted myself on the back and left with full satisfaction and a big grin on my face. I felt unstoppable and couldn't wait to see more. So I jumped back onto the Metro and off I went to a new neighbourhood. What did I find this time? I got lost in a slightly sketchy neighbourhood and after asking various strangers the location, I found what was listed on my tour guide map. But Michelle, don't you have a working 3G phone? Can't you just Google Map it? Yes Bob, I could. But I felt that defeated the adventure aspect of the trip. I think part of the fun is getting lost in the process and running into the unexpected. Anywho, here's the one and only Protestant Cemetery. I didn't feel right wandering around a cemetery so I took a picture and left relatively quickly.

In the late afternoon I met up with a fellow friend from Vancouver who had been in Rome for a couple of months now and he showed me some of the must-see tourist traps of Rome.

Trevi Fountain and one of its many tourists. 

 I will come to see you again when there's less people around.

 Pantheon, the world's best preserved Roman building.

 Thank you stranger for taking such a skilful picture of us. Mad props to you.

 From the inside. It was too dark to take other pictures but it's okay, I need to come again when it's sunny and when it's rainy.

 Piazza Navona, Rome's most famous and dramatic piaza that's surrounded by cafes and restaurants.

 View of St. Peter's. I think this is a postcard worthy shot right here. May I remind you that there's no filter added here?

 Welcome to The Vaticans! Pope Francesco where are you???

 After a long walk, we treated ourselves to a homey restaurant.

 Buon Appetito! First real authentic Italian Pizza. Simple, fresh, and oh so good. Better than any Panago or Domino's you'll find at home. A great way to end a joyous day :)