It took forever to get to Rome. We took the slow train because it was less expensive, so travel took twice as long. We caught the last shuttle bus too our hotel in Rome. Stevie’s mom used some of her reward points to get us a room at the Sheridan golf, and we were so happy to have warm showers, warm beds, and doors that locked securely. It was wonderfully luxurious compared to the places we had been staying. The four girls- Dani, Emily, Erin and I- had a room to ourselves and so did the boys. I slept SO well that night. Because Erin only had one day to spend in Rome before meeting her family in Ireland, we packed as much sightseeing into one day as possible. After sitting down for a nice brunch with fabulous Italian macchiatos, we went to the Pantheon, Trevy Fountain, Spanish Steps and the Colosseum, and finally, when we got back to the hotel, we turned our tub into a bubble bath. Soaked our sore feet in the hot water, and then had a bubble fight. It was so fun! Friday was my 21st Birthday. The 4 of us went to breakfast with Erin before we saw her off at the train station. Abby, April, Andrea and Katie called me straight away in the morning, and wished me a Happy Birthday. It was a wonderful gift of a phone call. Told me they were in Rome too, so we made plans to meet up for dinner. I was euphorically happy. I had been so worried about my Birthday. I was afraid no one would remember or care, so when it finally came, I was overwhelmed by the small niceties that so many people did on my behalf. Em, Dani and I when to Vatican City first. We saw Pope John Paul II’s grave, marveled at Michelangelo’s “Pieta” in Saint Peter’s Basilica, and then RAN all the way to the Musei Vaticani to see the Sistine Chapel before it closed. We made it. After craftily moving through the crowds, I looked up. Crimson lips and torrid flesh laid brazenly above our heads, weeping down their colors and stories into my eyes, and ultimately, heart. I spent my 21st Birthday under Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. For me, it was a most perfect way to celebrate. Soon after, my family called wishing my a joyous day. Eventually, it was time to go to dinner with Drew, Dani, April, Andrea, Katie, and Em. I had Risotto with sliced pears, asiago cheese, vodka, black pepper and ricotta cheese, with lemoncello to drink. After we all finished eating, Em ordered me tiramisu. The waitress delivered it with a strawberry and a candle. I made a wish, though- let’s be serious- I didn’t need a wish: I was living a dream. and the restaurant sang “Happy Birthday” in English. I’d been hearing so much Italian that at first, I didn’t recognize the words! haha. We paid what was due, and Farhan, Stevie and Trevor met up with us to walk to the Trevi Fountain. (The fountain was made by Nicola Salvi, and completed by Guiseppe Panini and artists from the Bernini School in 1762.) The sun had set, and the night was glittering in the unmistakable way it does. After an “incredibly necessary ” stop for gelato, and with stars stuck in my eyes, I made a final Birthday wish by throwing a Euro into the receiving waters of the Fontana di Trevi. The beauty of that place is staggering. It was then that Dani, Em and I officially decided to go farther south in Italy, and the boys we were traveling with decided to go North to Germany. That evening, after I showered and put on my PJs, Stevie and Farhan came to our room with on last surprise for me. They told me to put on some shoes, and guided me out through the hall and up a few random staircases. Stevie pushed open a door, and we were on the roof. The sky went on forever, and because we were a bit outside of the city, the navy atmosphere shimmered with stars too numerous to count. The cool warmth of the dewy night air softly swept my loose hair over my shoulders, and the two guys pulled out a bottle of averna. (It is an Italian alcohol that sort of tastes like Coca-Cola) we shared a drink and enjoyed calm discourse. A lovely ending to a lovely day. It was late when I finally went to bed. Dani was sleeping and Em was working hard to figure out our travel schedule. Finally, after we packed up a bit, we crashed into bed, and morning came- as it always does- too early. ;)
