Full Day 1 of Rome ...

My hotel is JUST around the corner from places I've only seen in history books (and some things that should be). The Colosseum. Julius Caesar. the Roman Forum. The Trevi Fountain. The Spanish Steps. The Pantheon. Capitol Hill and the gigantic Victor Emmanuel Monument which also has the tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the eternal flame. That was just Thursday!

As I walked among the ruins, shortly after hitting the Colosseum first, I was stopped by two Americans who seemed desperate to be able to speak to someone who knew English. I said yes, although I will say that since being in Rome I've tried to actually keep more to myself because that's just how I am when I am in a big city I am unfamiliar with (ask Kathy, that's how I was the first visit to NYC). I begin to relax the more I see things and the more I find my way around and get comfortable. Anyway, these people, a husband and wife, were from Denver. They were relieved when I told them I was from California but that I lived in Colorado for eight years. Their stress level went way down. Appears they had flown to Rome only two days ago and were completely confused. I won't rip on them because they were just the typical American tourists who, like me, just need to get comfortable. This was their first trip to Italy too, but one thing that made me laugh (to myself, not to these people) was getting to play the role that Giusi has had since the first day I arrived in Italy -- I passed along some key knowledge they'd need if they wanted to get better acquainted with where they are right now.

1. Always start a conversation with an Italian by asking politely if they speak English? Usually, the answer is "a little" but even if they don't the next thing to do is keep it simple when trying to talk. If you need a stamp for a postcard, just say "stamp?" No slang, no verbs. Also, don't talk fast. It's hard enough for them to understand if you continue to speak English but going fast (and Italians talk fast too) won't help your cause.

2. These people said they were tired already (likely just jet lag) and that they've even been to Rome's Hard Rock Cafe (talk about not getting it when it comes to being in Italy), you must TRY to adjust to the culture you're now immersed in. Sure, there's also McDonalds here in Italy (and to break a few hearts, I DID eat ONE meal at McDonalds while I was in Torino just to know that their food IS NOT better in Italy). Learn simple things in Italian to say like hello, good day, good afternoon, good evening, thank you and you will be on your way.

3. I also explained to them where to buy tickets for the bus (every tobacco shop here has them) and I pointed them in the direction of the Colosseum.

Just before we parted ways, they still seemed like Rome wouldn't be their place to be for much longer. Said they were going to the Vatican later Thursday and then head to Switzerland on Friday. Oh well, guess some people aren't much for soaking up the rich history that is here.

Even if they are tourists, and yes, there's too many of them here in Rome -- even in what seems like a slow time of year to be here --- I hope they choose to just relax a bit and focus on understanding they are in a place I'm sure all of my blog readers would happily trade places to be right now :-)

OK, I'm off to find a good trattoria for dinner and then get to sleep earlier than normal to prep for the Vatican, which is its own "country," on Friday. I am planning to get there by 9 a.m. and spend the day seeing the museums, St. Peter's Square, the Sistene Chapel. The works. And I plan to savor every moment.

Ciao!