My European adventure has started in Milano. The arrival was early which made clearing customs a breeze, but did land me in peak hour on the train which set off my first regret of having a bag packed to the brim as I crammed into a seat on the train as people were trying to get to work around me.
As a novice traveller I found the trains in Milan so easy to navigate. Even for someone like me who is often quite lost in any town or city.
I visited the Duomo museum and the cathedral. The Cathedral is an architectural and artistic masterpiece which left me speechless as I walked into a vast expanse of elevated ceilings, marble columns and stained glass. No photo I have seen does the feeling of walking through the immense space justice.
The are loads of shops in the area. Every famous brand I could think of. Another reason to wish there was more room in the suitcase. I wandered the cobblestones until lunch time and stopped for a Caprese salad which was fresh. I have already decided tomatoes taste different here. I finished with an expresso which kicked my jet lagged body back into gear for some more wandering around.
The following day the train to Rome was a breeze and I arrived at check in time for my Hotel, which was an easy walk from the train after a minor mistake when I headed off in the wrong direction. I found it easy to walk around Rome, so much to see around each bend in the road.
I had booked a tour of the Colosseum which included the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The view from Palatine Hill was amazing, and it was my favourite part of the tour.
The colosseum was packed with people, but a small group of us managed a quieter spot on the Arena floor. A moment for reflection. Hands on the stones of history.
My second day in Rome included a food tour. The walk was quicker than expected so I took a detour to the Castel Sant’Angelo before we started.
On the food tour Massi spent time on the history and the culture, and over the next few hours we sampled suppli, pizza, cannoli with ricotta, and cheese and meats plate with wine, braised artichoke hearts, pasta and then ended with gelato. I
am grateful there was walking between each of the stops, and a longer walk back to the hotel.
Rome filled my heart and my belly.
Dr Kerrie Aust 