Airport Troubles, Vatican City, Trevi Fountain & Spanish Steps

Just gotta say it---RyanAir is the most inconsiderate airline I've ever had the displeasure of working with.

Okay, now. Explanation.

We got there early, but to our surprise, the check-in closes 40 minutes before departure. Attendants there told us we could check out bags at the gate. By the time we dealt with security and such, sprinted---literally sprinted---to our gate, it was closing, and they said it would take to long to pay for both of our bags there, if we didn't want one destroyed. Swiping a card takes too long nowadays.

So, we lost our flight. We then had to walk all the way back, buy new tickets, and wait for the next flight 4 hours later. We slept, ate, and finally were on our way. We thankfully got good seats, but Fathia didn't get good sleep. We were both exhausted, irritated, and hungry.

Arriving safely in Rome, it was beautiful and sunny. An hour bus ride, and we found our cozy hotel, with a really nice staff and nice room. We were able to scope out the food options, with our newly decreased budget due to ticket expenses, but were able to enjoy the Italian sun. We went out, visiting the nearby St. Maria church in the evening sun, and got some true Italian gelatos. Oh. My. Goodness. So good! (Yes, yes, I know, but by now, you should all know that I willfully eat this. I've had to make exceptions, it's probably the only time I'll be in Rome.) Dinner was delicious, but laying in bed that night was even better. 

Now! Today was much better. We woke up early and caught a bus to the Vatican City.
These are from our tour bus ride to the Vatican!

The architecture was stunning, and the weather was perfect! Our tour guide was a really genuine, sweet guy, and gave us a lot more than our money's worth. The Vatican was incredible, with the statues of the various saints and prophets atop the buildings branching out from it like arms. Going inside, the frescos were amazing! It's a shame the art is really practiced anymore, The colors and detail were truly exquisite.

We also saw the Sistine chapel, with its famous ceiling fresco of the creation, flood and final judgement, as well as the prophets of old. St. Peter's church was huge, beautiful and the Latin transcriptions were a treat for me to read! 

We came home, ate dinner and then went to see the Spanish Steps. There, they were beautiful, but our highlight was being attacked by rose-vendors. Nearly every single one there tried to sell us roses. As you can see in this next photo, Fathia has documented this. ;D

Found your faerie man, Dad! ;)

Then we walked to see the Trevi Fountain lit up at night. The street vendors, legal and not, swarmed the small streets leading to it, and I was able to get some souvenirs for my family and myself. :) We got gelatos again, and boy, it was sinfully delicious. (Mousse and dark chocolate? Oooh, man.) The fountain was gorgeous and the detail in the stone work was astounding! It amazes me that in such technologically limited times, the artisans were able to produce such detailed work!

There is a myth that if you toss a coin into the Trevi, you will return to Rome. Two, you will marry an Italian from Rome. Three, you will live in Rome. I threw one, thank you very much. ;D

There, we were hit on, and propositioned! Don't worry, we politely turned them down. ;)  On our way back, we bought some art from a vendor. Beautiful watercolors of the streets and some monuments, but the prices were way too much for our sad little budget. Luckily, we were able to get a discount, and a little extra with a kiss on the cheek from both of us. ;D Harmless flirt, but both parties walked away happy. ; J

....And then we got gelatos again, cause the shop was freaking delicious. XD After the airport blues, today was a fabulous treat!

This here is our crack joint. xD We had our stuff laid out on the bed and realized that our vitamins made us look like druggies. BUT...we're good girls, so be assured, they are VITAMINS. ;)