day thirty-seven; july 30th
Woke up early to finish the last of my packing and do a final clean of the apartment. I was expecting the apartment guy around 11 and guess what…he turned up on time! I know, I nearly bowled over. Of course there had to be one last mishap and that was he didn’t have my safety deposit money because they hadn’t organised it. Tried really hard not to twitch, as if I’m going to ever get it back. I then went out for one last walk. Took my usual route to the Duomo and then back along the main strip past Piazza Repubblica and ending in Piazza Signoria. Had a gelato from my favourite shop, unfortunately though he got my order wrong! Had a last ponder and at the jewellery on the Ponte Vecchio, sighed as you do at the view, and made my way back home. I’ll miss this walk dearly! Met Serena outside my building and we proceeded to do a final check of the apartment. I was running ahead of schedule so I was able to take my time before leaving. She called a taxi for me as I struggled with my suitcase down the stairs, I can tell I will have some sore muscles over the coming days! Closed the door on my little home for the last five weeks and tumbled down my stairwell for the last time (one thing I will not miss). We said our goodbyes and I headed to the train station. Had a short while to wait for the train and got on as soon as it arrived so I wouldn’t have to (politely) fight for my own seat. Off to Rome!
Felt a little queasy arriving in Rome, think it was just from a lot of hype in the morning and my sheer exhaustion from carrying all my luggage by myself. Caught a cab to my hotel, back at Tritone - how I love this street! Spent a few hours just relaxing in my room and got my carry-on bag and clothes ready for tomorrow. At about 6pm or so I walked up Tritone so I could look for a place to eat. As I was looking at a few shops, I noticed each time I came out of one the sky was becoming darker, but not nighttime dark, storm dark. Cursed myself for not bringing my umbrella that I had to buy after the freak storm in Florence yesterday. Just my luck! I walked past Hard Rock Cafe and decided it was my best bet for a good meal as I hadn’t seen one restaurant yet that advanced away from spaghetti and pomodoro pizza. After a long wait (though much shorter than others because I was by myself) I was seated which was lucky as it started to pour. I ordered this fajita style meal which included freshly chopped vegetables and fajita bread and then sliced beef and grilled onion on one of those sizzling plates with the intention of making your own fajita. It was delicious! And very, very filling. I realise it wasn’t very Italian of me to have an overtly American dinner on my last night in Italy but at least I extended my palate greatly during my stay. It was pouring severely when I left and so I had to make my way home in parts, stopping under buildings that I recognised from four years ago. I love Rome, it really has a special feeling about it. I was followed and pushed around by street vendors with umbrellas at ridiculous prices but I was so determined not to give in due to my recent purchase of one(!). I must’ve looked ridiculous! Finally made it back to my hotel room, albeit drenched. Considering that it was only about 9pm I didn’t want to waste my time in Rome so I changed my shoes and went out again - tis time with my umbrella. Went to the Trevi and had a really good walk around the area at the bottom of Tritone before finally giving in and calling it a night.
