I Wonder if the Pope has to pay Sitting Fees?

 
Wow, is Rome amazing. Everything here is such a dichotomy to Greece that it blows me away. Greece was beautiful landscapes with rolling hills, blue seas, and vivid green grass. Rome his high buildings, detailed architecture and high-end everything. On our very first day in the country it took me 10 minutes to figure out how to open the door to the hotel room, and then another ten to figure out how to turn on the lights, and then another ten to realize what a bidet is for. From the people, the streets and the atmosphere,Rome is nothing like Greece. There are no strays running around, the locals are always dressed to the nines, and the food is mostly familiar.

So far I have seen the Fontana di Trevi, the Santa Maria Basilica, the Vatican and Vatican City, St. Peter's Basilica, the Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. My favorite part was the Vatican and the Sistine Chapel. It was easily the most beautiful work of art I have ever seen. I was completely in awe throughout the entire experience. I felt so spiritual after my time there. The story of Genesis and the Salvation depicted on the ceiling and the walls was so honest and detailed. I cannot begin to understand the passion and ambition that Michelangelo had to achieve that goal. This experience has allowed me to truly connect with the history of not only this country and society, but my religious roots.

Greece was the home of Democracy but Rome is the home of justice. I cannot wait to learn more about that and truly begin to understand how the basis of our society came out of an empire bound to fall.

Now as far as the food and restaurant culture goes, Italy has this little thing called a "sitting fee", which basically means if you choose to sit in the restaurant and eat, then you are automatically racking up some small charges. This is really interesting to me as I have never heard of such a thing. As the entitled American I am, I automatically assumed this was a rip off, but in reality this is just a part of the culture and I should not get offended.

The food has been delicious. I have had mostly croissants for breakfast with a cup of tea which is always very fresh here. I wish I could get a croissant this fresh in the US. I've always already had pizza twice, and one order of fettuccine Alfredo. Everything is so delicious but s different from the American version of the dishes. The pasta is always made in house and the pizza is always hand tossed. Italians put so much time and effort in to their food. Its like the chef is to express emotion or understanding to the diner. They want the diner to experience something, not just eat something.

To a credit this is in part due to how waiters do not rush a meal in any way. In fact, it can be considered offensive if you leave too quickly or do not finish your dish because it will look like you disliked it. Americans are always going, always timing everything. Italians are happy walking to a cafe, ordering a cappuccino and a croissant, sitting outside (even in the cold), and not leaving for a few hours. This is a lifestyle I could get used to.

I've also tried gelatto and a cannoli, which were both to-die-for. I could see myself gaining a few pounds by the time this trip is over because of the desserts alone, forgetting the insane amount of bread and prosciutto I've consumed in two days.

I'm looking forward to Florence tomorrow and then Pompeii later in the week. Rome has treated me wonderful so far and I can''t wait for more!